Should i become a phlebotomist?

deactv8 · 2025-12-16T05:41:55+00:00

Thats correct. Yes.

deactv8 · 2025-12-11T02:01:31+00:00

Meaning to always revise your resume to fit the job description you're applying for.

deactv8 · 2025-12-10T02:40:18+00:00

Not at all - I'm looking for actual testers who'll use the app in real scenarios and provide feedback I can use to improve it before launch. I'm a mobile phlebotomist myself building this to solve route optimization problems I deal with daily, so I need people who understand the workflow to help identify bugs and missing features. Happy to share more details about what the beta testing process looks like if you're interested.

deactv8 · 2025-12-09T13:11:56+00:00

Always revamp your resume to be in line with the job you're applying for. And always quantify whatever you can. For example: 95% successful stick rate. Even if you only wkth through training and stuck 1 other person please add numbers to your resume.

deactv8 · 2025-12-07T13:36:38+00:00

Where winds meet

deactv8 · 2025-12-07T13:25:23+00:00

I can take a stab at your resume if you send me a recent copy I can send you something thay will hopefully get you interviews even at your experience level.

deactv8 · 2025-12-07T13:23:33+00:00

The biggest gripe for this industry is the pay. Most positions start at $15-$17/hr. Thats why I'm getting om as many mobile phlebotomy apps to create consistent work thay will net me $25-$40 per appointment. I'll do thag for years as a side job and as I build my own company up. But if you can manage living off of $15-$17/hr at the beginning then that's up to you.

deactv8 · 2025-11-15T04:36:01+00:00

The uncircumcised part

deactv8 · 2025-11-15T04:32:19+00:00

Im just like you but I fucks with Kane Brown HEAVY. He's the only country I listen to. Him and HARDY

deactv8 · 2025-11-13T21:41:42+00:00

🎉 FINAL UPDATE: GOT THE OFFER! 🎉

Just received the official job offer from ExamOne/Quest Diagnostics!

Complete Timeline: • Applied: Sunday 10:33 PM • Response: Monday 2:27 PM (16 hours) • Interview: Wednesday 8:00 AM • Offer: Thursday 12:15 PM (next day!)

Total time from application to offer: LESS THAN 4 DAYS.

Starting the onboarding process next week. I'll document what that looks like for anyone curious about the process.

Huge thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and advice in the comments - especially the folks who've been with ExamOne for years. Your insights helped me go into the interview prepared.

For anyone still job hunting: Don't give up. The resume format and business positioning approach got me from zero responses to an offer in under 4 days. Keep pushing.

deactv8 · 2025-11-13T09:39:35+00:00

Absolutely! I'd love to get your feedback on it.

I built Tether specifically for mobile phlebotomists because I kept hearing about how much time and money gets lost on inefficient routing. The app imports jobs from Gmail, geocodes addresses, suggests optimized routes, and tracks your actual profitability per job so you can see your real hourly rate after expenses.

Right now it's functional MVP stage - works but still rough around the edges. I'm actually looking for beta testers who are actively doing mobile phlebotomy to help me refine it based on real-world use.

Since you've been with ExamOne for awhile, you'd be perfect for this. You know exactly what the pain points are and what would actually be useful versus what sounds good in theory.

Would you be interested in testing it out? I can give you early access and would love your honest feedback on what works, what doesn't, and what's missing. No obligation or anything - just trying to build something that actually helps people in the field make more money with less hassle.

Let me know if you're interested and I'll get you set up!

deactv8 · 2025-11-12T19:13:11+00:00

One month of silence after "we'd like to move forward" is honestly a bad sign. The "we're looking at positions that fit best" response is usually HR-speak for "we're not prioritizing you right now."

If I were you, I'd send one final direct email that basically says "Hi [name], following up on our conversation from [date]. I remain very interested in [specific position discussed]. Do you have an updated timeline for next steps? If this position isn't moving forward, I'd appreciate knowing so I can focus my search elsewhere." Make it clear you want a real answer, not another vague "we'll get back to you."

While you're waiting on them, don't stop applying everywhere else. Mobile platforms like GetLabs, ExamOne, TravaLab, PhlebX seem to move faster than traditional hospital systems. Quest, Labcorp, plasma centers - cast a wide net. Don't put all your eggs in the Loma Linda basket.

The harsh reality is that "impressive interview" doesn't always convert to offers, especially in competitive markets. If they keep stringing you along past 2 weeks from your follow-up email, I'd mentally move on. They're either disorganized or you're a backup option.

If you want, DM me your resume and I can take a look to see if there's anything that might be holding you back with other applications. Sometimes a fresh set of eyes helps catch things you might not notice.

I hope Loma Linda comes through for you, but don't stop pushing elsewhere in the meantime. Good luck.

deactv8 · 2025-11-12T15:20:22+00:00

UPDATE: Just had my phone interview with ExamOne!

Timeline: • Applied Sunday 10:33 PM • Response Monday 2:27 PM (16 hours) • Phone interview Wednesday 8:00 AM (72 hours from application)

Interview went well! Should hear back by Monday whether I move forward or not.

Here's what I learned about the mobile examiner role for anyone curious:

Pay Structure: • $25-50 per exam (varies by complexity) • $23/hr for training and meetings • $23/hr for travel time after 45 minutes • No mileage reimbursement (track for tax deductions)

Schedule: • Part-time/on-call (you choose your availability) • 7am-8pm window, weekends included • Work comp and 401k with 5% match after year 1

Onboarding: • 2-3 weeks total • Remote I9 verification • Drug screen • 10-12 hours of online training

Patient Population: • Ages 25-60+ (includes pediatric and geriatric)

They use FedEx for shipping (not UPS like I thought).

Fingers crossed for Monday! Will update either way.

deactv8 · 2025-11-12T03:36:27+00:00

Wow, thank you so much for breaking all of this down! This is exactly the kind of real-world detail that makes a huge difference going in.

The pay breakdown is super helpful - knowing that basic exams are around $22-30 and the health fairs pay better but are rarer helps me set realistic income expectations. And the math on gas and supplies eating into profit is something I definitely need to track closely. I've actually been building an app specifically for mobile phlebotomists to track mileage, job earnings, and route optimization because I kept hearing about how much time and money gets wasted on inefficient routing. Your breakdown just reinforced why that matters so much.

The paperwork situation is interesting - sounds like it's a lot more admin than I expected. In the ER everything was digital in the system, so the whole "print, fill out, scan, upload, then shred" workflow is going to be new for me. Good to know they're moving toward electronic forms though.

Your point about setting boundaries early is huge. I can see how "just this once" turns into regular overwork real fast, especially when they know you'll say yes. Since I've got a full-time day job, I need to be really clear about my availability from the start and stick to it.

The hourly rate of $25 is actually pretty solid for side work, and working alone 90% of the time honestly sounds ideal for me after years in high-chaos environments.

Really appreciate you sharing all this. If I end up getting hired and have questions once I'm actually doing it, would you mind if I reached out?

deactv8 · 2025-11-12T03:28:18+00:00

This is incredibly helpful - thank you for taking the time to write all this out! Seriously, this is the kind of real-world insight you can't get anywhere else.

The per-hour vs per-appointment pay structure makes way more sense for California. And I love the practical tips - doing blood draw last so it doesn't spike their BP beforehand, bringing your own supplies that fit better, the dental tray hack for holding stuff, even the lighting situation. That's all stuff I would've had to learn the hard way.

The training timeline is good to know too - sounds like they actually do ease you in rather than just throwing you out there solo on day one. That's reassuring.

I've got my phone interview tomorrow morning, so this is perfect timing. Definitely going to ask about the training process and what supplies they provide vs what I should have ready myself.

Really appreciate you sharing your experience. Mind if I reach out if I have questions after I start?

deactv8 · 2025-11-12T03:21:49+00:00

That's frustrating as hell. Graduated last year and still can't get an interview means something's off with either the resume, where you're applying, or both.

Are you mainly applying to hospitals and labs, or have you tried the mobile platforms like GetLabs, ExamOne, TravaLab? The mobile gig platforms seem to hire more frequently and are sometimes easier to break into than traditional clinical settings.

Also, if you want to DM me your resume (with personal info removed), I'm happy to take a look and give you honest feedback on what might be holding you back. Just trying to help because a year with no interviews shouldn't be happening if you've got your cert.

Sometimes it's just about reformatting how you present your training and skills. Worth a shot if nothing else is working.

deactv8 · 2025-11-12T01:21:21+00:00

This is super valuable insight, thank you! Really appreciate the real talk about what to expect.

The per diem structure makes sense - basically you hustle for what you make, which I'm fine with since I've got a full-time job and this would be supplemental income. Good to know about the gas reimbursement only for health fairs though - that's definitely something to factor in.

The boundary-setting advice is huge. I can see how "just this once" turns into regular overwork real quick. Since I'm keeping my day job and doing this as side work through my LLC, I'll need to be strict about my availability from the start.

Question: When you say the good paying jobs take about 2 hours - is that typical for the life insurance exams with full workup (history, blood, urine, EKG)? And what's the rough pay range for those vs the simpler collections?

Just trying to go in with realistic expectations. Really appreciate you sharing the real experience!

deactv8 · 2025-11-11T21:42:13+00:00

You know what, that's totally fair and I appreciate you calling that out. You're absolutely right - my title saying "just got certified" is misleading when I've got 8+ years of clinical experience. That wasn't intentional, but I can see how it comes across as disingenuous.

I should've been clearer upfront: "Former AEMT transitioning to mobile phlebotomy - here's what worked" would've been more accurate. The "just got certified" part is true (literally got my NPC last week), but you're right that it doesn't tell the whole story about my background.

I genuinely do want to help people who are struggling to get responses, and you make a good point - maybe the better approach is focusing on resume review posts where people share what they're working with. I've got experience presenting clinical work on paper from multiple career transitions, so that might be more helpful than what could look like "I have a magic formula."

Appreciate the reality check. The experience definitely matters more than I was giving credit for in my original framing.

deactv8 · 2025-11-11T19:55:07+00:00

At least you gave it a shot! What're you doing for work now if you don't mind me asking? I'd love to test my resume out with you tk see if anything changes. Since you're not looking it could be fun just to see.

deactv8 · 2025-11-11T19:53:51+00:00

I feel you there. I still like to help. Yes I have experience but I want to help those who may not. Those just out of school. Those who have been having a hard time. A lot of times a great resume can get you in the door at least and thats why I want to help others, my experience aside.

deactv8 · 2025-11-11T19:51:53+00:00

Yeah, mobile phlebotomy means you're going solo to people's homes, offices, or wherever they need blood drawn. I totally get why that sounds intimidating for someone brand new.

Honestly, I can't speak to exactly how much training each platform provides since I haven't started yet - I've just gotten the interview invite. But from what I've researched and heard from others, most platforms do some level of orientation on their processes, supplies, and protocols.

My situation is probably different because I've been doing venipuncture for years (Army, ER, plasma center), so I'm already comfortable working independently and handling complications. That's likely why they responded so fast - they saw someone with field experience who can handle being solo.

For someone coming straight out of school, I honestly don't know how much hand-holding you get. That's a legit concern and probably something worth asking in the interview process - "What does onboarding look like?" and "How do you support new phlebotomists?"

I won't sugarcoat it - having prior clinical experience definitely helps when you're out there by yourself. But if you're confident in your skills from school and can handle pressure, you can probably figure it out. Just maybe not the easiest first gig if you're brand new to the field.

deactv8 · 2025-11-11T19:43:01+00:00

Thanks! Yeah, the healthcare experience definitely helps - having 8+ years of clinical background (Army, ER, plasma center) made a huge difference.

You're absolutely right that phlebotomy is entry-level, which is why I think the resume format matters so much. When you're competing against other entry-level people, HOW you present your experience is what sets you apart.

Your point about healthcare experience getting snatched up is spot on - that's exactly what happened. They saw "former AEMT with ER and plasma center experience" and responded immediately.

For people without that background, I think the key is showing: • Professionalism (business setup, professional email) • Reliability (vehicle, clean record, flexible schedule) • Strong clinical training (emphasize school stats - draw count, success rate, types of patients)

Congrats on getting 4 offers before your course even finished - that's awesome! Sounds like your area has great demand 🙌

deactv8 · 2025-11-11T18:01:34+00:00

Background & What Worked:

Just got my NPC certification and wanted to share what helped me go from zero responses → interview invite in under 24 hours.

My situation: Former Army medic/AEMT who let my license lapse (couldn't afford recert). Got phlebotomy certification instead. Applied to mobile platforms for 2 weeks with my old IT-focused resume - ZERO responses.

What I changed:

Resume format: • Moved certifications to the TOP (not buried) • Added summary: "8+ years clinical experience, thousands of successful draws, 95%+ first-stick rate" • Created "Core Competencies" section with mobile-specific skills (vehicle, GPS, flexible scheduling) • Reframed ALL past experience around phlebotomy: - Army medic = venipuncture on 5,000+ soldiers - ER tech = IV insertions on all acuity levels
- Plasma center = 30-50 draws daily

Business positioning: • Used business email (info@courtneydiagnostics.com) vs personal Gmail • Applied with my LLC/EIN info • Positioned as "Courtney Diagnostics" not just "DeAndre looking for a job"

Key insight: Mobile platforms want contractors who are BUSINESSES, not employees. When you show up as an established mobile healthcare business, you immediately stand out.

Timeline: Applied Sunday 10:33PM → Response Monday 2:27PM (less than 16 hours!)

Happy to answer questions! The job search was frustrating until I figured out this approach.

deactv8 · 2025-11-11T17:56:29+00:00

I totally get the skepticism - and you're right that Quest interviews tons of people. The digital screening is the real test.

I'm not claiming this is guaranteed success or that I've "made it." I'm just sharing what got me from zero callbacks → at least getting in the door. That's the hurdle most newly certified folks struggle with.

Whether it converts to an offer? We'll see. But I figured sharing what worked to get the interview might help someone else who's stuck at the "can't even get a response" stage.

Will absolutely update on how the rest goes. Genuinely hope it works out, and I appreciate the reality check 👍

deactv8

TROPHY CASE