In the Air Force:
Aerospace Medical Service; Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice, Independent Duty Medical Technician; Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, Flight and Operational Medical Technician; Aerospace Medical Service Helper, Allergy/Immunization Technician; Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman; Aerospace Medical Service Superintendent; Dental Assistant Craftsman, Dental Hygienist; Health Services Management; Health Services Management Helper; Medical Laboratory
In the Army:
Combat Medic Specialist; Medical Laboratory Specialist; Unit Supply Specialist
In the Coast Guard:
Health Services Technician; Medical Administration Specialty
If you have donated blood or had it drawn for medical tests, you have met a phlebotomist. Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, research, or blood donations. They talk with patients and donors to calm them, and help patients recover if needed. Phlebotomists also keep detailed records. They confirm a patient or donor’s identity, label drawn blood for testing or processing, and enter patient information into a database. They assemble and maintain medical instruments such as needles, test tubes, and blood vials. To avoid causing infection or other complications, phlebotomists must keep their work area and instruments clean and sanitary. Patients appreciate a successful first attempt when having their blood drawn, so phlebotomists work skillfully to maintain patients’ comfort and confidence. Phlebotomists work mainly in hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, blood donor centers, and doctor’s offices. Most phlebotomists work full time, and may work on nights, weekends, and holidays depending on the setting. Most phlebotomists take a short technical training program and then test to become certified. Phlebotomists must be certified to work in some states.
What they do:
Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.
On the job, you would:
Dispose of contaminated sharps, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and policies.
Organize or clean blood-drawing trays, ensuring that all instruments are sterile and all needles, syringes, or related items are of first-time use.
Draw blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.
Business
customer service
administrative services
Arts and Humanities
English language
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Math and Science
psychology
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
talking to others
Social
looking for ways to help people
understanding people's reactions
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Hand and Finger Use
keep your arm or hand steady
put together small parts with your fingers
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
use rules to solve problems
People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Concern for Others
Dependability
Integrity
Stress Tolerance
Cooperation
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Medical software
Medical procedure coding software
MEDITECH Laboratory and Microbiology
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
certificate after high school or high school diploma/GED usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
In the Air Force:
Aerospace Medical Service; Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice, Independent Duty Medical Technician; Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, Flight and Operational Medical Technician; Aerospace Medical Service Helper, Allergy/Immunization Technician; Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman; Aerospace Medical Service Superintendent; Dental Assistant Craftsman, Dental Hygienist; Health Services Management; Health Services Management Helper; Medical Laboratory
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