Phlebotomy supervisors oversee teams of phlebotomists, who are responsible for collecting blood samples. They belong to a class of medical professionals who work in clinical laboratories, performing basic tests and laboratory procedures. Phlebotomy supervisors are, in turn, supervised by physicians or lead laboratory supervisors, who are in charge of all activities that take place in the laboratories.

Role

Phlebotomy supervisors act as laboratory managers. Most importantly, they ensure that the process of drawing blood is performed according to safety and compliance standards. In cases when the medical facility has more than one location, phlebotomy supervisors may have to travel from one location to another to direct, supervise and coordinate the activities of all phlebotomists.

Other Duties

Phlebotomy supervisors also make sure that the proper equipment is in place for the drawing of blood. They verify or record patient or donor identification, take vital signs and may be available to quell patient fear of the procedure.

Work Environment

Most phlebotomy supervisors can be found directing phlebotomists at hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories and blood banks. Although working a 40-hour workweek is common, there are some who work evenings and weekends due to the around-the-clock nature of the health care industry. A few even work up to 80 hours a week.

Requirements

Most employers prefer that candidates for phlebotomy supervisor opportunities have a bachelor's degree in medical or clinical technology. Candidates must also show a substantial number of years in the field and/or have previous supervisory experience. Some states require licensing and registration after graduation, and professional associations such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology, the American Medical Technologists and the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory offer voluntary certification.

Salary and Job Outlook

According to Simply Hired, as of 2010, the average phlebotomy supervisor makes an annual salary of $30,000. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an average annual salary of $26,000 for phlebotomists in general during 2008. The BLS expects a 14 percent job growth for phlebotomists--as part of the profession of clinical laboratory technicians--between 2008 and 2018, which is a faster rate than the average for all U.S. occupations.