Looking for a Phlebotomy Job? Read This!

Finding your place in your phlebotomy career can be full of challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned phlebotomist looking for something new, are just beginning after finishing your training, or have been looking for a job for a bit, finding the right job can be tough. We’re here to assure you that getting a good job in phlebotomy is possible! This article is the holy grail of job-hunting tips for phlebotomists. Read on for everything you need to know to land the job.

Where Can Phlebotomists Work?

Did you know phlebotomists can work in more places than just hospitals and donation centers? Your knowledge is highly applicable in many areas! Knowing all the places where your skills are useful can open up more job options and help you find a spot that fits what you want. Here’s a (giant) list of places to consider in your search:

Traditional Healthcare

- Hospitals
- Urgent Care Clinics
- Primary Care Clinics
- Outpatient Care Centers
- Long-Term Care Facilities
- Home Health Care Agencies
- Hospices
- College/University Health Centers

Specialized Healthcare

- Clinical Laboratories
- Diagnostic Centers
- Drug Treatment Centers
- Rehabilitation Centers
- Fertility Clinics
- Oncology Clinics
- Dialysis Centers
- Sports Medicine Facilities
- Mobile Phlebotomy Services

Donation

- Blood Donation Centers
- Plasma Donation Centers
- Organ/Tissue Donation Centers
- Sperm/Egg Donation Centers

Research

- Research Laboratories
- Medical Research Institutions
- Biotech Companies
- Pharmaceutical Companies

Government and Public Health

- Community Health Centers
- Refugee/Immigrant Health Services
- Military Healthcare Facilities
- Veterans Healthcare Facilities
- Government Health Departments
- Law Enforcement Health Services
- Forensic Laboratories
- International Health Organizations

Workplace Health

- Corporate Health Departments
- Occupational Health Services
- Athletic Organizations

Alternative Health

- Integrated Health Centers
- Medical Spas

Search Terms to Try

When looking for jobs, it’s important to think bigger than just the label “phlebotomist.” Sometimes, without even noticing, you might be missing out on opportunities by sticking to this one term. Broadening your search with different titles can reveal job openings you might not have found otherwise. Here are some terms to help you discover those hidden opportunities:

- “phlebotomy technician”
- “laboratory assistant”
- “healthcare technician”
- “blood collection technician”
- “venipuncture technician”
- “specimen processor/handler”
- “clinical support worker”
- “blood bank technician”

Where to Look for Phlebotomy Jobs

Looking for jobs means you’ll need to use job boards online. There are lots of them, and not every company puts their job ads on every site. By using different job boards, you make sure you see as many ads as possible. You don’t need to use every job website out there, but trying a few different ones is a good idea! Also, don’t forget to check the career pages on company websites directly. Applying for jobs there is often your best option. (We’ll tell you how to find those company pages in the next section.) Here are some job boards we recommend looking at:

Entry-Level Jobs

A common problem for new phlebotomists is not having enough experience. But did you know many donation centers hire phlebotomists with little to no experience? Here’s a list of donation centers across the United States that often look for fresh phlebs: (Don’t move on without applying to these!)

After you’ve applied to those places, check out AmericasBlood.org, DonatingPlasma.org, and this Wikipedia page. These sites let you find donation centers near you just by entering your zip code. They’re meant for donors, but they’re a great tool for job-seekers, too! It’s a good idea to apply on their websites, but if you can, it’s even better to visit them in person and give them your resume directly.

Resources for You

Besides the job sites we talked about, there are more resources available to help you find a job. Medical job fairs are a great choice. This is an event where a bunch of local medical employers get together to meet with potential employees. Google upcoming ones in your area. When you go, dress nicely and bring your resume. Meeting employers in person at these fairs is a big chance you shouldn’t miss. Another great step is to talk to a local employment agency. They know a lot about the jobs available in your area and can help you find one.

Volunteer Work

As we discussed earlier, many companies want to hire people with experience. If you’re finding yourself caught in this situation, one of the best moves you can make is to volunteer. Volunteering is not only a great way to get the experience you need, but it also helps out your community and makes your resume stronger. Plus, it shows potential employers you’re eager and willing to learn. We’ve got a detailed post about volunteering and how to find opportunities near you. Be sure to check it out!

Final Tips

Finding the right job can be a tough journey. The most important thing is to keep going and keep applying—don’t stop, even if you think you might not meet every single requirement. Networking is incredibly valuable, too. Whenever you can, hand in your resume in person. It really makes a difference. Also, make sure that your resume and cover letter are top-notch. We’ve got a great post on how to do this, as well as an in-house resume specialist for our students! Trust that you’ll find the right job. Starting out might mean you’re not exactly where you want to be, or making as much as you hope to, but remember, it’s all about building your experience. Step by step, you’ll get to where you want to be.

Conclusion

The path to landing a great phlebotomy job might have its ups and downs, but it’s also packed with chances to grow and find real satisfaction in your work. We hope this post was helpful to those of you on the job hunt. Keep at it, make connections, and always remember how important a good resume and cover letter are. Your next phlebotomy job is out there, ready to offer you a career that truly helps others. You’ve got this!