Phlebotomist, Extern

Diagnostic Laboratory Services at MD Anderson Cancer Center supports patient care through high-quality laboratory testing and specimen collection.


As a Phlebotomy Extern, you play a vital role in supporting MD Anderson's mission of eliminating cancer through outstanding patient care, research, education and prevention. You help create a compassionate, patient-centered environment where patients, families, and clinical teams can focus on treatment and healing. By providing accurate and timely specimen collection, you contribute to the delivery of high-quality diagnostic results that guide critical treatment decisions.

Program Overview

The Phlebotomy Extern Program is an 18-week paid externship designed to provide qualified graduates of a Phlebotomy Certificate training program with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic clinical environment. Externs assist with phlebotomy services in outpatient areas, supporting the Diagnostic Laboratory Centers and Fast Track Collection areas to help maintain efficient patient throughput during high-volume periods. Externs will complete the first four weeks of training at the Texas Medical Center location before transitioning to the assigned Houston Area Location (HAL) for the remainder of the program.

Position Details
• Temporary, non-benefited position
• Up to 18-week assignment
• Full-time schedule: Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (40 hours/week)
• Training will begin at the Texas Medical Center location (4 weeks), before transitioning to the assigned Houston Area Location (14 weeks)

Houston Area Locations available:
• Sugarland
• League City
• West Houston
• Woodlands

What You'll Do

Perform Phlebotomy Procedures:
• Conduct venipuncture and specimen collection in accordance with institutional standards.
• Ensure accurate patient identification and proper specimen labeling.
• Maintain specimen integrity and timely transport to the laboratory.

Support Laboratory Operations:
• Assist the Diagnostic Laboratory Centers and Fast Track areas during peak workload times.
• Contribute to team workflow and maintain productivity standards.
• Provide coverage in assigned Houston Area Locations and Main Campus areas as needed.

Maintain Compliance and Safety:
• Adhere to all institutional, divisional, and departmental policies and protocols.
• Follow infection control and safety procedures.
• Utilize protective attire and personal protective equipment as required.

What You'll Gain
• Valuable hands-on experience in a leading healthcare institution
• Mentorship from experienced MD Anderson professionals
• Exposure to real-world clinical workflows in a nationally ranked hospital

EDUCATION:

Required: High school diploma or equivalent and enrollment in a phlebotomy program.

EXPERIENCE:

Required: None

Preferred: Completion of a clinical internship including at least 120 successful venipunctures ("sticks").

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.