If needles and blood don't bother you, then a phlebotomist career may be for you. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), phlebotomists draw blood for transfusions, tests, research and donations. They also assist patients who may have a negative reaction to the procedure, assemble and maintain medical equipment, help keep patients calm and much more.
To become a phlebotomist, the BLS reports, typically requires a postsecondary non-degree award from a phlebotomy program. These programs are available at technical schools, community colleges and vocational schools, and they usually take less than a year to complete. Most employers also prefer a professional certification, which several organizations grant, and the following skills: compassion, dexterity, hand-eye coordination and to be detail-oriented.
If you're looking for an important, health-focused career that's both growing and sustainable, then it might be worth checking out one of the many good phlebotomy programs available in the U.S.
Phlebotomist salary and career outlook
Here's an idea of what phlebotomists might expect for a salary in the coming years. The table below also shows expected job growth:
| Career | Total Employment | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Phlebotomists | 128,290 | $36,480 |
Wherever you go in America, if you choose to become a phlebotomist, you're potentially joining a career field that can help saves people's lives. No wonder it's growing.
Sources:
Occupational Employment and Wages for Phlebotomists, Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2013,
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes319097.htm
Phlebotomists, "Occupational Outlook Handbook: 2014-15 Edition," Bureau of Labor Statistics, Jan. 8, 2014,
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/phlebotomists.htm#tab-1
Long-Term Occupational Projections for Healthcare Support Workers, Projections Central,
http://www.projectionscentral.com/Projections/LongTerm