Writing a phlebotomist resume that makes it out of the resume black hole is no small task, especially when applying for jobs at big healthcare facilities or hospitals. Take this example —

Meet Jack. For the past year, he’s been balancing phlebotomy studies with a full-time job as a waiter. He’s just got his NHA certification and is itching to hand in his notice and finally kickstart his career in healthcare. 

He should be on cloud nine — gone are the days of studying phlebotomy techniques, and safety protocols. Jack even survived clinical practice and surpassed the minimum requirement of 100 sticks. 

But Jack is feeling hopeless.

With no prior experience in the medical industry, he has no idea how to put together a phlebotomy resume that does his skills and passion justice. Sound familiar? 

Or maybe you’re not like Jack. You’ve been working in another area of healthcare for years and now want to move into phlebotomy. Still, you’re not confident your resume is phlebotomy-specific enough.

No matter your unique career circumstances, we’ve got you covered.

In this guide:

• Examples of 15+ phlebotomist resumes, varying in specializations and experience.
• How to create the perfect phlebotomist resume from top to bottom. 
• What makes phlebotomy resumes different from others in the healthcare field. 

Sample Phlebotomist Resumes  

Before getting into the specifics of tailoring your resume for different jobs or experience levels, let’s cover the basics — what every phlebotomist should include. 

All phlebotomy resumes should focus on technical skills like venipuncture, capillary blood collection, and skin punctures. It’s also helpful to add efficiency metrics like the number of sticks per hour. Additionally, emphasize your experience with specimen handling, reducing needlestick injuries, following safety protocols, and infection control. 

And don’t forget to mention your skills with phlebotomy tools like tourniquets, needles, syringes, and blood collection equipment, as well as any inventory management you’ve done. 

Those technical skills are the most important to convey in your resume. But, as with any other patient-facing role, soft skills are also crucial for phlebotomists.

Key phlebotomy soft skills include empathy, care in patient interactions, strong attention to detail, problem-solving, and organization. Highlight those on your resume, even if they come from non-phlebotomy jobs. 

You should also highlight any relevant certifications and show that you’re committed to continuous learning and professional development. 

Now, let’s get specific. We’ve put together a list of phlebotomist resumes organized by type, location, and experience level. Find one that aligns with you, incorporate our advice into your resume, copy the sample if you wish (just make sure to adjust the metrics so that they reflect your achievements), and get ready to land that dream job. 

Hospital Phlebotomist 

A hospital phlebotomist’s resume should highlight experience working in high-pressure environments, training new phlebotomists, and assisting with emergency blood collections. Mentioning your ability to collaborate with healthcare teams is also key. 

Blood Bank Phlebotomist 

A blood bank phlebotomist’s resume should focus on expertise in blood typing, compatibility testing, and preparing blood products. Show your knowledge of AABB standards and experience ensuring safe, high-quality blood donations. Mention your ability to handle adverse reactions or complications during donations. Key skills to include are donor screening and proficiency with Laboratory Information Systems. 

Laboratory Phlebotomist 

For a laboratory phlebotomist, showcase skills in blood sample processing, quality assurance, and data entry. Touch on your experience with automated lab equipment and collaborating with lab staff. Emphasize your achievements, such as improving accuracy rates or handling a high volume of samples. 

Plasma Phlebotomist 

For a plasma phlebotomist resume, detail your experience with plasma collection and processing, donor care, quality control, and data entry. Quantify your impact through collection and donor satisfaction rates. 

Mobile Phlebotomist 

A mobile or traveling phlebotomist’s resume should stress your adaptability to different environments and ability to work independently. Quantify your impact, with patient retention rates or cost reductions. Highlight your experience using diagnostic equipment and maintaining accurate patient records in diverse settings. 

Medical Office Phlebotomist 

A resume for an in-office phlebotomist should showcase your ability to juggle clinical and administrative tasks. Detail your experience with blood specimen testing, labeling, and transportation. Outline your knowledge of legal requirements, testing protocols, and use of medical equipment. 

Phlebotomy Technician 

For a phlebotomy technician resume, highlight your training in medical terminology, quality assurance, and data entry. Include your experience in managing supply inventory, assisting with administrative tasks, explaining procedures to patients, and taking samples. 

Registered Phlebotomy Technician 

As a registered (or certified) phlebotomy technician, showcase your RPT certification in your resume. Emphasize your advanced technical skills, knowledge of regulatory standards, and any experience in training and mentoring other phlebotomists. Touch on your expertise in patient care, especially with more challenging pediatric or geriatric patients.  

Red Cross Phlebotomist 

A Red Cross phlebotomist resume should emphasize your role in ensuring safe and comfortable blood donations. Outline your expertise in donor screening, safe collection practices, careful handling of blood to ensure its viability, and product processing. Mention any achievements, like improving donor return rates or reducing blood spoilage, and your commitment to the Red Cross mission. 

Pediatric Phlebotomist 

A pediatric phlebotomist’s resume should include specialized skills in pediatric blood collection, like using smaller needles and distraction techniques. Show your experience with age-appropriate communication, teaching parents to assist with comfort positioning, and blood draw techniques for infants and children, such as heel sticks and finger pricks. 

Geriatric Phlebotomist 

For a geriatric phlebotomist resume, highlight your adaptability to elderly patients’ needs, including mobility issues and chronic conditions. Mention your proficiency in using smaller gauge needles and techniques to make veins more prominent. Emphasize your care and commitment to providing a positive experience, especially while communicating with those who have hearing or cognitive impairments. 

Research Phlebotomist 

In this resume, focus on your experience in research settings, such as collecting and processing samples for clinical trials. Include your expertise in specialized techniques like aliquoting and centrifugation. Demonstrate your ability to collaborate with researchers and lab personnel, and your commitment to research ethics and patient confidentiality. 

Certified Phlebotomist 

For a certified phlebotomist resume, feature your certification (CPT or RPT), and any other relevant certifications (BLS). Emphasize your career growth, achievements, and adaptability in various healthcare settings. 

Student Phlebotomist 

A student phlebotomist resume should highlight your relevant coursework, internships, or clinical rotations. Emphasize your eagerness to learn, technical skills, and any other transferable skills. Display certifications, such as CPT or BLS. List any volunteer experience in healthcare to demonstrate your dedication to the field.

Entry-Level Phlebotomist (No Experience) 

For an entry-level phlebotomist with no experience, your resume should detail certifications and any relevant coursework you completed in phlebotomy training. Mention your enthusiasm, adaptability, and any transferable skills from other jobs, like customer service or data entry, as they apply to patient interaction and medical record management. 

Entry-Level Phlebotomist (Some Experience)

An entry-level phlebotomist resume should focus on your training, certifications, and any hands-on experience, like internships or volunteer work. Don’t forget to showcase any relevant accomplishments, like improving processes or receiving commendation for your work. As hiring managers will be aware you’re a beginner, be honest about your experience and responsibilities. 

Mid-Level Phlebotomist 

In a mid-level phlebotomist resume, emphasize your extensive experience, including specific roles and responsibilities. Show your expertise in advanced techniques, and include any supervisory roles or mentoring you’ve done for junior phlebotomists. Highlight certifications, patient care skills, and any process improvements or achievements like reducing patient wait times. 

Lead or Senior Phlebotomist 

Highlight your supervisory experience, like managing, training, and motivating other phlebotomists. Provide specific examples of process improvements or quality initiatives you’ve implemented. Showcase certifications, advanced skills in blood draws, and specialized equipment usage. 

How to Write a Phlebotomist Resume 

In short: your resume should have a header, summary, work experience section, information on your education and dedicated sections for hard and soft skills. If you’re certified, mention that right next to your full name in the header and have a separate “Certifications” section to immediately show off your credentials.

Start off with a header

Think of your header like the label on a bottle — simple, but it tells you exactly what’s inside. It’s the first thing recruiters see, so make a clean, strong start! 

• Your header should have your full name, phone number, email address, and location (just the city and state, zip code is optional, no need for a full street address). 
• If you have a LinkedIn profile, you can add that too. (If you don’t, spend the next 10 minutes creating one and come back to this guide.) 
• Make sure everything is up-to-date and professional. It may be time to move on from that email you created when you were 12 (I see you, nintendude92@hotmail.com). 
• Include a professional title under your contact details, such as “Certified Phlebotomist” or “Registered Phlebotomy Technician.” This helps you quickly show off your credentials to potential employers.

You can find more tips and tricks on creating your header here: The Resume Header Best Practices: What and What Not to Do 

Include a professional objective or a summary

When you’re starting out as a phlebotomist, adding an objective to your resume can be a great move. It gives you a chance to quickly highlight your skills, certifications, and passion for patient care. Plus, it helps hiring managers see what you can bring to the table and how you’re a great fit for their team. 

If you’re an experienced phlebotomist, opt for a resume summary. It will give a quick snapshot of your professional background, extensive experience, and clarify your career goals. If you’re looking to change to another area, for example, transitioning from working with the Red Cross to a hospital, you can also point this out here. 

Just remember — keep it short and sweet (two to three sentences), and tailor it to the job you’re after. It’ll show you’re not just sending out generic applications, but are genuinely interested in their specific job position.

See the samples below for reference. 

Sample phlebotomist resume summary 

Certified Phlebotomy Technician with 4+ years of experience in clinical settings, skilled in venipuncture and patient care, with a 99% accuracy rate. Looking to bring strong diagnostic skills and compassion to a hospital environment.

Sample phlebotomist resume objective

Recent phlebotomy graduate with certification and experience performing 100+ successful blood draws during clinical training. Seeking an entry-level role to apply my skills in specimen collection and patient care, with a focus on accuracy and safety in all procedures.

Keep it concise and to the point — it’s your chance to grab the reader’s attention. 

Still struggling to find the words? You can use our Rezi AI Resume Summary Generator to create a summary for you. 

Outline your work experience 

First things first, list your work experience in reverse chronological order. For each role, include your job title, the company name, location, and dates of employment. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements. 

Start each bullet point with a strong action verb — and be specific. Use numbers to quantify your achievements, like “Processed over 200 blood draws per week, ensuring accurate labeling and timely sample delivery.” 

If you have more experience with drawing blood than Dracula — focus on leadership roles, specialized skills, and notable achievements, like training new staff or using new phlebotomy technologies and tools. 

If you feel more like a newborn from Twilight — highlight your clinical rotations, related volunteer work, or transferable skills from other work experience. 

Need more help creating your work experience list? Find more stellar advice here: How to Write a Perfect Resume Work Experience Section

Highlight your education and certifications 

Be sure to emphasize your educational background. If you’ve finished a phlebotomy program, mention where you studied, the program name, and your graduation date. If you have other relevant education, like an associate’s degree or coursework in anatomy, include that as well. 

For certifications, list them clearly, either in their own section or within your education. Make sure to include: 

• Certification name (e.g. Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)  
• Issuing organization (e.g. National Healthcareer Association) 
• Completion date (e.g. December 2021) 

Some certifications to include in your resume would be: 

• Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) — National Healthcareer Association (NHA) 
• Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) or Phlebotomy Technician Certification (PBT) — American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) 
• Certified Phlebotomist (CPhT) or Certified Clinical Phlebotomy Technician (CCPT) — National Phlebotomy Association (NPA) 
• Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) — American Medical Technologists (AMT)
• Nationally Registered Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NRCPT) — National Association of Health Professionals
• Basic Life Support (BLS) or Healthcare Provider CPR — American Heart Association (AHA) 
• Healthcare Provider CPR — American Red Cross 
• HIPAA Certification 

Learn more about adding certifications to your resume at: How to Make Any Certifications on a Resume Look Better (Including Examples)

List your hard and soft skills 

Create a dedicated skills section to list your phlebotomy-related abilities. Adapt this for whatever job you’re applying for, and make sure your skills match the keywords mentioned in the job description. This will really give you an edge as hiring managers (or their Applicant Tracking Systems software) are going to be looking out for the key skills that align with the job.  

Not sure what to include? Don’t worry, we’ve got you sorted.

Hard skills for phlebotomist resumes: 

• Venipuncture techniques 
• Capillary puncture 
• Tourniquet application 
• Butterfly needle usage 
• Specimen handling
• Infection control 
• Quality control 
• Equipment operation 
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) 
• Data entry 
• OSHA compliance 
• Emergency response 
• Training new staff 
• Phlebotomy software 
• Basic Life Support (BLS) 

Soft skills for phlebotomist resumes: 

• Communication 
• Attention to detail 
• Empathy 
• Stress management
• Customer service
• Problem-solving
• Interpersonal skills 
• Adaptability 
• Patience 
• Conflict management 
• Cultural sensitivity 
• Organization 
• Critical thinking 
• Patient education 
• Teamwork 

If you’re a student phlebotomist or a recent graduate and don’t have any experience, you could mention the hard skills you’ve learned in training and the transferable soft skills you’ve developed from other non-phlebotomy jobs. 

For a more detailed guide on what skills to include, check out: The Best Skills to Put on a Resume: Examples for All Jobs

Add an extra flair

Is there anything else you want to add to your resume in a final attempt to prove you’re the perfect fit? If you have extra space and relevant content, consider adding sections like: 

• Volunteer experience. Especially if it’s related to healthcare, like volunteering at donation centers or blood drives. 
• Professional affiliations. Memberships in organizations like the National Phlebotomy Association (NPA), or the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
• Awards and honors. Include any recognition received in your field, like “Employee of the Month,” an award for exceptional patient care, or scholarships. 
• Languages. List any additional languages you speak, as it would be beneficial in diverse healthcare settings. 
• Continuing Education. Mention any additional relevant courses or workshops you’ve completed — it’ll show your commitment to professional development. 

Final tips 

• Make sure your resume is free of errors. 
• Be simple and consistent in your formatting. 
• Save it as a PDF. 
• Proofread it again. 
• Pat yourself on the back — you’re done!  

What Makes Phlebotomist Resumes Different

In short: include technical skills, the soft skills that show your patient care, your certifications, and success rates. 

Phlebotomist resumes have unique elements that set them apart in the healthcare field. Just listing your experience isn’t enough — you need to focus on the details. Highlight your technical skills, quantify your achievements if you can, include all relevant certifications and licenses, show how much you value patient care, and tailor your experience to the specific job you’re applying for.

I’m here to help you out — here’s the lowdown on what to include, and how to do it exactly. 

Specify your technical skills 

Technical skills are key because, well, they determine if you can actually do your job properly. Showing your expertise in various techniques and equipment will prove to employers you’ve got what it takes.

What this means for you: 

• List specific blood collection techniques you’re proficient in (e.g., venipuncture, capillary puncture, blood culture collection, arterial blood gas collection, intravenous blood draws). 
• Include the equipment you’re adept at using, such as tourniquets, needles, and syringes. 
• If you’re a newbie or just finishing school, emphasize any hands-on training you received in these areas, even if it was during clinical practice or coursework. 

Outline your certifications and licenses 

Certifications and licenses are like your resume’s stamp of approval. They show you’ve got the right skills and play by the industry rules, making you a standout and competitive candidate. 

What this means for you: 

• List certifications like Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) or Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) in your objective. Include details like the certifying body, certification number, and date obtained in the Education section. 
• Mention any specialized training or additional certs, like Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). 
• Also include any relevant workshops, seminars, or continuing education courses to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing learning. 
• For students or those with limited experience, add any certifications earned during your training or internships. You can also consider taking an online course (check out the next ‘Bonus Resources for Phlebotomists’ section for ideas). 

Touch on patient care

Show employers that you value and prioritize patient well-being just as much as technical proficiency. Your patient care expertise also directly impacts patient experience and satisfaction, and is key for building trust and comfort in medical settings.

What this means for you: 

• Emphasize soft skills like compassion, communication, and the ability to comfort patients during blood draws. You need to show employers that you not only have the brains to help patients, but also the heart to ease any of their worries. 
• Provide examples of how you improved patient satisfaction, reduced anxiety, built rapport, and even improved patient retention rates. 
• If you’re starting out, share previous work or volunteer experience where you interacted with people, focusing on your ability to communicate and provide comfort. 

Focus on quantifiable metrics 

What will really make your resume stand out isn’t just saying what you can do well, but saying how well you can do it. Providing these percentages and numbers demonstrates clear, measurable success, making your achievements more tangible and impressive to potential employers.

What this means for you: 

• Include metrics like your first-stick success rate, and the number of blood draws you can perform per hour, to highlight your efficiency. 
• Add your accuracy rates in specimen collection, labeling, and blood sample processing.
• The stats of your procedural errors reduced will show a decrease in the number of blood draw-related errors or complications. 
• For those new to the field, quantify achievements from clinical training or school projects, like the number of successful draws during practice sessions, or any commendations received for accuracy and professionalism. 

Elaborate on specialized experience 

Specialized experience shows you can handle all sorts of patient needs and complex procedures, which makes you a more versatile and valuable candidate.  

What this means for you: 

• Emphasize your experience in areas like pediatric or geriatric phlebotomy, and proficiency with specialized equipment.
• Customize your resume to reflect the setting of the job you’re applying for, whether it’s a hospital, lab, research facility, or blood bank. 
• Check out the particular requirements and keywords mentioned in the job description, and display the most relevant experience and skills you’ve learned, whether from internships, clinical rotations, volunteer work, or even detailed coursework. 

Bonus Resources for Phlebotomists 

Looking to give your phlebotomy career a boost or make a smooth transition in the healthcare field? Whether you’re aiming to sharpen your skills, snag a new certification to spruce up your resume, or simply get ahead in your field, these resources can help you advance and shine in your phlebotomy journey. 

If you need to apply for a new job now, perhaps you won’t have the time to complete a course or a certification program — still, those can make a world of difference when you’re looking for your next career break or eyeing that promotion.

Online learning 

Phlebotomy.com

Phlebotomy.com offers several online learning courses that phlebotomists can take to enhance their skills and knowledge. 

Recommended courses: 

• Phlebotomy Technician Certification Course. Perfect for beginners, this course walks you through the basics of drawing blood, communicating with patients, and following safety guidelines, getting you ready for certification.
• Advanced Phlebotomy Techniques Course. Ideal for seasoned pros, this course dives into more complex blood draws and how to handle complications. It also keeps you up-to-date with the latest in phlebotomy tech and methods.
• Pediatric Phlebotomy. If you’re aiming to work with kids, this specialized course teaches you how to draw blood from little ones and cater to their specific needs.

Medline University

Medline University provides specialized courses for both new and experienced phlebotomists. 

Recommended courses: 

• Infection Control and Safety Practices. A must-take for anyone in the field, this course focuses on infection control, including best practices for handling biohazards and reducing infection risks. 
• Phlebotomy Basics. This course focuses on the essential skills for effective blood collection, such as mastering venipuncture techniques and engaging with patients. 
• Blood Collection Equipment and Technology. Explores the newest tools and technologies in phlebotomy, including their proper use and maintenance.

Coursera

Coursera partners with top universities and institutions to offer a range of courses. 

Recommended courses: 

• Introduction to Data Science. Gain skills in data handling and analysis, which can be valuable for roles involving lab data and specimen tracking. 
• Communication Skills for Healthcare Professionals. Improve your communication skills, particularly in interacting with patients. 
• Health Informatics: The Cutting Edge. Explore the intersection of healthcare and technology, including the latest innovations in health informatics that can complement your phlebotomy skills.

Certifications and continuing education 

ASCP Continuing Education

If you’re looking to specialize in areas like hematology or blood banking, the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) has got you covered. They offer certifications like the Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) and Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB). 

ASCP’s continuing education credits are well-respected in the healthcare industry, so adding them to your resume can really boost your credentials, especially if you’re eyeing lab-based roles.

NHA Advanced Certification

For a practical and straightforward certification, the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offers the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) credential. It’s perfect if you want to quickly validate your skills and knowledge, with helpful resources like study guides and practice tests. 

Plus, they offer career support to help you find your next job. The CPT certification is especially useful for those aiming to work in clinical or outpatient settings, where patient interaction and hands-on skills are key.

AMT Professional Resources

The American Medical Technologists (AMT) offers the Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) certification, which is great if you want to show off both your technical skills and your commitment to professional ethics. 

AMT has a range of continuing education options, like webinars on the latest in infection control and phlebotomy techniques. Being an AMT member also gives you access to a professional network and career resources, including job listings and forums. 

Volunteer opportunities 

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross has volunteer spots that give you practical experience — perfect for new phlebotomists or anyone wishing to beef up their resume. 

American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) 

AABB teams up with different blood banks and transfusion services, offering volunteer roles in blood drives, educational programs, and community outreach. 

Project HOPE 

Project HOPE offers health education and humanitarian aid both internationally and domestically. Phlebotomists can pitch in by helping out with blood drives, health screenings, and caring for patients, particularly in communities that need it the most. 

Summary

Here is a recap of the most important things to include when creating a phlebotomist resume: 

• Begin with a clear header that contains your full name, phone number, email address, location, a LinkedIn profile, and professional title. 
• Write an objective or a summary that shows off your skills, certifications, and career goals tailored to the specific job you’re applying for.
• Detail work experience in reverse chronological order, using strong action verbs and bullet points to describe responsibilities and achievements. Align them with the job description, and quantify results where possible. 
• Highlight specialized experience with specific patient groups or settings (pediatric, geriatric, hospitals, labs, blood banks) to demonstrate versatility. 
• Outline your completed phlebotomy programs, degrees, relevant coursework, and any ongoing professional development or specialized training. 
• Include certifications like Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT), Basic Life Support (BLS), and any other relevant credentials, with the issuing organizations and dates.
• List technical skills like venipuncture techniques, capillary puncture, specimen handling, infection control, and familiarity with equipment like needles and tourniquets, including efficiency metrics like sticks per hour. 
• Show your patient care with soft skills like empathy, communication, and examples of improving patient satisfaction and retention rates. Other soft skills to include are attention to detail, problem-solving, and stress management. 
• Include additional relevant sections like volunteer work, professional affiliations, awards, honors, or additional languages. 
• Make sure the resume is neat, consistently formatted, free of errors, and saved as a PDF. 

FAQ 

How to stand out on resumes for phlebotomists with no experience? 

If you’re just starting out and don’t have a lot of experience, focus on what you do have. List any relevant education, training, or certifications, like the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT). If you’ve done any internships, externships, or volunteer work, make sure to detail the skills and experiences gained. 

Even if you don’t have direct phlebotomy experience, showing your enthusiasm and willingness to learn can really set you apart. A strong resume objective that reflects your passion for the field and readiness to learn can also help grab attention. 

What is a good objective for a phlebotomist?

A good resume objective for a phlebotomist should briefly explain your career goals, skills, and eagerness to contribute. For example: “Registered Phlebotomy Technician with 4+ years of experience and 99% accuracy rate, along with hands-on training from over 100 successful blood draws. Eager to bring my technical skills and compassionate care to [Healthcare Facility Name] to ensure high-quality specimen collection and improve patient experience.”

Should a phlebotomist include certifications on their resume? 

Definitely include your certifications. They show your qualifications, expertise, and commitment to professional standards. Relevant certifications, such as Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) or Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT), should be prominently listed. Certifications from organizations like ASCP, NHA, or AMT are also valuable to include.

What format should I use for my phlebotomist resume? 

The reverse chronological format is generally the best choice for a phlebotomist resume. This means listing your most recent experience first, showing a clear career progression. Your resume should include a header with your contact information, then include an objective or summary, certifications and education, detailed work experience, key skills, and any additional sections such as volunteer work or professional affiliations. Keep it organized, easy to read, and concise, typically not exceeding one page.

How do you describe phlebotomy skills? 

Phlebotomy skills involve both technical precision and a caring attitude when drawing blood. It’s about being skilled with needles and tubes while also putting patients at ease to ensure a smooth experience. 

You want to show your proficiency in venipuncture, familiarity with different blood collection methods, and your attention to maintaining sterile conditions. Essentially, it’s the combination of technical expertise and interpersonal skills that ensures accurate blood draws and a positive experience for patients.

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