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Working as a phlebotomist means you have many transferable skills that would allow you to make a good fit for alternative careers.
But why would you want to explore a new career?
Maybe you are on the verge of burnout, or perhaps you are looking for something more or less hands-on.
Whatever the reason, you can feel confident knowing that you have many options to choose from.
This guide will help you explore a list of alternative careers such as medical assistant, patient service rep, and more.
You’ll also read about a list of requirements for each to help you determine whether you need to earn any additional certifications or degrees.
List of Alternative Careers
1. Medical Assistant
Description
Medical assistants are probably one, if not the most similar to a phlebotomist technician.
Medical assistants have many responsibilities, all of which include performing clinical tasks while working under the supervision of a doctor.
Medical assistants help doctors with physical exams, take patient vital exams, record patient medical histories, and much more.
Transferable Skills
Phlebotomist techs looking to switch over to a career as a medical assistant can transfer many skills, including infection control protocols, medical terminology, patient interaction, drawing blood, communication skills, and much more.
All of these skills are a critical part of both careers.
Potential Requirements
Medical assistants, like phlebotomists, need a high school diploma.
However, they are both slightly different careers, so you will need different training and certifications.
You must complete a medical assistant training program and pass a certification exam.
Many employers like to see medical assistants who have gained experience through an internship or externship.
Benefits
Compared to a phlebotomist, medical assistants have a wider range of duties.
This could be seen as a plus for many looking to transition.
You will benefit from greater administrative and clinical tasks as a medical assistant.
Additionally, you will enjoy a fulfilling career that is more diverse and has the opportunity to interact with patients beyond just drawing blood.
Also, if you’re looking for a career where you can climb the ladder, medical assistants have a stronger foundation when it comes to career advancement.
2. Patient Service Representative
Description
A career as a patient service representative is also an alternative career to being a medical assistant.
Patient service representatives work at the front desk of a hospital or doctor’s office.
They are in charge of scheduling patient appointments, collecting co-payments, maintaining insurance information, keeping patient records up-to-date, and much more.
Transferable Skills
Phlebotomists looking to change careers and transition into patient service representatives can take a lot of their skills with them, including attention to detail, communication skills, time management skills, critical thinking skills, and much more.
Critical thinking skills apply to both careers because you’ll still be analyzing patient information and resolving patient issues.
Potential Requirements
Like phlebotomists, patient service representatives also need to have a high school diploma.
No additional certificate or education is needed to become a patient service rep.
However, some employers prefer candidates who have prior experience working in a healthcare setting, so as a former phlebotomist, you’ll already be a step ahead.
Benefits
There are many benefits to working as a patient service representative.
You have a lot of room for career growth compared to phlebotomists.
You still benefit from direct patient interaction and have the opportunity to gain a lot of knowledge about different medical practices and much more.
This is a perfect role for those looking to stay in the healthcare field but be more on the administrative side of things.
3. Emergency Room Technician
Description
Emergency room technicians work side by side with nurses and doctors in the hospital emergency room.
They help with taking vital signs of patients, monitoring patients, setting up equipment, assisting with wound dressing and procedures, and communicating with patients and family members.
Again, these duties are all done under the supervision of a nurse.
Transferable Skills
Phlebotomists looking to transition to a career as an emergency room tech can transfer many skills along with them.
Both careers require you to have excellent patient interaction and communication skills.
You’ll also be able to take vital sign monitoring skills, basic medical knowledge, and the ability to prioritize tasks with you.
These skills are critical not only in phlebotomy but in an emergency room.
Potential Requirements
Just like phlebotomists, emergency room techs need to have a high school diploma.
Additionally, you’ll need to complete an EMT or Emergency Medical Technician certification program.
You’ll need to acquire a CPR certificate and obtain experience working as an EMT in a related setting.
These requirements mean that you’ll have to essentially complete an EMT program and go from there.
Benefits
If you would like a career that provides you with a wider range of responsibilities, a career as an emergency room tech will provide just that.
In addition, you’ll benefit from more direct interaction with patients and the opportunity to work in an environment that is fast-paced and dynamic.
Phlebotomists have one primary focus, and that is to draw blood, but in more focused settings.
4. Medical Laboratory Assistant
Description
Medical lab assistants are responsible for collecting blood, cell, and bodily fluid samples from patients.
They are also in charge of processing samples, which means they must sort, label, and ensure samples are prepared for testing.
Medical lab assistants also operate special equipment to conduct tests on samples.
They work in a variety of settings, such as private labs, hospitals, health clinics, and more.
Transferable Skills
Phlebotomists can transfer several skills to a medical lab assistant career.
Some of these skills include lab skills, communication skills, and handling patients.
Phlebotomists must communicate with nurses, patients, and doctors, which in turn builds trust.
The same applies to a role as a medical lab assistant.
Also, phlebotomists learn lab techniques, including taking blood samples, safety procedures, and many more.
Medical lab assistants work in labs as well, so these skills can be applied.
Potential Requirements
Transferring from a phlebotomist to a medical lab assistant means that you’ll need to earn additional certificates.
For example, you will need to possibly obtain an associate’s degree, which can be done by completing a specialized program.
Additionally, you’ll be required to pass the CMLA exam in your state.
Benefits
Medical lab assistants have a wide range of responsibilities compared to phlebotomists, which can be seen as a huge benefit for many.
Other benefits of working as a medical lab assistant include having more interaction with patients, exposure to more lab procedures, and the chance to learn a lot of information on a variety of tests instead of only blood draws.
5. Histotechnologist
Description
Histotechnologists are often referred to as histology technicians.
They work in the laboratory and prepare tissue samples that are to be examined under a microscope.
Other duties include preparing microscope slides, diagnosing diseases using histologic technology, and processing tissue samples.
Transferable Skills
Histotechnologists and phlebotomists share similar skills, so if this is a career you are thinking about pursuing, you’re in luck.
As a phlebotomist, you can transfer quality control skills, detail-oriented skills, communication skills, and more with you when transitioning between careers.
Potential Requirements
Histotechnologists must earn a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field.
You must also obtain additional certificates and complete a histology tech certificate program.
You can become certified through ASCP. You can then obtain your credentials.
Benefits
Histotechnologists can enjoy a variety of benefits compared to phlebotomists.
You’ll be deeply involved in the diagnostic process as you’ll be preparing tissue samples for evaluation.
You’ll also benefit from a role that is more intellectually stimulating and offers more in terms of career advancement.
Tips for Transitioning Careers
Here are several tips to keep in mind when transitioning into a new career:
1. Network & Gain Experience
Whether you’re transitioning from a phlebotomist or another career, the same applies.
It’s critical to make connections and gain experience in the field you are looking to transfer to.
Are you thinking of completing an internship, volunteering, or applying for part-time work?
Or perhaps you could do additional projects while staying at your current job.
Additionally, to get noticed, you can form new connections within your industry, all of which can help you land a new job.
2. Research
When you start making the transition to a new career, you’ll be surprised at what begins to emerge.
During this phase, it’s necessary to do as much research as you can so you can become a semi-expert in your field.
It helps to speak to individuals who are already working in this career and use various resources to conduct your research.
3. Tailor Your Resume
Of course, you will want to make sure that your resume is up to par.
Your resume should be presented in a way that shows how valuable you were at your former job and how valuable you can be in a new career.
Be sure to highlight your existing experience and skills so they are relevant to your new career.
Conclusion
Making the transition to a new career as a phlebotomist is very possible.
You can feel confident knowing that there is a dream career out there waiting for you.
Your hard-earned skills can easily be transferred to a variety of careers, including being a medical assistant, patient service representative, and many others.
Whether you’re looking to stay hands-on or looking to work behind the scenes in healthcare, there is something out there.
Your next steps should include determining what industry you see yourself transferring to and applying your skills, knowledge, and experience to it.
Ensure your resume is updated and network with as many people as you can so you can be successful on your new journey.
