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Phlebotomist

Alternative titles for this job include

Phlebotomists collect blood samples from patients, and send them off for analysis and testing.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£29,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 42 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Phlebotomist

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

College

There are no set entry requirements to become a trainee phlebotomist, although it may help to have a college qualification like:

  • Level 2 Diploma in Healthcare Support Services
  • Level 2 Certificate in Health and Social Care
  • Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support

Level 2 or 3 courses in health and social care often include work placements. This will give you practical experience, which could help you to get a job afterwards.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do a Healthcare Science Assistant Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, specialising in phlebotomy.

You could do a Healthcare Support Worker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship and then apply for a trainee role in phlebotomy.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as a healthcare assistant and work your way up through training and promotion.

Volunteering

You might have an advantage when looking for jobs if you have volunteering experience in a healthcare setting.

You can also find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT.

Direct Application

You could apply directly to work as a phlebotomist. There are no set entry requirements, though it may be helpful if you have at least 2 GCSEs and a first aid certificate.

Some employers may prefer you to have a qualification in healthcare or health and social care.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the National Association of Phlebotomists and Institute of Biomedical Science for networking and training opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about how to become a phlebotomist from Health Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • customer service skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to work well with others
  • knowledge of English language
  • a desire to help people
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

You may need a driving licence for some jobs.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a phlebotomist, you could:

  • explain the procedure to patients and reassure them
  • insert a hypodermic needle to draw off the blood into a tube
  • apply dressings
  • label and deliver the blood sample
  • complete records and enter data on a computer

Working environment

You could work in an NHS or private hospital.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience you could be a senior phlebotomist and have responsibility for more complex work. You could also become a team leader or manager.

Skills and experience in phlebotomy can also be useful for work with the NHS Blood and Transplant Service.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

HCA Apprentice

  • Wage: £12,313.60 a year Annually
  • Location: Bingham, Nottingham

Apprentice Healthcare Support Worker

  • Wage: £12,480 to £22,308 a year Annually
  • Location: LONDON
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Healthcare Support Diploma

  • Provider: SOUTH DEVON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 10 March 2025
  • Location: Paignton

HND Healthcare Professions Support for England (HTQ)

  • Provider: OAKLANDS COLLEGE
  • Start date: 15 September 2025
  • Location: Welwyn Garden City
Find courses near you

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