Given today’s economy, it is easy to understand why so many people are looking for careers that offer better overall job prospects. Many jobs have been cut or reduced in recent years, and the unemployment rate in most states is still incredibly high. For many, this has prompted the urge to go back to school to receive specialized career training, and for those seeking training in career fields that are a bit more recession proof than most, medicine is a top choice. Phlebotomist jobs are among the most prevalent in the medical field today, and with top programs offering great education and certification, this is providing many with the perfect point of entry into the medical industry.

What Career Opportunities Are Available?

When you undergo the specialized training that is required to become a phlebotomist, you will find that there are actually a wide variety of employment opportunities available. Hospitals are expected to remain the biggest employer of phlebotomists in the nation, but even within a hospital setting there are a wide range of career options for phlebotomists. There are also numerous job opportunities outside of the hospital setting, including a variety that are outside of the clinical setting altogether.

Clinical Phlebotomist Jobs : Within a clinical setting, you will find that there are a large number of phlebotomist jobs. In hospitals, phlebotomists typically collect blood samples and specimens for medical testing. Other clinical types of jobs include collecting blood for donation through organizations such as the Red Cross, as well as testing and sample collecting for private clinics, physician’s offices, nursing homes, and other medical facilities. Some phlebotomists also take jobs with disaster relief organizations or with the military to provide specialized services that are often used in the field rather than in a traditional clinic setting.

Depending on the laws and regulations in your state, it might be possible for you to perform other tasks as a phlebotomist as well. Many phlebotomists receive special training to learn how to perform tasks such as arterial blood drawing or to perform certain injections and to set up intravenous lines. A phlebotomist capable of performing these tasks is certainly a very valuable asset to any hospital or clinic and can often help reduce the number of nursing professionals that must be kept on each shift. Phlebotomists with special skill sets such as these often find that they are able to earn wages that are higher than the average.

Other Phlebotomist Jobs : Of course, clinical work is the primary choice for people who receive a degree or certification in phlebotomy, but it is not the only option. Many who have worked in the field for some time or who are looking for a different career path may choose over time to become phlebotomy instructors. These professionals will provide training for other students seeking careers in phlebotomy and will be required to teach everything from needle technique and patient handling to specimen handling, first aid, and basic safety and security protocols. Phlebotomy instructors can often achieve excellent wages.

Ample Opportunity for Employment : The bottom line is that a licensed and registered phlebotomist will find that there are numerous employment opportunities on offer. Phlebotomist jobs are available in almost all hospitals and clinics throughout the country, as well as through a wide range of groups and organizations that perform medical and disaster relief services. The Red Cross is a popular employer for phlebotomists as well, and teaching opportunities are ideal for some professionals. The variety of positions available for phlebotomists is certainly significant, making certification and licensure an excellent opportunity to gain security in a floundering employment market.