Phlebotomist/Phlebotomy Technician
Draws blood for analysis and diagnosis, and takes care of the whole blood-collection process.
Overview
Phlebotomy is the act of drawing or removing blood from the circulatory system through a cut (incision) or puncture in order to obtain a sample for analysis and diagnosis. A Phlebotomist is a health care worker who performs phlebotomy. The individual usually works in medical offices, clinics and laboratories. His/her job is to assist medical laboratory technologist/doctors and nurses in order to exclusively take care of the blood collection process.
Where they work
- Hospitals
- Pathology Laboratories
- Health startups
Work environment
It is a desk job. Local travel is a part of the job profile. Healthcare facilities usually work for 6 days a week and 8 to 10 hours every day. This may vary from clinic to clinic. Shift system is available.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You have good communication skills
- You enjoy Science
- You are good at keeping records of your work
Eligibility and education roadmap
Durations are as printed on the source card for each level; please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
- 1Diploma — Eligibility: Completed 10+2 with Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology). Duration: 1–2 years. Examples: Diploma in Phlebotomy, Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (with Phlebotomy specialization), Diploma in Blood Bank Technology (including Phlebotomy).
- 2Undergraduate — Eligibility: Completed 10+2 with Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology). Duration: 3 years. Examples: B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT), B.Sc. in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, B.Sc. in Laboratory Medicine.
- 3Postgraduate — Eligibility: B.Sc. in MLT, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, or equivalent. Duration: 2 years. Examples: M.Sc. in Clinical Laboratory Technology, M.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Science.
- 4Doctoral — Eligibility: Master's degree in Clinical Laboratory Technology or a related medical field. Duration: 3–5 years. Examples: Ph.D. in Clinical Laboratory Technology, Ph.D. in Laboratory Medicine.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by different departments. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Tech Mahindra SMART Academy, Mohali, Punjab
- George Telegraph College, Kolkata & Kharagpur, West Bengal
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Phlebotomy Technician
- 2Head Technician
Related careers to explore
Medical Technician
Runs medical equipment and procedures — MRI, X-ray, ECG, EEG — and keeps instruments working.
Dialysis Technician
Operates dialysis machines and supports care for patients with end-stage kidney disease.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to helping people.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Mahesh Gayathri — A Phlebotomist at Medibuddy, a digital healthcare platform. Gayathri has been in the field for nearly 10 years. He has a Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology from the Institution of Event Management, New Delhi.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 405 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Phlebotomist/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.