Do you want a quick entry to the UK healthcare sector? If yes, then becoming a phlebotomist is the best option. The UK health sector is in high demand for blood draw specialists. You can even get a job as a trainee and earn a decent salary!
Amazing! Right? Now you must be wondering, how to get a job as a trainee phlebotomist in the UK? You only need to follow 4 simple steps!
In this blog, we will share everything you need to do to become a phlebotomy trainee in the UK. So, let’s jump in!
What does a Trainee Phlebotomist Do?
A trainee phlebotomist is one who has the basic qualification and is starting their career. They have the basic skills and academic qualifications. Yet the trainees need to practice and gain experience to get a stable job in the healthcare sector.
But what are the responsibilities of a trainee phlebotomist? Here is what they have to perform:
- Venipuncture & blood drawing: Venipuncture and drawing blood are the core responsibilities of a phlebotomist trainee. They prepare the patient, choose the veins and the appropriate site to take blood.
- Sample handling: After taking blood, the trainees also handle the samples. They carefully send it to the next processing zone. Along with that, they make sure to add the name labels to avoid any mix-up.
- Equipment maintenance: Another of the core responsibilities is equipment maintenance. They clean, sterilise and arrange all the equipment needed. So, all the things are available and in good working order.
- Patient care: A trainee phlebotomist also takes care of patients. They ensure patients’ comfort and safety during the blood draw process.
- Communicating with the patient: A phlebotomy trainee has to communicate with the patient as well. They explain the process and address the questions and concerns.
4 Steps To Get a Job as a Trainee Phlebotomist in the UK
In the UK health sector, there is a huge gap of professional phlebotomists. So, if you have the right skills and qualifications, you can get a job as a phlebotomy intern easily. Here are the 4 steps that help to get a job as a trainee phlebotomist:
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Get into a Phlebotomy Training
The first thing to get a job as a phlebotomy intern, you will need is a basic qualification. You must have a formal phlebotomy training and at least two GCSEs or equivalent degree.
To get the blood draw qualification, you can join any phlebotomy course in the UK. It will help you get both technical and interpersonal skills.
The technical skills include venipuncture techniques, equipment maintenance, specimen handling and others. Together with that, you will learn the interpersonal skills like patient care, communication and attention to detail.
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Gain Relevant Experience
Although experience is not always mandatory for a trainee job. Yet it adds some advantage to get into the job and become a professional quickly.
To gain relevant experience, you can join an internship or volunteer in hospitals. There, you can get practical experience of technical and interpersonal skills.
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Apply for Trainee Jobs
Following that, you can apply for the trainee jobs or the entry-level jobs. For that, you can look into different job boards like NHS jobs and Indeed. However, you can also directly apply to hospitals or clinics that offer trainee phlebotomist jobs.
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Continue Learning
Even after getting a job, you need to learn more. The trainee jobs allow you to work alongside the professionals. So, it is a great opportunity to learn and gain experience from the experts.
Together with that, you may get into the advanced phlebotomy training. It is another great way to learn more about the blood draw techniques. The courses allow you to stay updated about new guidelines and best practices.
FAQs
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What qualifications do you need to become a trainee phlebotomist in the UK?
As a trainee phlebotomist, you will need two GCSEs or equivalent. Along with that, you must have enrollment in any blood draw course. You can either join an online or a face-to-face phlebotomy training in London, Swindon, Birmingham or other cities.
With the courses, you will learn the venipuncture techniques, sample handling, patient care and communication skills. Also, you must be 16 or older to become a trainee blood draw specialist.
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Is phlebotomy training worth it in the UK?
Of course, phlebotomy training is a worthwhile investment in the UK. Hospitals, clinics, and medical centres are always in need of trained blood-taking specialists. The role not only offers competitive salaries but also provides excellent career progression and flexibility compared to many other jobs.
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How much does a trainee phlebotomist get paid?
The average salary of a phlebotomist trainee is around £22,712 per year (according to Glassdoor). Their salary often starts from Agenda for Change (AFC) band 2 or 3. However, when the trainees become skilled, they can join the entry-level or beginner phlebotomist job to earn more.
Final Words
So, now you know how to get a job as a trainee phlebotomist in the UK. As we mentioned, you only need to follow 4 steps. Get the qualification, gain experience, apply for the jobs and continue learning the advanced techniques.
If you follow the guide, you can easily land a job as a trainee. And after getting experience and advanced skills, you can also get a job as a professional phlebotomist.
