Phlebotomist

There are no set entry requirements to become a trainee phlebotomist, although you may have an advantage if you've got 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 usually include work placements, which will 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

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You could do an intermediate apprenticeship as a healthcare science assistant, specialising in phlebotomy.

You could also do an intermediate apprenticeship as a healthcare support worker 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

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

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

Employers look for relevant work experience so it would be helpful if you've worked or volunteered in a health or social care role.

You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for further advice. Do-it also has information on voluntary opportunities in your area.

You could apply directly to work as a phlebotomist. There are no set requirements, although at least 2 GCSEs and a first aid certificate may be helpful.

Some employers may ask for a qualification in healthcare or health and social care.

Professional and industry bodies

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

Further information

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

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 teaching and the ability to design courses
• knowledge of English language
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks
• have a first aid certificate

You may need a driving licence for some jobs. 

As part of your day-to-day duties, you could:

• explain the procedure to patients
• reassure nervous or distressed patients
• insert a hypodermic needle and drawing off the blood into a tube
• apply a dressing to the puncture made by the needle
• label the blood sample
• deliver the sample to the correct laboratory
• complete records and entering data on a computer

You could work in an NHS or private hospital.

You may need to wear protective clothing.