Congratulations, you have completed the Phlebotomy Technician Program and passed the national certification exam! You have spent valuable hours learning the intricacies of drawing blood, communicating with patients, and adhering to medical standards. This is an exciting moment in your career. But now, you may be asking yourself, what’s the next step after becoming a phlebotomist?
In this blog post, we will explore five popular career paths phlebotomists can take to increase their earning potential and expand their professional horizons.
1. Medical Assistant
A medical assistant is responsible for many tasks, including taking a patient’s vital signs and medical history, drawing blood, and administering medication. You have experience drawing blood as a phlebotomist, which is essential to a medical assistant’s job. Most employers require or prefer their staff to complete a medical assistant certification program. CALRegional’s Medical Assistant Program is $2,995 or less and can be completed in 8-10 weeks. Bonus: Returning CALRegional students receive $500 off their next program. The median annual salary for California medical assistants is $47,850.
2. EKG Technician
An EKG technician, or electrocardiograph technician, is responsible for operating and monitoring EKG equipment for patients during diagnostic testing and surgical procedures. Most employers require or prefer their staff to complete an EKG certification program. The EKG Technician Program at CALRegional is recommended for graduates of healthcare training programs or current healthcare workers, so this is a natural next step. Bonus: Returning CALRegional students receive $500 off their next program. The median annual salary for California EKG technicians is $84,520.
3. Clinical Lab Technician
A clinical lab technician analyzes bodily fluids, including blood, urine, and tissue samples, to help diagnose and treat diseases. As a phlebotomist, you already have experience handling blood samples, which will help you transition into a clinical lab technician position. Clinical laboratory technicians typically complete an associate’s degree program in clinical laboratory science. The median annual salary for California clinical lab technicians is $68,820.
4. Registered Nurse
Becoming a nurse is one of the most common career paths for phlebotomists. As a phlebotomist, you already have experience with patient care, which will come in handy when you pursue a nursing degree. With a nursing degree, you will have a broader range of responsibilities, including administering medication, documenting patient medical histories, and diagnosing illnesses. The median annual salary for California registered nurses is $133,340.
5. Physician’s Assistant
A physician’s assistant is a licensed healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a physician. As a phlebotomist, you already understand medical terminology and have experience working with patients. Physician assistants typically need a master’s degree from an accredited educational program. The median annual salary for California physician’s assistants is $144,520.
Reach the Next Step in Your Phlebotomy Career
Becoming a phlebotomist is an excellent first step in a healthcare career. You gain valuable experience in patient care, which can prepare you for many career paths. Whether you choose to become a medical assistant, EKG technician, nurse, medical lab technician, or physician’s assistant, your experience as a phlebotomist will help you succeed in your chosen profession. Exploring these career paths can help you take the next step as a certified phlebotomist.
CALRegional can help you get dual certified as a medical assistant or EKG technician, and our returning students get $500 off their next program!
