Phlebotomist Job Description Guide and Templates

Hiring a phlebotomist directly affects patient experience, turnaround times, and safety. This guide explains the role and gives you a compliance-ready phlebotomist job description you can copy, tailor, and post in minutes.

Quick Definition: What Is a Phlebotomist? (Job Summary)

A phlebotomist is a healthcare professional who collects blood via venipuncture or capillary puncture, labels and transports specimens, and upholds infection-control and patient-identification standards.

They work across hospitals, clinics, laboratories, donor centers, and mobile services and are essential to diagnostic accuracy and patient care.

Core phlebotomist duties and responsibilities:

Perform venipuncture and capillary/finger-stick collections on diverse patient populations
Verify patient identity, match orders, and label specimens at bedside/point of collection
Maintain specimen integrity (order of draw, proper tubes, mixing, temperature, and transport)
Document collections in the LIS/EMR and manage recollects and add-ons
Follow Standard Precautions, PPE, and sharps safety to prevent exposures
Prepare patients, manage difficult draws, and support a calm, compassionate experience

Copy-Paste Job Summary

Use this phlebotomist job description summary at the top of your posting. It sets expectations for safety, quality, and timeliness in plain language employers and candidates both understand.

Phlebotomists collect and process blood specimens for laboratory testing, ensuring accurate patient identification, specimen integrity, and timely documentation. They provide safe, compassionate care, follow infection-control and CLIA-aligned pre-analytic procedures, and support turnaround-time goals for high-quality diagnostics across inpatient, outpatient, lab, donor, or mobile settings.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

Here’s exactly what to include in a hospital or clinic phlebotomist JD. Define the role, then make the duties measurable and quality-focused so candidates know how performance will be evaluated.

Perform venipuncture, capillary, and occasionally arterial-assist collections as trained
Confirm orders, obtain consent as applicable, and verify two patient identifiers
Select appropriate tubes, observe order of draw, and mix/invert per tube requirements
Label specimens at the bedside with barcoded labels; complete LIS/EMR documentation
Maintain specimen integrity (timely transport, temperature, light protection, chain-of-custody where required)
Prioritize STAT, timed, fasting, and therapeutic drug monitoring draws
Prepare patients, explain procedures, and manage anxious, pediatric, geriatric, and difficult-access cases
Maintain supplies, clean carts, and follow OSHA/CDC sharps safety and exposure protocols
Collaborate with nursing, lab staff, and couriers; escalate issues and participate in quality improvement

Setting-Specific Variations (Hospital, Clinic, Lab, Donor Center, Mobile)

Different environments change volume, timing, and safety nuances. Tailor your posting with these add-ons to reflect your workflows and patients.

Hospital (Inpatient):
Complete morning rounds, STAT/timed draws, and isolation precautions
Navigate units (ED, ICU, oncology, maternal-child) and lift/transport supplies
Coordinate with nurses for ports/lines per policy; handle difficult venous access workflows
Meet TAT for STAT (e.g., 15–30 minutes from order to collection)
Outpatient Clinic:
Collect pre-visit labs, wellness panels, and chronic disease monitoring
Support front-desk scheduling and patient education for fasting/timed tests
Balance walk-ins and appointments; ensure same-day send-outs
Cross-train with vitals/rooming if scope includes MA tasks
Diagnostic Lab/PSC:
High-throughput venipuncture with multiple insurers and requisitions
Strict specimen acceptance/rejection criteria and pediatric-to-geriatric draws
Coordinate courier pickups, batch processing, and client service
Maintain queue metrics and patient satisfaction scores
Donor Center (Blood Bank/Apheresis):
Perform donor screening, vitals, and whole blood/apheresis collection
Adhere to AABB standards, donor reaction management, and documentation
Operate collection devices and ensure product labeling/traceability
Support mobile blood drives and community events
Mobile Phlebotomy:
Travel to homes, facilities, or employer sites; manage route, mileage, and cool-chain
Verify identity without EMR access; follow chain-of-custody when applicable
Pack, stabilize, and ship specimens per test requirements
Maintain a safe, professional setup in variable environments

Skills and Qualifications

Strong phlebotomists blend technical precision with empathy to protect patients and speed accurate results. In your JD, emphasize patient safety, quality, and communication so applicants understand how success is defined and supported.

Venipuncture and capillary techniques; vein selection and equipment choice
Knowledge of order of draw, tube selection, and common test requirements
Accurate labeling, barcoding, and LIS/EMR documentation (specimen comments, recollects)
Infection control, PPE, sharps safety, and exposure response
Compassionate communication, de-escalation, and patient education
Time management, prioritization (STAT/timed/fasting), and route planning
Attention to detail and adherence to SOPs, CLIA-aligned pre-analytic standards
Ability to stand, walk, and lift supplies; valid driver’s license for mobile roles

Required vs Preferred Credentials

Decide based on setting, payer expectations, and state rules. National certifications you can require or prefer:

ASCP-BOC: Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) – widely recognized in hospitals and labs
NHA: Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) – common across clinics and labs
AMT: Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) – strong alternative
NCCT: National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT) – common in outpatient settings
AABB training for donor/apheresis environments (plus device-specific competency)
CPR/BLS: Required for donor centers and some hospitals; preferred elsewhere

Decision framework:

Hospital/Acute care settings should require a national certification, with BLS/CPR preferred or required.
Diagnostic labs/PSCs should require or strongly prefer national certification.
Outpatient clinics can prefer certification and hire new grads contingent on earning it within six months.
Donor centers should require certification plus donor/apheresis competencies.
Mobile roles should require certification and a clean driving record with background/drug screening.

Education, Certifications, and State Requirements

Most employers require a high school diploma/GED and completion of an accredited phlebotomy program (often 4–12 weeks) with clinical hours. New hires may be onboarded as trainees and sit for a national certification exam within a defined timeline to meet payer and policy expectations.

State variability (summary, not legal advice):

California: State certification (CPT I/II via CDPH-LFS) required for non-licensed personnel performing venipuncture.
Washington: Medical Assistant–Phlebotomist credential required (WA DOH).
Nevada: State Laboratory Assistant licensure covers phlebotomy (NV DPBH).
Louisiana: State licensure for phlebotomists (LSBME).
All other states: No state license specific to phlebotomy; employers and payers may require national certification.

Link to official sources in your posting or onboarding documents (CDPH-LFS, WA DOH, NV DPBH, LSBME) and include a disclaimer that requirements may change. When in doubt, require a national certification and verify state rules before posting.

Work Environment, Schedules, and Physical Demands

Spell out hours and patient populations to reduce turnover and no-shows. Hospitals often run 24/7 with nights, weekends, and holidays; clinics and labs skew to days with limited evenings, which you should note clearly in your posting.

Schedules: Day, evening, and night shifts; rotating weekends/holidays; on-call or standby for critical access and small hospitals
Physical demands: Standing/walking most of the shift, pushing carts, occasional lifting 20–30 lbs, frequent PPE use
Patient populations: Neonatal, pediatric, adult, geriatric, immunocompromised, and behavioral health
Mobile demands: Driving in all weather, stair navigation, equipment loading, specimen cool-chain management

Safety and Quality Standards

Safety and quality are non-negotiable in any phlebotomy job description. Reference OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, CDC Standard Precautions, and CLIA’s pre-analytic quality expectations to reinforce training and accountability.

For donor roles, cite AABB standards and donor reaction protocols. Include chain-of-custody requirements for toxicology, forensic, or workplace testing.

Order of Draw, Hemolysis Prevention, and Specimen Integrity

Elevate your posting with specifics that cut redraws and delays. These details also align hiring with lab quality goals.

Order of draw (typical): Blood cultures → light blue (citrate) → serum (red/SST) → green (heparin) → lavender/pink (EDTA) → gray (fluoride/oxalate)
Hemolysis prevention: Use appropriate gauge (21–23G), avoid prolonged tourniquet time, don’t draw above infusing IVs, gentle inversions, avoid forceful syringe transfer
Specimen integrity: Timely transport, temperature/light protection (e.g., amber bags for bilirubin), “on ice” requirements (e.g., lactate), and strict labeling at bedside
Chain-of-custody: Use sealed CCFs, custody signatures, tamper-evident bags, and documented handoffs

Tools and Technology

Listing tools helps candidates self-assess readiness and speeds onboarding. Name the devices and systems they’ll use on day one.

Venipuncture sets: Straight needles (21–23G), butterfly/winged sets, safety-engineered devices
Capillary collection: Dermal lancets, microtainers, warming devices
Accessories: Tourniquets, alcohol/chlorhexidine preps, gauze/tape, sharps containers
Tubes and devices: Vacuum tubes, adapters/holders, pediatric tubes, blood culture bottles
Labeling: Barcoded label printers (e.g., Zebra), handheld scanners, on-body ID bands
Transport: Leakproof bags, coolers with ice packs, light-protection sleeves
Systems: LIS/EMR familiarity (Epic Beaker, Sunquest, Cerner PathNet, Meditech, Orchard), specimen tracking apps
Donor/apheresis: Apheresis machines (device-specific training), scale-mixers, hemovigilance documentation

Performance Metrics (KPIs) and Expectations

Write clear KPIs to set standards and reduce ambiguity. Calibrate to your setting and patient mix so goals are challenging but achievable.

Productivity: 5–8 outpatient draws/hour; 3–6 inpatient draws/hour; ≥90% morning rounds completed by 0900
Quality: Overall specimen rejection rate ≤2%; hemolysis rate ≤1% for core chemistry; blood culture contamination ≤2–3%
Timeliness: STAT collections within 15–30 minutes; timed/therapeutic windows met ≥95%
Patient experience: ≥90% top-box satisfaction or Net Promoter Score targets
Safety: Zero sharps injuries; 100% completion of annual BBP training; prompt near-miss reporting

Include a line in the JD: “Performance will be measured on productivity, specimen integrity (rejection/hemolysis), timeliness, safety, and patient experience.”

Salary, Benefits, and Differentials

Pay transparently to improve apply rates and retention. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (SOC 31-9097), the May 2023 median annual wage for phlebotomists was about $38,530 (varies by state/metro and employer type).

List your local range, differentials, and perks so candidates know what to expect.

Base pay: Provide hourly range by experience and certification; note union scales if applicable
Differentials: Nights/evenings +10–20%; weekends +$1–$3/hr; holiday/on-call premiums per policy
Bonuses: Sign-on/retention; specialty (apheresis, mobile) stipends
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, retirement match, paid time off, uniforms, CE reimbursement
Mobile: Mileage at the current IRS standard rate; paid drive time; company vehicle policies

Career Pathways

Show growth to attract and keep top talent. Mapping advancement also supports retention and succession planning.

Lead Phlebotomist/Preceptor: Schedules, mentoring, QC audits, KPI tracking
Supervisor/Manager: Staffing, SOPs, quality, vendor and device oversight
Specialization: Apheresis technician, donor collection, pediatric draw expert, ED/ICU specialist
Cross-training: EKG tech, medical assistant tasks (where allowed), lab assistant/processing
Education pathway: MLT(ASCP) or MLS(ASCP) with additional formal training/degree

How to Tailor Your Phlebotomist Job Description (Step-by-Step)

Use this quick workflow to go from blank page to tailored posting. Complete each step, then review with legal/compliance if state requirements apply.

Identify your setting and scope (hospital, clinic, lab, donor, mobile) and add the relevant duty variations.
Set schedules and differentials (shifts, weekends, on-call, holidays) and add exact hours.
Choose credentials: Require national certification; add state license language where applicable.
Add KPIs that match your volumes (productivity, hemolysis/rejection, STAT TAT, patient feedback).
List tools/systems candidates will use (needle types, label printers, LIS/EMR).
Include safety/quality expectations (OSHA/CDC, CLIA pre-analytic, order of draw, chain-of-custody).
Insert compensation, mileage (if mobile), and benefits.
Finish with compliance clauses (EEO/ADA, background, drug screen, vaccinations, state disclaimers).

Ready-to-Use Templates

Copy, paste, and customize the placeholders. Keep duties measurable and tie them to your KPIs.

Hospital Phlebotomist (Entry-Level)
Job Summary: Collect inpatient blood specimens, prioritize STAT/timed draws, and ensure accurate labeling and documentation to support rapid diagnostics.
Responsibilities:
Perform venipuncture/capillary collections across units (ED, ICU, Med-Surg)
Verify two identifiers; label at bedside; document in LIS/EMR
Follow order of draw and specimen integrity protocols
Meet STAT and morning rounds timelines; escalate barriers
Maintain PPE/sharps safety and clean, stocked carts
Qualifications:
HS diploma/GED; accredited phlebotomy program completion
National certification (ASCP, NHA, AMT, or NCCT) required or within 6 months
BLS/CPR preferred; strong customer service and time management
Schedule/Pay: [Shift/hours], rotating weekends/holidays; base $[X–Y]/hr + differentials
Hospital Lead Phlebotomist
Job Summary: Lead daily operations, mentor staff, and drive KPI performance and safety compliance.
Responsibilities:
Coordinate assignments, rounds, and STAT coverage
Precept new staff; conduct competencies and audits
Monitor KPIs (productivity, hemolysis, contamination) and corrective actions
Liaise with nursing/lab leadership; optimize workflows and supplies
Ensure OSHA/CDC and CLIA-aligned SOP adherence
Qualifications:
2–3+ years’ hospital phlebotomy; national certification required
Demonstrated leadership, training, and quality improvement experience
BLS/CPR required; supervisor or lead experience preferred
Schedule/Pay: [Shift/hours]; base $[X–Y]/hr + lead differential
Outpatient Clinic Phlebotomist (Entry-Level)
Job Summary: Collect labs for scheduled and walk-in patients, support patient education, and ensure same-day processing.
Responsibilities:
Venipuncture/capillary collection; prep patients for fasting/timed tests
Verify orders; label and document in EMR/LIS
Manage queue and coordinate with front desk
Package/send-out specimens and monitor courier pickups
Maintain cleanliness, PPE, and stock
Qualifications:
HS diploma/GED; phlebotomy program or equivalent training
National certification preferred; required within 6 months
Excellent communication and customer service
Schedule/Pay: [Days/hours]; base $[X–Y]/hr
Clinic Lead Phlebotomist
Job Summary: Oversee clinic phlebotomy operations, patient flow, and quality standards.
Responsibilities:
Train and schedule phlebotomy staff; monitor patient wait times
Audit specimen labeling/acceptance and reduce recollects
Coordinate send-outs and supply management
Partner with providers on timed/TDM protocols
Track KPIs and patient satisfaction
Qualifications:
2+ years outpatient phlebotomy; national certification required
Leadership and customer experience focus
Schedule/Pay: [Days/hours]; base $[X–Y]/hr + lead differential
Diagnostic Lab/PSC Phlebotomist (Entry-Level)
Job Summary: Deliver high-throughput, high-accuracy blood collection and documentation in a patient service center.
Responsibilities:
Perform venipuncture with strict acceptance criteria
Verify orders and payer requirements; collect signatures as needed
Label and document; meet courier cutoffs
Manage queue metrics and patient experience
Maintain PPE/sharps safety and inventory
Qualifications:
HS diploma/GED; national certification required/preferred
Experience with LIS and barcoding
Schedule/Pay: [Days/hours]; base $[X–Y]/hr
Diagnostic Lab Lead Phlebotomist
Job Summary: Lead PSC operations and ensure KPI, safety, and client service targets are met.
Responsibilities:
Staff scheduling; daily huddles; training and competencies
KPI tracking (draws/hour, rejection rates, satisfaction)
Client issue resolution and escalation
SOP upkeep and safety drills
Qualifications:
2–3+ years PSC experience; national certification required
Leadership and metrics-driven mindset
Schedule/Pay: [Days/hours]; base $[X–Y]/hr + lead differential
Donor Phlebotomist (Entry-Level)
Job Summary: Screen donors and perform whole blood/apheresis collection following AABB standards and donor safety protocols.
Responsibilities:
Conduct donor interviews/vitals and eligibility checks
Perform venipuncture; monitor donors; manage reactions
Operate collection devices; label and document
Support mobile drives and equipment setup/teardown
Maintain infection control and quality checks
Qualifications:
HS diploma/GED; national certification required/preferred
Apheresis training provided; BLS required
Schedule/Pay: [Variable hours]; base $[X–Y]/hr + travel stipends
Donor Lead Phlebotomist
Job Summary: Lead donor floor operations, training, and product quality.
Responsibilities:
Assign staff; oversee device competencies and safety
Track donor reactions and quality indicators
Coordinate mobile events and logistics
Ensure AABB and FDA documentation standards
Qualifications:
2+ years donor/apheresis; national certification required
Proven leadership and hemovigilance familiarity
Schedule/Pay: [Variable]; base $[X–Y]/hr + lead/travel differential
Mobile Phlebotomist (Entry-Level)
Job Summary: Travel to homes/facilities to collect, package, and transport specimens while maintaining chain-of-custody and cool-chain as needed.
Responsibilities:
Verify identity and orders; perform venipuncture/capillary draws
Label on-site; stabilize and package specimens
Maintain route schedule; document mileage and drive time
Follow safety protocols in variable environments
Communicate delays and recollects proactively
Qualifications:
HS diploma/GED; national certification required
Valid driver’s license; clean MVR; reliable vehicle
Schedule/Pay: [Days/hours]; base $[X–Y]/hr + mileage (IRS rate)
Mobile Lead Phlebotomist
Job Summary: Lead mobile teams, routing, and quality for field collections.
Responsibilities:
Route planning and assignment; training and ride-alongs
Monitor KPIs (on-time rate, rejection/hemolysis, client satisfaction)
Manage supplies, coolers, and device readiness
Ensure chain-of-custody and safety compliance
Qualifications:
2+ years mobile experience; national certification required
Leadership, logistics, and client service skills
Schedule/Pay: [Days/hours]; base $[X–Y]/hr + mileage/lead differential

Compliance Language You Should Include

Protect patients and your organization with clear, lawful clauses. State exactly what applies to your setting and update as regulations change.

EEO/ADA: “We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and on the job.”
Background and drug screen: “Offer contingent on background check and drug screening per policy and state law.”
Vaccinations/health screening: “Influenza, COVID-19, TB testing/fit-test, and other immunizations per policy and local requirements.”
Licensure/certification: “Employment contingent on maintaining required state credential(s) and national certification; requirements may vary by state.”
HIPAA/confidentiality: “Maintain confidentiality of PHI per HIPAA and organizational policy.”
Safety: “Comply with OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, CDC Standard Precautions, and sharps injury prevention.”
Driving/mobile: “Valid driver’s license, acceptable MVR, and insurance per policy; mileage reimbursed at current IRS rate.”
Union/at-will: Add applicable union language or at-will statement per jurisdiction and policy.

FAQs

Q: What performance metrics (KPIs) should a phlebotomist meet, and how do I write them?

A: Include productivity (e.g., 5–8 outpatient draws/hour), specimen quality (≤2% rejection; ≤1% hemolysis), timeliness (STAT within 15–30 minutes), patient satisfaction (≥90% top-box), and safety (zero sharps injuries). Add a single sentence in your JD under “Performance” listing these targets.

Q: Which certifications should be required vs preferred by setting?

A: Hospitals and labs should require national certification (ASCP, NHA, AMT, or NCCT). Clinics can prefer certification and allow a grace period for new grads. Donor/apheresis roles should require certification plus donor device competencies. Mobile roles should require certification and a clean MVR.

Q: How do state differences affect my posting?

A: In CA, WA, NV, and LA, you must cite the state credential and verify eligibility before hire. In other states, require or prefer national certification and add a disclaimer that requirements may change.

Q: What quality standards belong in the JD?

A: Reference order of draw, hemolysis prevention techniques, specimen handling (temperature, light), and chain-of-custody when applicable. Cite OSHA/CDC, CLIA-aligned pre-analytic practices, and AABB for donor roles.

Q: What tools and technologies should I list?

A: Note needle types (21–23G, butterfly), dermal devices, barcoded label printers/scanners, your LIS/EMR (e.g., Epic Beaker, Cerner), coolers/light protection, and for donor roles, apheresis devices.

Q: How should I structure shift differentials and schedules?

A: State exact shifts and rotations, then list differentials (e.g., +15% nights, +$2/hr weekends) and any on-call/holiday expectations. Transparency reduces turnover and increases applies.

Q: How does a donor center phlebotomist differ from hospital/clinic?

A: Donor roles add screening, apheresis device operation, product labeling/traceability, and donor reaction management under AABB standards. Patient care is healthy donors, not diagnostic patients.

Q: What should onboarding and competency look like?

A: Plan 2–6 weeks to independent practice: policy training, supervised draws, device/safety competencies, EMR/LIS documentation, and a final skills validation. Add a 60–90 day check-in and annual BBP refreshers.

Q: When should I hire a lead phlebotomist?

A: If you have multiple shifts/locations, high volumes, or quality issues (hemolysis/contamination), add a lead to coordinate schedules, training, KPIs, and continuous improvement.

Q: How do I include chain-of-custody requirements?

A: Add “Maintain chain-of-custody documentation (CCF), tamper-evident sealing, custody signatures, and documented handoffs for toxicology/forensic testing.”

Q: Phlebotomist vs medical assistant: which should I post?

A: If you need high-throughput draws, strict pre-analytic quality, and early-morning rounds, hire a phlebotomist. If you need rooming, vitals, injections, and limited draws, a medical assistant may fit—some clinics hire hybrid MA/Phlebotomists where allowed.

Sources and Update Policy

Authoritative references:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Phlebotomists (SOC 31-9097), May 2023 pay and 2022–2032 outlook
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)
CDC Standard Precautions and Injection Safety resources
CLIA (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) – pre-analytic quality framework
AABB Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services (donor/apheresis)
ASCP Board of Certification, NHA, AMT, NCCT – national certification bodies
O*NET Online (31-9097.00)

Update policy: Reviewed for accuracy and compliance annually or when regulations change. Last updated: January 2025. If you see a discrepancy or new state rule, contact HR/Compliance to revise your phlebotomy job description immediately.