subject: The Many Possibilities of Phlebotomy Careers [print this page] The Many Possibilities of Phlebotomy Careers
There are many possibilities when it comes to phlebotomy careers. You could work in a free clinic or a blood bank, for example, either drawing blood from patients for routine tests or drawing blood from donors for the future medical needs of others. Chances are, however, that you'll work in one of these three most popular places of employment for phlebotomists:
Doctor's offices
Hospitals
Labs
You may also work with students in the health services department of a university, at an insurance company drawing blood from people who are applying for life insurance, or with inmates at a prison.When you're new, you may have to work the third shift until you can work your way up to the coveted daytime shift. And, if you work in a lab, you may have to start as early as 6:30 a.m. or leave as late as 7 p.m. Sometimes, you might have to work a Saturday shift, but typically the hours in labs are reliable so that you'll know what to expect.
What to Expect on the Job
The work schedule, hours and specific job duties of phlebotomists will vary. The one thing you can expect on the job is the obvious fact that you will be drawing blood; other than that, it will depend on where you work. If you work in a doctor's office, you will have banker's hours, so you'll probably be there Monday through Friday during regular daytime hours. If you work in a hospital, you will more likely have hours similar to those of a nurse, which could be 8-hour shifts or 12-hour shifts, depending on the hospital. When you're new, you may have to work the third shift until you can work your way up to the coveted daytime shift. And, if you work in a lab, you may have to start as early as 6:30 a.m. or leave as late as 7 p.m. Sometimes, you might have to work a Saturday shift, but typically the hours in labs are reliable so that you'll know what to expect.
Phlebotomy is a specialized area of medical care, but the versatility and various possibilities of the job may be the perfect fit for you!
