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Are you interested in learning more about drawing blood and helping people?

Have you been wondering how to enter the rewarding healthcare industry without spending thousands on tuition and years of schooling?

If you nodded yes to any or both of these questions, then becoming a phlebotomist might be the best career choice for you.

But before you dive into the career, you might be wondering what the advantages and disadvantages of being a phlebotomist look like.

Every career has its pros and cons, and the same is true for phlebotomy.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the various pros and cons of being a phlebotomist, how much phlebotomists earn, and much more.

So, get your reading glasses on, and let’s get started.

Why Becoming a Phlebotomist is a Good Career Choice – Pros

Becoming a phlebotomist is a good career decision and has many advantages. It provides a direct entry into healthcare, allowing you to have a real impact on patients’ lives by aiding in accurate diagnoses.

Let us delve deeper into the many pros of being a phlebotomist:

Easy entry, minimal educational requirements:

Except for a few states like Washington, Illinois, Idaho, etc., you usually don’t need a lot of schooling or special certification to become a phlebotomist.

Once you have finished high school or earned a GED, you can start looking for phlebotomy jobs and start working right away. This is great if you want to get into the medical field quickly.

While having certifications can help you find better jobs, some healthcare places can teach you what you need to know on the job. They’ll give you hands-on training, so you learn while working. This is a good way to get the skills you need in a real work setting.

See: Phlebotomist Skills

Good job outlook and job security:

As mentioned by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the field of phlebotomy is growing really fast and is among the quickest-growing jobs in the country.

The BLS predicted that there will be 10% more job opportunities for phlebotomists by 2033. This growth is two times faster than the usual rate for jobs in the country. So, if you’re thinking about becoming a phlebotomist, the job outlook looks really promising!

Fast certification:

Even though you don’t have to, getting certified as a phlebotomist can be really helpful. It could mean more money and more job choices.

Certification programs are usually short, around 2-4 months, and you can even do them online if you need a flexible schedule. Being certified makes you more qualified, which might lead to a better salary, and you’ll have more options for where you want to work.

Great pay and benefits:

Phlebotomists earn a good salary, especially when you consider their education and training. They make more money compared to certified nursing assistants – around $7,000 more each year on average.

What’s even better, phlebotomists often get nice perks as part of their job benefits. These perks might include paid time off and health insurance. These extras make the overall pay and job happiness of phlebotomists even better.

See: Phlebotomist Salary

Engaging work:

As a phlebotomist, you’ll thrive in a dynamic and lively work setting. Your days will be filled with constant activity as you engage in tasks, troubleshoot situations, and have direct interactions with patients.

Also see: How to Become a Phlebotomist

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Cons of Being a Phlebotomist

As we talked before, every profession has its pros and cons. Now that we know the pros of being a phlebotomist, let us also learn some of the cons attached to this career:

Lower pay as compared to other professions-

Even though phlebotomists earn a competitive salary as compared to other entry-level jobs when it comes to similar educational requirements, however, it is not on the lower end.

It is still important to note that if you’re entering the field of healthcare, you will have the opportunities to grow further if you wish to pursue further education and training.

Read: Phlebotomist Requirements

Lesser Advancement Opportunities-

There may be limited advancement opportunities for phlebotomists if they don’t pursue further education. Hence, if you want to advance in the field of healthcare, you should opt for further education and training.

Stressful work-

A phlebotomist is responsible for drawing blood and handling people who might be unwell. The environment of a clinic or hospital can be demanding and stressful and you may need to be multitasking throughout the day.

Intense physical activity-

Phlebotomists spend the majority of their day on their feet. They need to perform tasks such as venipunctures, maintaining sterile conditions of the clinic/hospital, labeling, and delivering samples which all require physical activity.

Why an Externship is Important Before Starting Your Career

If you want to become a phlebotomist, doing an externship is a great way to learn without making a big commitment.

During the externship, you’ll have the chance to follow an experienced phlebotomist while they work, either for a day or a few days. This will help you see what they do every day, understand their job, and get used to their workplace.

To find an externship, you can ask local doctors’ offices or clinics if you can watch their phlebotomists at work. Another option is to join a phlebotomy program that offers externships as part of the training. This way, you can learn in a smoother and more convenient manner.

Phlebotomists Job Outlook & Salary

Phlebotomists typically earn an annual salary of around $37,000, which breaks down to roughly $18 per hour. These numbers are based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

However, it’s important to note that these earnings can differ due to various factors such as the specific area of phlebotomy, where you work, your experience level, and whether you’re certified.

The job prospects for phlebotomists are quite promising. If you’re enthusiastic about learning and approach your work with dedication, you should find it relatively easy to secure and keep a desirable phlebotomy position.

Is Becoming a Phlebotomist the Right Career Choice for You?

When deciding if a career as a phlebotomist is right for you, there are several important factors to take into account. Consider your personal interests, financial needs, scheduling preferences, and long-term goals.

Phlebotomists typically enjoy a respectable salary, often receive attractive benefits, and benefit from strong job stability. This profession allows for a relatively quick entry into the field, providing ample opportunities for learning on the job.

Phlebotomy can be an excellent career choice for individuals who are intrigued by the medical field, whether or not they plan to pursue more advanced healthcare roles.

If you have a genuine passion for continuous learning, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and find fulfillment in assisting others, a career in phlebotomy might be a perfect fit for you.

Conclusion

Being a phlebotomist has its pros and cons. It’s a quick way to start a healthcare career with minimal education, offering job security. Phlebotomists also play a vital role in patient care.

However, the job can be physically and emotionally demanding, with modest pay and limited advancement opportunities. Your choice depends on your goals and comfort with challenges, but it can be a fulfilling career if you enjoy helping others.

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