If you have ever donated blood or been in a situation where blood had to be taken, you have probably met a phlebotomist. A phlebotomist takes blood from patients. They label blood and send it to labs to be tested. A college degree is not required to become a phlebotomist; however, many phlebotomist have some sort of college background. Classroom training courses or on-the-job experience are offered. Certification is sometimes required but not always. Some common certification centers include the National Phlebotomy Association and the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians. Phlebotomy requires certain skills and knowledge. Some of these include the anatomy of the body, specifically vascular, skin puncture techniques, safety, proper labeling
