Phlebotomy: A Quick Path to the Medical Field- Job Settings, Pay, and Career Advancement
Summary
- Phlebotomy is a good career option for individuals looking to quickly enter the medical field and gain valuable experience.
- Phlebotomists can work in various settings, including hospitals, labs, clinics, and plasma donation centers.
- The field of phlebotomy is saturated, making it competitive for new graduates, but also offering opportunities for career advancement.
Phlebotomy: A Quick Path to the Medical Field
For individuals interested in starting a career in the medical field, becoming a phlebotomist can be a great entry point. One of the key advantages of pursuing a career in phlebotomy is the relatively short training and education required. Most phlebotomy certification programs can be completed in as little as 6 months to a year, depending on the training venue. Upon completion of a phlebotomy training course, individuals can sit for the national certification exam to become a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT). Additionally, phlebotomy training can also be integrated into other medical study programs like Medical Assisting, Nursing, EMT, or Paramedics, providing a versatile skill set for those looking to continue their medical education.
Phlebotomy Settings
Phlebotomists have the opportunity to work in various healthcare settings, expanding their skill set beyond just drawing blood. They can find employment in hospitals, doctor's offices, labs, clinics, and plasma donation centers. Each setting offers unique opportunities for phlebotomists to learn and grow in their career. For example, in hospitals, phlebotomists may be required to perform more specialized tasks like drawing Arterial Blood Gases or drawing patients in the Emergency Room. Clinics may certify phlebotomists to start intravenous lines, while laboratories may involve them in processing patient samples and reporting results to physicians. Additionally, Mobile Phlebotomy is another setting where phlebotomists can work, traveling to different locations to draw blood from patients on-site.
Hours & Pay
The working hours for phlebotomists can vary depending on the healthcare setting. In a hospital, a phlebotomist may work overnight shifts, while in a doctor's office, they are more likely to have standard daytime hours with no holidays or weekends. As of May 2021, the national average Salary for phlebotomists is around $37,380 per year according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, certain states may offer higher salaries, with Hawaii being one of the highest-paying states at $59,000 per year. In comparison, other medical professions like Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs), EMTs, Paramedics, and Registered Nurses (RNs) have varying average yearly salaries.
Saturated Field & Career Advancement
While phlebotomy can be a rewarding career choice, it is worth noting that the field is saturated, making it competitive for new graduates without experience. Many individuals use phlebotomy as a stepping stone to advance their careers in the medical field by pursuing further education or transitioning to roles like Paramedics, RNs, Medical Technicians, or Physician Assistants. The high turnover in the field offers opportunities for new graduates to enter, but also means that experienced phlebotomists may find the need for more challenging career paths after several years. Regardless, phlebotomy serves as an excellent entry point for individuals to explore the medical field, interact with patients and healthcare professionals, and uncover the vast possibilities within medicine.
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