OPT Phlebotomist Jobs
Phlebotomist jobs on OPT are available at hospitals, diagnostic labs, and outpatient clinics across the U.S. Most roles require a phlebotomy certification alongside your degree. Your OPT work authorization must directly relate to your field of study, so confirm your program qualifies before applying.
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Draws blood samples and provides specimen collection services at multiple locations while preparing, processing, and transporting specimens to the laboratory for testing. Supports laboratory operations by performing centrifuging, aliquoting, and specimen troubleshooting while ensuring timely and accurate specimen delivery.
Qualification Requirements
Must be proficient in collecting blood specimens from hard-to-find veins and will be required to travel to various other work locations from primary work locations.
Minimum Qualifications
- Certificate or diploma in phlebotomy from an accredited program is required with one year experience, or combination of related education and experience.
- Preferred experience with Orchard software, Laboratory Information Systems, and EPIC.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Computer skills using Microsoft (MS) Excel and SharePoint, MS Word, MS Outlook, MS Teams, Acumen, and various data management platforms.
- Ability to operate laboratory equipment (e.g., centrifuges) safely and accurately.
- Ability to prepare and process specimens for laboratory testing, including aliquoting.
- Skill in organizing, tracking, and delivering specimens while maintaining chain-of-custody protocols.
- Ability to troubleshoot specimen-related issues with attention to detail.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the field's concepts and principles.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills to provide excellent internal and external customer service.
- Knowledge of ethics of confidentiality and the ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Oral and written communication skills. Interpersonal skills.
- Manual dexterity.
- Ability to understand and follow directions.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Essential Functions
- Performs venipuncture and collects specimens at multiple sites, ensuring proper handling, packaging, and transport to designated laboratories. Travels between locations to provide mobile phlebotomy services. (30%)
- Prepares and processes specimens, including centrifuging and aliquoting, for laboratory testing. (30%)
- Troubleshoots specimen issues to ensure quality and accurate processing. (10%)
- Explains phlebotomy procedures to patients and provides excellent patient care during collection. (10%)
- Maintains a safe, secure, and compliant work environment by following policies and legal regulations. (10%)
- Resolves unusual test orders through appropriate communication with providers and staff, escalating unresolved issues to supervisors. (10%)
Physical Demands
- Required travel between sites.
- Hearing, visual acuity, talking.
- Reaching, grabbing, holding – fine motor skills.
- Extended periods in a stationary or standing position.
- Repetitive motion such as entering data into computer-based programs.
- Lift or move up to 25 pounds. Employees are expected to use appropriate ergonomics and tools such as hand carts for heavier loads.
Work Environment
Work is normally performed in a typical interior office medical and laboratory environment. The noise level is usually moderate; however, it may be higher on work benches during specimen processing. Some office environments have stairs.
This position is designated as an on-site, patient-facing role. In-office presence is an essential function due to the need for real-time collaboration with providers, direct interaction with patients and caregivers, and secure handling of health data in compliance with HIPAA.
To request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please see our Accessibility Statement or contact Human Resources at hr@easternnephrology.com or 252-864-2049.
Summary
Draws blood samples and provides specimen collection services at multiple locations while preparing, processing, and transporting specimens to the laboratory for testing. Supports laboratory operations by performing centrifuging, aliquoting, and specimen troubleshooting while ensuring timely and accurate specimen delivery.
Qualification Requirements
Must be proficient in collecting blood specimens from hard-to-find veins and will be required to travel to various other work locations from primary work locations.
Minimum Qualifications
- Certificate or diploma in phlebotomy from an accredited program is required with one year experience, or combination of related education and experience.
- Preferred experience with Orchard software, Laboratory Information Systems, and EPIC.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Computer skills using Microsoft (MS) Excel and SharePoint, MS Word, MS Outlook, MS Teams, Acumen, and various data management platforms.
- Ability to operate laboratory equipment (e.g., centrifuges) safely and accurately.
- Ability to prepare and process specimens for laboratory testing, including aliquoting.
- Skill in organizing, tracking, and delivering specimens while maintaining chain-of-custody protocols.
- Ability to troubleshoot specimen-related issues with attention to detail.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the field's concepts and principles.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills to provide excellent internal and external customer service.
- Knowledge of ethics of confidentiality and the ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Oral and written communication skills. Interpersonal skills.
- Manual dexterity.
- Ability to understand and follow directions.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Essential Functions
- Performs venipuncture and collects specimens at multiple sites, ensuring proper handling, packaging, and transport to designated laboratories. Travels between locations to provide mobile phlebotomy services. (30%)
- Prepares and processes specimens, including centrifuging and aliquoting, for laboratory testing. (30%)
- Troubleshoots specimen issues to ensure quality and accurate processing. (10%)
- Explains phlebotomy procedures to patients and provides excellent patient care during collection. (10%)
- Maintains a safe, secure, and compliant work environment by following policies and legal regulations. (10%)
- Resolves unusual test orders through appropriate communication with providers and staff, escalating unresolved issues to supervisors. (10%)
Physical Demands
- Required travel between sites.
- Hearing, visual acuity, talking.
- Reaching, grabbing, holding – fine motor skills.
- Extended periods in a stationary or standing position.
- Repetitive motion such as entering data into computer-based programs.
- Lift or move up to 25 pounds. Employees are expected to use appropriate ergonomics and tools such as hand carts for heavier loads.
Work Environment
Work is normally performed in a typical interior office medical and laboratory environment. The noise level is usually moderate; however, it may be higher on work benches during specimen processing. Some office environments have stairs.
This position is designated as an on-site, patient-facing role. In-office presence is an essential function due to the need for real-time collaboration with providers, direct interaction with patients and caregivers, and secure handling of health data in compliance with HIPAA.
To request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please see our Accessibility Statement or contact Human Resources at hr@easternnephrology.com or 252-864-2049.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Phlebotomist
Confirm your degree supports phlebotomy OPT
OPT work must be directly related to your major. Clinical laboratory science, medical technology, or health science degrees typically support phlebotomist roles. If your degree is in a tangential field, confirm the connection with your DSO before applying.
Get certified before you start applying
Most employers require a nationally recognized phlebotomy certification, such as NPA or ASCP. Holding certification before applying removes a key hiring objection and signals you're ready to work without additional training or onboarding delays.
Target employers who regularly hire on work authorization
Large hospital systems, national diagnostic networks, and staffing agencies that serve healthcare facilities are more accustomed to work authorization paperwork. Smaller independent clinics may be unfamiliar with OPT and require more upfront education about the process.
Be upfront about your OPT end date
Hiring managers need to plan ahead. Disclosing your OPT expiration date early, along with your H-1B visa cap-gap or STEM extension eligibility, helps employers understand how long you can work and what next steps would look like.
Highlight hands-on clinical hours in your application
Employers want evidence you can perform draws independently. Quantify your clinical rotation experience with specific hours, patient volumes, and settings covered. Concrete numbers replace vague claims and give hiring managers confidence in your practical readiness.
Apply to STEM OPT extension-eligible programs if applicable
If your degree is in a qualifying STEM field, you may be eligible for a 24-month OPT extension, giving you up to three years of work authorization. Employers who are hesitant about short timelines respond better when you can offer this runway.
Phlebotomist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a phlebotomist on OPT?
Yes, as long as your phlebotomist role is directly related to your field of study. Clinical laboratory science, medical technology, and health science degrees typically support this connection. Your DSO must authorize OPT before you begin work, and your employment must align with the major listed on your I-20. You can browse open phlebotomist roles on Migrate Mate.
Do phlebotomist employers typically sponsor work visas after OPT?
Some do, particularly large hospital systems and national laboratory networks that have established HR processes for immigration sponsorship. Smaller clinics often lack the infrastructure to file H-1B petitions. Your strongest path is targeting employers who have sponsored similar clinical roles in the past and raising the conversation early in the hiring process.
Does a phlebotomist job qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field, such as clinical laboratory science or biological sciences, you may qualify for a 24-month extension beyond your initial 12-month OPT period. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO and check the official STEM designation list to verify eligibility.
What certifications do I need to get hired as a phlebotomist on OPT?
Most U.S. employers require certification from a recognized body such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or the National Phlebotomy Association (NPA). Some states also require a state-level license or permit. Completing certification before your job search removes a significant hiring barrier and demonstrates you meet the same standards as any domestic candidate.
How many hours can I work as a phlebotomist on OPT?
During your authorized OPT period, you can work full time with no hourly restriction. However, you must maintain employment that is directly related to your degree field and must report changes in employer or work address to your DSO within required timeframes. Unemployment periods during OPT are capped at 90 days for standard OPT and 150 days for STEM OPT extension.