Phlebotomists
Description OES Code: None
Draw blood from patients or donors in hospitals, independent clinical laboratories, blood banks, or similar facilities, for analysis or other medical purposes. They may perform related clerical and/or routine laboratory tasks.

See Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Some employers hire part time. Some offer benefits such as Medical Insurance, Paid Sick Leave, Life Insurance, Paid Vacation, Dental Insurance, Retirement Plans, and Vision Insurance.

Employment Trends, California
Employment of clinical laboratory workers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations throughout the year 2008, as the volume of laboratory tests increases with population growth and the development of new types of tests. Hospitals and independent laboratories have recently undergone considerable consolidation and restructuring, to boost productivity and allow the same number of personnel to perform more tests than previously possible. Consequently, competition for jobs has increased; and individuals may now have to spend more time seeking employment than in the past.

Employment Trends by California County

Advancement
Some employers report promoting from this occupation to higher level positions such as laboratory assistant or medical technologist.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Some employers indicate that they hire through newspaper advertisements. Others indicate they find employees through employee referrals and unsolicited walk-ins, vocational schools and training programs, or in-house promotions. Sectors in which some phlebotomists find employment are General Medical & Surgical Hospitals, and Local Government.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Most employers report that employees in this occupation have a high school diploma or equivalent and 3 months or more of vocational training. Some employers require an average of six months of experience as a phlebotomist, but most employers require an average of six months experience in some general clinic, hospital, laboratory or medical office position which requires utilization of the skills used in the field of phlebotomy. Vocational training is usually required by most employers for this occupation. Most employers will sometimes substitute training for experience.

Skills & Other Requirements
Among high-ranking skills for phlebotomists are the following: Infection-control skills, blood drawing skills, ability to follow laboratory procedures, record keeping, ability to apply sterilization techniques, knowledge of medical terminology, manual dexterity, public contact skills, ability to work independently, ability to interact well with others, good grooming skills, ability to read and follow instructions, follow oral instructions, oral communication skills, and ability to write legibly.

References
California EDD/LMID: Occupational Outlook Reports, San Joaquin County

Related Occupations: Laboratory Assistants/Technicians

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)