Although many people do not know what a phlebotomist is, this specialty is essential in the medical field. A phlebotomist extracts blood samples from patients. This blood is then used to determine the patient’s health. There are blood tests available to check everything from your heart to your kidneys.
If you are interested in becoming a phlebotomist, the good news is that phlebotomists are in great demand. Jobs will go up in demand by 15% through 2020.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for phlebotomists will surpass the number of applicants within the next few years. This means that once you become a certified phlebotomist, you will be able to find employment quickly.
Why You Should Choose a Career in Phlebotomy
There are numerous benefits to choosing a career in phlebotomy. Phlebotomy is a great career choice if you want a relatively short educational commitment and the ability to find employment quickly. Once employed as a phlebotomist, you will earn a good salary, have job security and advancement opportunities; and some medical facilities will actually pay a portion of your education costs to assist you in advancing your medical career.
A phlebotomist’s salary generally starts at about $13.50 to $15.00 an hour. These earnings come after a rather short training period and may include medical, vision and dental benefits. Once you obtain experience, you could earn nearly twice the salary of a new phlebotomist.
Phlebotomists are in High Demand for Several Reasons
- Nurses and doctors are inundated with more pressing matters that require their expertise.
- Expansion of health care needs also drives the demand for phlebotomists.
- Every day, researchers are discovering toxins and new diseases in blood. This means that the importance of blood screenings continue to rise.
For these reasons, certified phlebotomists can find employment in the majority of regions throughout the United States.
A career as a phlebotomist is practical and fast paced. It offers you a sense of reward and fulfillment with great advancement opportunities in the healthcare industry. Whether you choose phlebotomy as a stepping-stone to advance to another healthcare position or as your chosen career, the demand, salary and benefits make becoming a phlebotomist an excellent career choice.
