Unit 2: Career Paths For Phlebotomists

Course Objectives

Explore the different environments where mobile phlebotomists work
Break down the steps to routes of business and career in mobile phlebotomy
Appraise daily duties and routine of four major professions of mobile phlebotomists
Forecast the future of phlebotomy and individual career advancement

Course Content

Course Creator: Nichelle Volker RMA

Total CE Hours: 1 Credit Hour

Pace Course #: 586-2602-26
Key Terms:

Employee
Forensic
Independent Contractor
Soft Skills
Traveler

Outline:

Where can you find a mobile phlebotomist?
- Traditional Clinical Environments
  - Hospitals
    - In patient
    - Outpatient
  - Long-term Care Facilities
  - Home Health agencies
  - Dialysis Centers
- Travel Environment
  - Why be a “traveler?”
- Blood-banking and laboratory Environments
  - Independent and reference laboratories
  - Blood donation centers
- Private and Personalized Environments
  - Private practice and concierge medicine
  - Telemedicine and remote patient monitoring
- Occupational and Public Health
  - Occupational health and cooperate wellness
  - Public health departments
  - Correctional facilities
- Research and Insurance
  - Clinical trials and research studies
  - Life Insurance Companies
- Law Enforcement
  - Law enforcement agencies
  - Correctional facilities/jails
  - Hospital/ER Law enforcement interface
  - Crime scene field collection
  - Medical examiner / coroner’s office
- Transport and Emergency Based Care
  - Mobile Clinics & Transport based services
  - Disaster relief and emergency response
Business and Career in Mobile Phlebotomy
- Starting a mobile phlebotomy business
  - 5 steps to getting started
  - Resources
- Independent contractor vs employee
  - Independent contractor
  - Employee
- Marketing and network strategies
- Key Soft Skills for Career success
A Day in the Life: Career Spotlight
- Independent Contractor
  - Example schedule of daily work
  - Equipment needed for role
- Forensic Mobile Phlebotomist
  - Example schedule of daily work
  - Equipment needed for role
- Clinical Research Phlebotomist
  - Example schedule of daily work
  - Equipment needed for role
- Telehealth Support Role
  - Example schedule of daily work
  - Equipment needed for role
Looking Ahead
- The Future of Phlebotomy
  - Emerging trends
- Career Advancement Tracks
  - Specialist roles
  - Clinical instructor or preceptor
  - Phlebotomy supervisor or trainer
  - Starting a solo or multi-staff mobile service
  - Adding additional certifications to tool belt
    - EKG tech
    - Patient Care tech
    - Medical Assistant
Final Thoughts / Summary

References:

American Telemedicine Association. (2023). Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring Trends. Retrieved from: https://www.americantelemed.org/
National Home Health Care Association (NAHC). (2024). Home Health Care Growth and Partnerships. Retrieved from: https://www.nahc.org/
American Red Cross. (2024). Mobile Blood Drives and Donor Eligibility. Retrieved from: https://www.redcrossblood.org/
ClinicalTrials.gov. (2024). Role of Mobile Phlebotomy in Clinical Trials. Retrieved from: https://clinicaltrials.gov/
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (2024). Forensic and Legal Drug Testing Protocols. Retrieved from: https://nida.nih.gov/
Society for Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT). (2023). Chain of Custody and Forensic Blood Collection Standards. Retrieved from: https://www.soft-tox.org/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). Public Health Emergency Response and Mobile Clinics. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/
Job Safety and Health. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.osha.gov/
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) & IATA. (2024). Specimen Shipping and Transport Regulations (UN3373). Retrieved from: https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/ and https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/dgr/
10 steps to start your business. (n.d.). U.S. Small Business Administration. https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/10-steps-start-your-business
Homepage. (n.d.). https://www.sba.gov/
NPA | National Phlebotomy Association. (n.d.). National Phlebotomy Association. https://www.nationalphlebotomy.org/
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (n.d.). Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention. Retrieved from: https://www.osha.gov/bloodborne-pathogens
Get listed on Google - Google Business Profile. (n.d.). Google Business. https://www.google.com/business
Telehealth and mobile phlebotomy trends. National Home Health Care Association. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.americantelemed.org/
American Association of Phlebotomy Technicians (AAPT). (2023). Phlebotomy Career Paths and Certification Requirements. Retrieved from: https://www.theaapt.org/