How to Start Your Career as a Traveling Phlebotomist
So you love helping people and you’re the kind of person who likes moving around rather than sitting in one place all day. If that sounds like you, becoming a traveling phlebotomist might just be the perfect fit.
At myOnsite Healthcare, our mobile phlebotomists make some pretty meaningful things possible — lab work done in homes, clinics, care settings, maybe even at a wellness event. If you’re wondering how to break in and build a career that’s mobile, flexible and meaningful, this guide is for you.
What is a Traveling Phlebotomist?
In a nutshell: it’s what the title says. A traveling phlebotomist does what any good phlebotomist does — draw blood, handle specimens, talk to patients, manage safety and labeling — but you’re not tied to one lab or one department. You move between locations: homes, nursing facilities, mobile clinics, sometimes multiple sites in a day.
Here are a few of the settings you might work in:
- Visiting patients’ homes for blood draws (something we do often at myOnsite — more on home draws here)
- Going to nursing or assisted‑living facilities
- Supporting corporate wellness events or health screenings
- Filling in for hospitals or labs when they need extra hands
If you’re curious about where the industry is heading, the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science offers some great insights into emerging trends in lab roles like mobile phlebotomy.
What Are the Key Responsibilities?
When you land a travel phlebotomy role, be ready for:
- Drawing blood, ensuring the correct tube, correct volume, correct patient.
- Proper labeling, tracking, transport of specimens so they arrive at the lab in good condition.
- Knowing infection control, patient‑safety rules, and privacy/HIPAA (yes, even when you’re not in a big hospital).
- Making patients comfortable — especially when you’re working outside the typical lab environment.
(Pro tip: mastering your draw technique is key — check out this guide on venipuncture techniques)
How to Become a Traveling Phlebotomist
1. Get Educated
Begin with a high school diploma or GED, then find an accredited phlebotomy training program. These programs cover:
- Basic human anatomy and vein/vascular structure
- Blood draw and specimen handling techniques
- Safety procedures, infection control, patient communication
If you’re planning to go mobile or travel, check that your training meets the certification or licensing requirements in the states or areas you might be working in.
2. Earn Your Certification
Not every state insists on certification, but if you’re aiming for travel roles it’s a big plus (and often a must). Consider certification from:
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- American Medical Technologists (AMT)
Having that credential shows employers you’re serious and ready for varied settings.
3. Gain Experience
Before going fully mobile, it helps to spend some time in a more “stationary” role — hospital lab, diagnostic center, mobile clinic — a solid 6–12 months if you can. Why? Because travel roles throw extra variables at you (location changes, moving between sites, different patient populations) and having a strong foundation will make your transition smoother.
4. Understand the “Travel” Part
Traveling doesn’t always mean cross-country. In fact, it could be regional, or just multiple sites around a city. Here’s what you should be comfortable with:
- Having a reliable vehicle or transportation (you’ll be moving)
- Being comfortable managing your own schedule/routes
- Adapting to different work environments (patient homes vs clinic vs event)
- Being organized — for instance, you might have to carry supplies, make sure you’re on time, ensure specimen integrity while in transit.
5. Skills That Make You Stand Out
If you bring these qualities, you’ll shine:
- Strong organization & adaptability — every assignment may look different
- Great communication & empathy — patients remember how you made them feel
- Professionalism & safety mindset — you might be working outside “typical” lab settings
- Self‑motivation & independence — travel roles often come with more freedom but also more responsibility
Where to Find Travel Phlebotomist Jobs
For travel or mobile phlebotomy roles you’ve got a few good paths:
- Travel‑phlebotomy agencies (they connect you with assignments in different locations)
- Healthcare networks or labs that have mobile/phlebotomy‑outreach programs
- Direct employers like myOnsite Healthcare, whose specialty is mobile collection and at‑home visits
At myOnsite Healthcare, for example, we’re looking for certified, skilled phlebotomists who want to travel locally or regionally, enjoy flexible hours, and genuinely want to help patients where they are. (You can explore our job openings anytime)
Continuing Education & Growth
Just because you’re mobile doesn’t mean you’re done learning. Healthcare evolves — new equipment, safety protocols, regulatory updates. Many mobile/phlebotomy employers offer refresher courses, skill‑workshops, or online training to keep you current.
If you like the mobile phlebotomy lifestyle, you might also explore roles like lead phlebotomist, mobile team coordinator, or outreach specialist. The travel aspect gives you flexibility but also unique opportunities to grow.
For a more clinical research-focused path, ClinicalTrials.gov is a great resource to understand how phlebotomy supports decentralized clinical trials.
Why Choose myOnsite Healthcare?
At myOnsite Healthcare, we’re all about meeting patients where they are — whether that’s at home, in a senior‑living facility, or wherever they need care. Our mobile and travel phlebotomists are central to that mission. We offer:
- Nationwide opportunities (mobile roles across many locations — here’s where we serve)
- A supportive, tech‑friendly platform that tracks each request from start to finish (more about our portal)
- A culture that values punctuality, compassion and reliability — after all, we deliver lab services in people’s homes, and they trust us with that
If you want a role where you make a personal difference, enjoy mobility, and work with a team that supports you — myOnsite Healthcare might just be your next big step.
Ready to Begin?
If you’re thinking “Yup — this sounds like the kind of work I’d love,” then now’s the time. Check out the current phlebotomist openings at myOnsiteHealthcare.com/Careers and see whether the mobile route fits your goals. Let’s get you on the road — helping patients, growing your skills, and building a career that moves with you.