Drawing blood is often the starting point for almost every medical examination. Even though the procedure doesn’t seem challenging, every patient knows how important it is to end up in the hands of a skilful specialist. Otherwise, the event can turn into a traumatic experience, and adjust the patient’s attitude to needles for good.
If you’d like to make a contribution to improving the situation with the blood sampling service, consider a career as a phlebotomist. In our article, we explain the role of a phlebotomist, the requirements to become one, and the job prospects that this job offers in the UK labour market.
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A phlebotomist is a medical worker who collects blood samples through venipuncture (in other words, from a vein) or finger pricks. Phlebotomist jobs are available in various healthcare settings, blood donation centres, or laboratories. In the UK, phlebotomists can seek employment opportunities at the National Health Service and private healthcare support services.
To understand if the job is a good match for you, let’s unpack some of the core responsibilities a phlebotomist is typically assigned:
As any healthcare professional, a phlebotomist is supposed to obtain a certain education in the UK. The good news is that individuals aiming for a trainee phlebotomist position don’t need college qualifications. Let’s find out what they need instead.
If you want to apply for a phlebotomy training, entry requirements include:
With following college qualifications, your chances to find decent employment skyrocket:
It’s because level 2 and 3 health or social care courses usually include work placements, and students get practical experience while studying. Employers value it a lot.
There are freestanding phlebotomy training courses in the UK; however, they give little or no guarantee that the graduate will receive a job (at least within NHS) after completing them. The best way would be to secure a trainee position and get on-the-job training.
A good alternative could be becoming a member of the National Association of Phlebotomists or an associate member of the Institute of Biomedical Science. You get access to a huge array of training courses and conferences to advance your skills and even climb the career ladder.
When it comes to medical professionals, practical experience holds excellent weight. Dealing with real-world situations hones stress management, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. Only strong theory knowledge and the above-mentioned soft skills can ensure a high standard of care a phlebotomist can provide their patients. Let’s find out where a phlebotomist can gain hands-on experience.
The official NHS website says there are no specific entry requirements for those wanting to start a phlebotomy career. Having completed GCSEs or A levels allows you to apply for a trainee position. There are also such options possible:
If you have no experience in healthcare but strive to become a phlebotomist, try securing voluntary work experience in health or social care. You’ll get information about volunteering opportunities available in your area by contacting the voluntary services coordinator at your local NHS trust.
What other talents, besides hard phlebotomy skills, should a qualified phlebotomist have to achieve success in this field? Let’s have a closer look.
Attention to detail isn’t an empty word or formality in phlebotomy at all. This skill is literally the core of the job, and here is why:
Being a healthcare specialist also implies having solid people skills. It is believed that about 10% of all people on the planet suffer from the fear of needles. A professional phlebotomist must know how to deal with it so the procedure can go smoothly and comfortably. For that, they have to develop good communication skills and enhance their patience, emotional intelligence, and empathy. Only by building trust with your patients will you be able to make a difference in their experience in a healthcare setting.
Last but not least, let’s talk about the employment opportunities that open up in front of a person who decides to devote their life to phlebotomy.
Phlebotomists who regularly extend their skills and expertise may easily end up in managerial roles and handle more complex tasks. In addition to employment, they are free to offer private services.
If a phlebotomist seeks a greater scope for clinical practice, they may consider some of the related roles:
Taking into account their zone of responsibility, the role requires special higher education and taking a licensing exam.
For those who only start their careers, the average salary is £22,383 annually. According to the National Careers Service, experienced phlebotomists may get up to £27,596. Furthermore, phlebotomists have 27 days of annual leave and all bank holidays and are entitled to a generous pension scheme and health service discounts.
