Traveling Phlebotomist Explained: Become a Mobile Phlebotomist

Often times, we meet people who ask, “How do I become a traveling phlebotomist?” The answer is not really that simple, which is why we’ve created this guide to help those who want to work as a mobile phlebotomist. Read on to learn how you can take this career path.

Traveling Phlebotomist Job Description and Duties

Unlike stationary phlebotomists (who wait for patients to come to them), traveling phlebotomists visit patients at their home or in healthcare facilities where they’re admitted. Many mobile phlebotomists aren’t affiliated with a single institution but rather work for themselves and run their own business.

If you become a traveling phlebotomist, you need to fulfill a wide range of duties. These include:

Arriving on time at the patient’s home or at the healthcare institution that hired you.
Properly identifying the patient and the blood work that needs to be done.
Obtaining the right amount of blood samples at the right collection site.
Helping the patient stay calm while collecting the samples.
Labeling blood collection tubes with the patient’s first name, last name, and date of birth, the date and time when the sample was taken, and other important details.
Storing the samples properly to preserve them while they’re being transported to the laboratory.
Delivering the samples to the appropriate laboratory within the shortest possible time.

The duties above refer to your medical duties as a healthcare worker but, since you’ll essentially be an entrepreneur, you also have to tackle business-related tasks. These include:

Learning about your state’s laws about mobile phlebotomists and knowing how to set up your business. You may have to choose a name for your business.
Obtaining any required permits and licenses.
Opening a business checking account.
Figuring out how to bill your clients.
Getting a business car so you can easily travel from one client to another.
Familiarizing yourself with accounting so you can manage your finances effectively. Investing in accounting software can be a good start.

How to Become a Mobile Phlebotomist

To become a traveling phlebotomist, the first thing you should do is to learn the basics. You can enroll in a short-term phlebotomy training program (which can be completed in a year) at your local college or in an online university, but you can also opt to earn an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree (which can be completed in two years or four years, respectively). Whichever you choose, you’ll definitely be exposed to scientific and medical courses such as anatomy and physiology to give you a background about how the human body works. You’ll also be taught phlebotomy techniques and undergo clinical training so you can have hands-on experience as a student phlebotomist.

Once you’ve finished your training or earned your degree, you can apply for certification with the American Association of Medical Personnel or the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. Depending on where you live and work, you may also have to get a license from state authorities.

After getting your certification and license, look for work as a stationary phlebotomist. Doing is more advisable than becoming a mobile phlebotomist right away since working at a clinic or hospital will help you develop the necessary skills while helping you gain much-needed experience. Many healthcare institutions also choose to hire traveling phlebotomists who have worked as a stationary phlebotomy technician for one to three years, so having this experience will surely be an edge.

Where to Find Traveling Phlebotomist Jobs

Traveling phlebotomy jobs are positions that involve traveling to different locations to collect blood samples from patients. These jobs are often temporary or contract positions, and may involve working in a variety of different settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private homes.

Phlebotomists are healthcare professionals who are trained to collect and process blood samples for laboratory testing. They use a variety of techniques and equipment to draw blood from patients, including needles, syringes, and other specialized tools.

Traveling phlebotomy jobs may be particularly appealing to phlebotomists who enjoy traveling and experiencing new places, as these jobs often involve traveling to different locations on a regular basis. Traveling phlebotomy jobs may also be a good option for phlebotomists who are looking for flexible or part-time work, as these jobs often offer a variety of different shift options and schedules.

To qualify for a traveling phlebotomy job, phlebotomists typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as a phlebotomy certification from an accredited program. Phlebotomists may also need to meet any additional state or local licensing requirements, depending on the location where they will be working.

If you are interested in pursuing a traveling phlebotomy job, it may be helpful to research available positions and contact staffing agencies or healthcare organizations that offer these types of positions. You may also want to consider joining professional organizations or networking with other phlebotomists to learn about potential job opportunities.

How Much Do Traveling Phlebotomists Make?

According to reports, traveling phlebotomists can earn around $25,000 to $37,000 per year, with many enjoying an average annual income of around $28,000. This might seem smaller than the average annual income of stationary phlebotomy technicians (which is around $31,410 as of 2013), but it won’t be so bad once you factor in the additional allowances that many clients offer. Add this to the fact that traveling while you work has its own benefits (such as being able to see different places and meet lots of interesting people), and it’s easy to see why being a mobile phlebotomist can be a great career.