Independence Health System·Clarion, Pennsylvania
The phlebotomist is responsible for performing venous and capillary blood collections while ensuring accurate patient identification and specimen integrity. They also manage laboratory orders, process samples, and maintain inventory within the laboratory information system.
Essential Job Functions
Demonstrates competency in Laboratory Information System (LIS) functions by accurately placing orders, monitor various reports to track specimen and/or results, responding to system errors, and correctly look up test codes, collection info, and physician demographics.
Follow standard precautions when performing venous or capillary phlebotomy.
Assure the correct identification of patient and specimen by using two identifiers.
Follow specific written department protocols for blood collection and post-venipuncture care.
Respond to pages within an acceptable time frame and based on appropriate prioritization.
Demonstrate minimal redraws and performs in compliance with redraw policy.
Maintain acceptable blood culture contamination rate of <2%.
Assist or perform specimen procurement techniques as required.
Assist with urine drug screen collections and collections for legal alcohols, following established protocol.
Perform nasal and throat swab collections.
Receive and process laboratory orders, document receipt of specimens, and assess basic specimen appropriateness.
Process orders and patients appropriately during downtime to ensure progression to testing.
Interact effectively with healthcare providers, co-workers, and patients to represent the department and to obtain and exchange information needed to expedite quality laboratory services.
Assure that telephones are answered with professional etiquette and manage calls to keep hold time and transfers to a minimum.
Remain current with changes in department protocols to communicate accurate information.
Deliver specimens to laboratory in a timely manner, packaging samples to ensure safe transport.
Fill supply orders and send supplies to floors as needed.
Monitor collection lists and unreceived lists.
Maintain operational readiness to provide prompt response to service requests.
Inventories and rotate stock to limit unnecessary waste, monitor phlebotomy basket for outdated inventory.
Perform scanning and indexing of patient orders at time of registration.
Ready samples for transport, including all computer work required, i.e. click and pack, tracking, etc.
Operate hospital vehicles in compliance with all regulations, ensuring safe and efficient travel between collection sites.
Participate in the phlebotomy competency and validation of new employees, RN's and technical partners.
Other duties as assigned.
Competency and Experience [Knowledge, Skills and Abilities]
Required Qualifications/Experience
High School Diploma, GED or next level of higher education.
Completion of Phlebotomy or Medical Assistant Training Program or six (6) months experience performing phlebotomy.
Knowledge of coding, basic math, and payer/insurance benefits is preferred.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and general office related equipment, such as a fax or copier is preferred.
Medical terminology and specimen knowledge and laboratory information system experience preferred.
License, Certification & Clearances
Valid Driver’s License (if out of state hire, the record report from applicable state’s driver license department is required).
Act 33 with renewal.
Act 34 with renewal.
Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
Travel may be expected locally between System locations.
Independence Health and its affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. It is their policy to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other classification protected by law. Independence Health and its affiliated companies will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Moreover, duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines
When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.
Essential – Absolute Necessity.
Marginal – Minimal Necessity.
Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.
Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.
Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.
Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.
X: Extreme Noise(>85dB)
X: Use of Vibrating Tools
X: Operates Vehicle (company)
X: Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices
X: 8 Hours Shifts
X: 10-12 Hours Shifts
X: Overtime(+8/hrs/shift; 40/hr/wk)
X: Head Protection (hard hat)
X: Feet, Toe Protection
X: Paint (direct use) Exposure
X: Dust (sanding) Exposure
X: Cytotoxic (Chemo) Exposure
X: Chemicals (direct use) Exposure
X: Wax Stripper (direct use)
When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.
Essential – Absolute Necessity.
Marginal – Minimal Necessity.
Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.
Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.
Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.
Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.
Never: Bending (Stooping)
X: Squatting (Crouching)
Pushing/Pulling(lbs. of force)
X: 10#
X: 5#
X: Seeing Near w/Acuity
X: Feeling (Sensation)
X: Lifting Floor to Knuckle
X: 10#
X: Lifting Knuckle to Shoulder
X: 10#
Lifting Shoulder to Overhead
When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and completion of a phlebotomy or medical assistant training program, or six months of relevant experience. A valid driver's license and specific state clearances (Act 33, 34, 73) are required.
Market context
Phlebotomists are commonly needed in Pennsylvania across hospitals, outpatient labs, and physician offices, so openings can be steady for candidates with hands-on collection experience. This role is competitive because employers often look for a high school diploma, phlebotomy or medical assistant training, and familiarity with medical terminology. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to highlight any certification, patient-facing experience, and recent blood-draw practice.