Hello!

When my son goes to school next year I’m going to need to find a real job (I’m waitressing and other casual stuff at the moment but I want something more reliable where I don’t come home smelling like deep fryer and coffee). I’m a blood donor and while I was there the other day it occured to me that I could give that a try, but I can’t find very much information about what’s involved when it comes to training. Has anyone here done it? Is it hard to learn? Do you like your job? How long did it take to learn and train etc? Any and all information about your experirnce would be welcome.


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  • Thank you for asking this – I found some of the answers fascinating.


  • Good luck, I hope you find out some more information – sounds like an interesting job!


  • I have had a quick look into as I thought it would be a good place to start to get into the work force they run course at tafes and there not long about 8 wks I think from memory but it did seem expensive unless you get covered by the government good luck


  • No. But I think TAFE offer courses in it. I admire you for being able to want to do this. After experience with venesections I know that not everyone takes a needle so well! As the person in charge you have to be well prepared for all sorts of things: from fainting /low blood pressure to nerve damage and hand cramping up; arm swelling after, incredible bruising and more. Also many people don’t like needles fullstop – so you have to be able to deal with them! .. and you have to LISTEN to patients.. some know they like to be more reclined than others, or the needle to go in ‘shallower'; or that a certain size needle / method of extraction for multiple vials works best. Good luck.!!


  • Would love to know how you went with this? :)


  • Maybe ask your question at the place you give blood ? There’s certainly great need for good experienced phlebotomists. My daughter has Down syndrome and it’s a hell to draw blood of her. I’m not easy to get blood off either, always end up severely bruised.


  • Depends where you are but courses are run regularly in the cities. There are different courses you can do but I don’t think any are longer than 6 weeks full time. I haven’t known anyone to struggle to get work yet.


  • I would hope TAFE would be well placed to provide information on courses and qualifications? Maybe call your local TAFE? Good Luck!


  • I saw an advert on the job vacancy and sent an email requesting exactly same info you have asked for. They said they are happy to train you if you have the right skill sets and customer service skills. I got an interview and got the job. Four days in classroom training then four weeks in placement. I loved the customer interaction and was able to draw blood on about 30 patients all up but after two weeks decided not for me. Main reason being I love my admin work to much to give it up. There was no admin work required at all. I was also required to travel to many locations. Most shifts were four hours only. The happier you were to travel the more work you get but bear in my the shift hours vs distance travelled. They shifts change on a regular basis too. The people were great but it wasn’t for me. I hear most companies require cert 3 in pathology Tafe course. Worth sending enquiry email to pathology places near you. I’m glad I didn’t pay for a six month course. If you are a person that loves challenges (not all people are easy) and enjoy everyday being different then you may love this work. Hope this helps. Give it a go if you can!


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