MLT program phlebotomy rotation not going well, is this going to impact my career?

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Hi all, basically the title here. I am on my ~1 week/100 draw phlebotomy rotation for my MLT program currently and so far it’s been… not great. I’ve had a few successful venipunctures on patients and some of the other phlebs, but my technique just feels awkward, not matter how much i practice.

i don’t feel like i’m doing a good job, and i’ve had a fair few misses that the other phlebs have had to adjust for me. truth be told i had a good cry after my first day yesterday. i just do not like phlebotomy, and though i have good patient skills, i am very burnt out from working retail + CNA, and i haven’t been able to get a handle on the actual skill in practice. we draw each other in didactic, i have a good 30 venipunctures (straight needle too) on my classmates, but doing this on inpatient and clinic has been terrible.

is this a sign for my career in the lab? i am going to school to be an MLT and am eligible for MLS cert after experience. i adore the lab, i had a rotation in micro for the last 3 weeks and i had the best time and thoroughly enjoyed being in the lab and the day to day work. I’m probably doing a fair bit of catastrophizing but i am very afraid this lack of phlebotomy skill will be damaging to my lab career. any advice or insight is appreciated and welcome.

Posted Jan 27, 2026, 1:43 PM UTC

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