If you are interested in joining the field of medicine, becoming a phlebotomist could help you on your journey. Phlebotomy provides you with skills that will be useful in most other areas of medicine, including nursing. If you are unsure whether or not phlebotomy is the right career move for you, here are some pros and cons to compare.
Advantages
Although there are a number of benefits to becoming a phlebotomy technician, one of the most important is that it provides you with a way to earn an income while you are exploring your other career options. In addition to this, the skills you learn in phlebotomy, such as drawing blood and performing lab work, are important in other medical careers.
Phlebotomy is a very necessary part of medicine and as such, there is a significant demand for trained professionals. As a result, you should have more employment opportunities regardless of where you live. If you decide to move, finding new opportunities will be easier.
If you are looking to enter the medical field but have limited funds, phlebotomy is a sound choice. Phlebotomy courses are relatively inexpensive compared to other medical training options. In some instances, financial aid is available to help with the costs of the class and the training materials.
The training for phlebotomy does not require years of study. You can receive the training needed within months. The amount of time required varies by program and state, but it is a shorter training period than some other medical careers, such as nursing.
Disadvantages
Phlebotomy does have some disadvantages. For instance, there is the risk of being exposed to diseases. However, with proper training, the chances of contracting a serious illness are greatly reduced.
Depending on where you are employed, you could be subjected to working irregular hours. For instance, if you work in a hospital or trauma center, you could be required to work nights and weekends. It is important to note that if you choose to work in a setting such as a doctor's office or nursing facility, you are less likely to encounter irregular hours.
Phlebotomy requires you to be on your feet for long periods of time. Fortunately, some employers encourage phlebotomists to rotate between floor work and lab work, which gives them a chance to get off of their feet throughout the week.
The best way to determine if a career in phlebotomy is right for you is to consult with a counselor at a center offering training, such as Western Career Training. You can learn more about the associated costs and what you can expect from becoming certified.
