Phlebotomist

Mara's Story

Mara Zobrist has quickly adjusted to her active role in phlebotomy since her arrival at Avera McKennan in early January 2010. When she started, Mara said she received valuable on-the-job training that helped her quickly adjust to the position.

"Phlebotomy is a skill that is easy to learn and really valuable if you are considering other health care careers," she says. As a phlebotomist, Mara spends most of her day drawing blood while interacting with patients from nearly every department in the hospital and also at Avera Behavioral Health Center.

Mara says her position requires a great deal of patience and good people skills. "Nobody likes to get their blood drawn," she said. "So, if you are able to make it a positive experience for the patient, it is very rewarding. A phlebotomist's favorite line is this: 'I didn't even feel it!' That is when you know that you are doing a good job."

Begin the process to join our team by calling 605-322-7850 or apply online today »

Qualifications

Applicants for our phlebotomist position should have the following qualifications.

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months’ related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Rapid Response Laboratory positions require a minimum of six months’ phlebotomy experience or graduation from an approved phlebotomy-training program.

Note that other qualifications might be required based on position and experience.

Common Questions

What are the hours?

Phlebotomy is a 24/7 operation with our peak volume hours being from 0400 to 0800. 

Can anyone learn phlebotomy?

We can teach phlebotomy to anyone who has the desire to learn it.  There is a lot to know, and you do need to master the skill of the phlebotomy procedure, but phlebotomy is really more about customer service than anything else.