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How to Become a Travel Phlebotomist

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Imagine fulfilling your dream job while also getting the chance to travel. For those exploring careers in phlebotomy, the option to become a traveling phlebotomist opens up exciting possibilities. This role not only offers unique advantages in itself but may also pave the way for significant career advancements.
If you're considering stepping into the world of a mobile phlebotomist, this guide is designed to provide insights into the requirements for becoming a phlebotomist and shed light on the perks associated with the role.

Table of contents

  1. What is a travel phlebotomist?
  2. How to become a traveling phlebotomist?
  3. Skills needed to become a traveling phlebotomist 
  4. Job opportunities for travel phlebotomist
  5. Pros and cons of becoming a traveling phlebotomist
  6. Average salary of a traveling phlebotomist

What is a travel phlebotomist?

Like typical phlebotomists, mobile phlebotomists will primarily be tasked with drawing blood samples from patients, as well as other bodily fluids to help fellow colleagues in finding a diagnosis for the patient. The difference between the two is that a normal phlebotomist will operate in one particular setting, whereas traveling phlebotomists will operate in different settings regularly.

Job duties of a traveling phlebotomist

Do the job duties vary with a mobile phlebotomist? While the role itself is fairly similar in responsibilities to a regular phlebotomist, there may be some additional responsibilities that relate to the travel aspect of the job. Here are the job duties that you'd expect to find when seeking out mobile phlebotomist jobs:

  • Provide mobile phlebotomy services to home-bound clients and clients situated in a variety of healthcare facilities

  • Complete medical examinations of the patient; vital signs, urine collection, etc.

  • Collect samples for transportation to laboratories

  • Drawing blood from patients following relevant standards and requirements

  • Observing all health protocols in place and ensuring the client's safety and privacy

  • Enter and maintain patient information within healthcare systems

  • Determining specimen requirements based on the patient's individual care needs

How to become a traveling phlebotomist?

If you're looking at how to become a traveling phlebotomist, then it's important to understand what skills and education you'll need to secure a job in this profession. There are plenty of job openings for phlebotomists but ensuring you're equipped with all the must-haves will help secure a position in this career field.

Educational requirements

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may prefer candidates with additional education, such as a certificate or diploma in phlebotomy from a recognized program.

Phlebotomy training

Enroll in a phlebotomy training program. These programs typically cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, blood collection techniques, and safety procedures. Ensure that the program is accredited by a relevant certifying body.

Gain experience

Acquire hands-on experience by completing a clinical internship or externship as part of your training program. This practical experience is crucial for developing the necessary skills and confidence in blood collection procedures.

Obtain certification

While certification is not always mandatory, obtaining certification from a recognized phlebotomy organization can enhance your credentials and job prospects. Common certifications include those from organizations like the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Develop soft skills

Cultivate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as you will be working with a diverse range of people in various healthcare settings. Being a travel phlebotomist often requires flexibility and the ability to adapt to different environments.

Research job opportunities

Look for job opportunities with healthcare agencies or staffing firms specializing in travel healthcare positions. These organizations often connect phlebotomists with temporary assignments in different locations.

Apply for positions

Submit applications to positions that align with your career goals. Tailor your application to highlight your ability and willingness to travel for assignments.

Skills needed to become a traveling phlebotomist 

What skills do you need for traveling phlebotomists? When you're looking at how to become a traveling phlebotomist, there will be certain skills you need to have. Some are skills you can build from scratch, while others might be rooted within your personality and who you are as an individual. Here's what you might find in a typical job description for this role.

  • People skills and patience with nervous patients

  • Ability to multi-task when scheduling your working week

  • Punctuality and reliability to show up at the right times for patient appointments

  • Detail for cleaning and sanitizing areas, as well as the transportation vehicle used

  • Ability to store and transport blood samples safely

  • Comfortable in patients' homes and other healthcare facilities

  • Talented at building relationships with doctors and other healthcare professionals

Ask for Our Phlebotomy Program!

Our programs are short and fast-paced while also being accredited by the Commission for Independent Education and National Healthcareer Association.

Job opportunities for travel phlebotomist

What makes a mobile phlebotomist such a sought-after position within the healthcare industry? When we compare a phlebotomist vs lab technician, a phlebotomist can end up being a stepping stone into the career of a lab technician. However, for phlebotomists, there's no shortage of job openings available.

In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market looks to grow by 10% between now and 2031. That's faster than average and faster than many other healthcare professions.

Pros and cons of becoming a traveling phlebotomist

Pros

Cons

  • Flexible schedules

  • A steady and regular income

  • Job security

  • Helping diagnosis and making patients better

  • You'll be in demand

  • Low training costs

  • Exposure to pathogens

  • Long working hours

  • You may encounter rude or aggressive patients

  • A low margin for error

  • Can be a stressful job

If you're looking for more variety in your role, then it might be worth looking at the role of a phlebotomist vs medical assistant, a similar but different career path to go down.

Average salary of a traveling phlebotomist

For traveling phlebotomy jobs, the average salary depends on whether you're going into an entry-level position or you're more experienced in the field. It also depends on the work location you're at. Work includes nursing homes, patient homes, hospital environments, organizations like the Red Cross, and private clinics.

An average phlebotomist salary in the US currently stands at $49,844.

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Josefina Buonaccordo
Josefina Buonaccordo
A highly experienced, enthusiastic and result oriented School Coordinator and Principal with a track record of developing instructional materials; coordinating educational contents and incorporating current technology in specialized fields that provide guidelines to educators and instructors for developing curricula and conducting courses. Effective monitoring and tutoring skills. Good organizational and time management skills with ability to maintain set guidelines. Attention to detail and ability to maintain high standards of professionalism. Understanding of diversified learning needs of students, proficient in integrating technology resources and various teaching methods, and in employing learning measurement tools to create positive results in individuals and groups. Self-starter, with a team-oriented attitude possessing strong analytical skills coupled with excellent cross-cultural communication skills, culturally competent with ability to work in diverse environments. Fluent in Spanish, English and Italian.

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