There are numerous reasons to become a phlebotomist for those interested in operating in the healthcare sector.
Trained phlebotomists can quickly enter the healthcare field, earn money and make a positive impact on people’s lives.
They can also enjoy excellent job stability, and flexible work schedules and learn about other healthcare professions.
This article explores ten reasons to become a phlebotomist to help you determine whether it’s an ideal career to pursue.
1. Fast Entry into Healthcare
Most individuals can become phlebotomists within a few weeks.
It takes approximately 40 – 80 hours of training (four to eight weeks), plus clinicals to operate as a phlebotomy technician.
There are also online phlebotomy classes that offer training for aspiring students.
However, these courses typically take longer to complete due to the nature of the program and learning process.
As a result, starting a career as a phlebotomy technician is one of the fastest ways to enter the healthcare field.
Length of Phlebotomy Training:
- four to eight weeks of training
- Up to 100 hours of clinicals
2. Affordable Training
Phlebotomy training is relatively inexpensive compared to other healthcare educational programs.
Students can obtain classes for under $1,000 through in-person programs, training institutes, hospitals, or online training.
Phlebotomy technicians may also become certified for free through program agreements.
In this case, students obtain free classes and certificates with the agreement of working for the organization for a set period.
3. Excellent Earning Potential
A phlebotomy technician’s salary varies depending on their experience, employer, and work location.
Nevertheless, some phlebotomists earn excellent incomes by choosing high-paying positions.
Some employers like hospitals and government intuitions pay up to $30 per hour for highly skilled phlebotomists!
On the other hand, low-paying facilities offer slightly higher than the minimum wage.
As a result, it’s essential that phlebotomy technicians develop their skills and routinely look for jobs offering better pay.
4. Flexible Work Schedules
Some healthcare facilities offer flexible work schedules enabling phlebotomy technicians to work part-time or full-time.
Phlebotomists that work at physicians’ offices, clinics, and government facilities may also receive great weekday hours.
It includes working morning shifts, Monday through Friday!
That said, a phlebotomy technician’s work schedule depends on their employer’s needs and hiring agreements.
Those who work at hospitals or other 24/7 establishments may have more diverse hours due to the nature of the job.
However, they may also offer higher salaries to compensate for the varied work schedule.
Phlebotomy jobs are in good demand enabling phlebotomists to look around for jobs offering suitable schedules.
5. Rewarding Work
Working as a phlebotomy technician can be highly rewarding for aspiring healthcare workers.
These professionals draw blood, collect samples and perform various duties to help healthcare facilities run smoothly.
The work phlebotomists conduct enables patients to receive blood transfusions, and obtain health screenings.
As a result, they play an essential role in the healthcare system and help patients lead healthy, productive lives.
6. Good Job Security
Skilled phlebotomy technicians are in high demand.
According to BLS.gov, careers for phlebotomists will grow by approximately 10% over the next decade.
Other data suggests job growth will exceed 20% over the same period.
As a result, there is excellent job security for those pursuing careers in this profession.
Healthcare jobs are relatively recession-resistant enabling workers to maintain their careers regardless of the economy.
7. Work in Various Healthcare Settings
Phlebotomists work in a wide variety of healthcare settings.
It includes ambulatory services, hospitals, blood banks, community centers, government facilities, and travel agencies.
As a result, phlebotomy technicians have numerous opportunities to work in diverse environments.
Phlebotomist Work Settings:
- Hospitals
- Physicians offices
- Blood banks
- Community clinics
- Government facilities
- Phlebotomy mobile services
- Travel phlebotomy opportunities
Working in diverse settings is great for gaining experience, learning about other careers, and developing relationships.
Phlebotomy technicians get to develop additional skills in certain occupations to earn more money.
For instance, they perform blood draws, conduct venipunctures, heel sticks, and finger sticks, and perform stress tests.
Phlebotomy Technician Skills:
- Perform blood draws
- Conduct venipunctures, heel sticks, and finger sticks
- Perform additional tests (i.e., stress tests)
- Prepare samples for testing
- Assist with EKGs
- Collect specimens
- Update medical documentation
- Sanitize and maintain equipment
- Train new phlebotomy technicians
8. Opportunities to Travel the Country
As previously mentioned, there are numerous career opportunities for phlebotomy technicians.
One growing career within this profession is the traveling phlebotomist.
These professionals operate at different healthcare facilities throughout the state or country.
Some travel phlebotomists also work on temporary assignments in different states.
Filling vacant positions at understaffed facilities enables phlebotomists to earn a higher income.
In this case, the facility may cover travel expenses, room and board, a travel stipend, and health insurance.
In addition, travel phlebotomists get to experience different destinations and build incredible memories.
Travel Phlebotomist Benefits:
- Increased pay
- Travel to exciting locations
- Paid accommodations
- Health and dental coverage
- Ability to work in diverse
9. Explore Different Healthcare Careers
Because phlebotomy technicians work in various healthcare settings they have opportunities to explore diverse careers.
For instance, hospitals employ a mixture of medical professionals and staff.
It includes LPNs, registered nurses, physicians, physician assistants, EKG technicians, and sonographers.
They also work with EMS, paramedics, and rapid response teams to help patients receive emergency care outside the hospital.
Therefore, phlebotomy technicians in these environments get to meet and talk to many different professionals.
It’s a fantastic way to determine whether to return to school to become a nurse or pursue another occupation.
10. Social Interaction
Unlike other professions, phlebotomy is a very social occupation that requires numerous skills and excellent communication.
These specialists assist patients and donors directly day-to-day to draw blood, collect specimens and provide support.
They also help other phlebotomists and medical professionals with a broad range of healthcare-related responsibilities.
As a result, phlebotomy technicians interact with many different people inside and outside of healthcare settings.
Becoming a phlebotomy technician is excellent for those who love interacting with others and making an impact on their lives.
They get to be a part of the healthcare team, establish meaningful relationships with other hard-working professionals, and support those they care about.