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Healthcare

Phlebotomist

Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.

Annual openings

328

Median wage

$47,180

Typical education

One to two years post-secondary training

Growth 2026–2032

+8%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

One to two years post-secondary training

Credential requirement

A certification is required for this job.

Credential detail

To practice, you will need to pass the ASPT (Am Society of Phlebotomy Technicians) exam.

Work experience

Entry-level

Experience detail

This is an entry-level role so no experience in a Healthcare environment is required. However, full or part-time work experience of any kind developing the listed knowledge and abilities is preferred, with previous Healthcare and Customer Service experience being valued.

Training

Requires completion of an accredited Phlebotomy training program, which could include an externship.

Employer competency information

Feedback from employers identifies the following critical competencies and how they apply for this job

  • Customer Focus — The ability to interact with patients to provide culturally congruent care is a core competency.
  • Health & Safety — Understanding the tests that are being done, the need and proper collection mechanism for a good quality sample, and how to use resources to look up important information.
  • Communication — Effective verbal communication to patients to explain the procedure and communication with other members of the Healthcare team.
  • Basic Problem Solving — Being able to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to a procedure efficiently.
  • Professionalism — Adhere to company policies and procedures and in an ethical manner.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerMay vary
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Healthcare
  • Healthcare Technicians

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Dispose of contaminated sharps, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and policies.
  2. Organize or clean blood-drawing trays, ensuring that all instruments are sterile and all needles, syringes, or related items are of first-time use.
  3. Draw blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.
  4. Match laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes.
  5. Dispose of blood or other biohazard fluids or tissue, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, or policies.
  6. Collect specimens at specific time intervals for tests, such as those assessing therapeutic drug levels.
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