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Phlebotomy Career Paths and Beyond: Where Your CPT-1 Can Take You

A group of phlebotomy students in a classroom preparing for their phlebotomy career.

Phlebotomy is a career path that can take you in many different directions. Whether you choose to work in a laboratory, with patients, or in a supervisory role, your CPT-1 license is the ticket to many exclusive positions. As soon as you graduate with your certification, you’ll be eligible for many high-paying and rewarding phlebotomy career paths.

Choosing an Area of Focus 

There are hundreds of different jobs that branch off of the phlebotomy career path. To make them easier to follow, we can break them down into three categories: 

  • Laboratory: Someone who chooses to pursue this phlebotomy career path will be focused on specimen collection, handling, and processing in a laboratory setting.
  • Patient-focused: You will work directly with patients to collect blood samples and other specimens for doctors’ offices, hospitals, and clinics. 
  • Supervisory: Someone who chooses the supervisory career track will eventually be responsible for managing and overseeing phlebotomy teams, units, or entire departments.

A good way to decide what phlebotomy career path you want to follow is to consider where you see yourself a decade from now. Are you working at a lab? Are you assisting physicians and patients? Or are you running a phlebotomy team? The decision you make now can help determine your career path later. 

Phlebotomy Career Paths for the Short- and Long-Term 

Chart describing the different career path levels a phlebotomy student can take. The three levels are Laboratory, Patient Facing, and Supervisor, with 3 career paths each underneath.

For each of the phlebotomy career paths, there’s an entry-level role that will help you set the course for your career. That’s not to say that they’re inflexible, though. Someone may start as a mobile phlebotomist and eventually become a lab director or a medical lab scientist. However, the below represent examples of common career paths that you will run into as a phlebotomist. 

Laboratory Phlebotomy Career Paths

CareerDutiesRequirementsEstimated Salary
Phlebotomy Technician(entry-level)Collects blood and other specimens from patientsLabels and processes specimensEnsures specimens are handled safely and properlyMay assist with preparing samples for analysis and maintaining laboratory equipment and suppliesHigh school diploma or GED, completion of a phlebotomy training program, and a CPT-1 license Median Bay Area pay of $24.22 per hour
Research Assistant(mid-career)Collects and analyzes data for scientific researchersManages research projects and communicates resultsRecruits study participants and takes histories Typically requires a bachelor’s degree or higher, but entry-level positions may be available with CPT-1Median salary of $57,760 per year.
Medical Lab Scientist(experienced)Performs complex laboratory tests and analyses on patient samplesInterprets test results and troubleshoots laboratory equipmentDevelops and validates laboratory proceduresMedical lab scientists typically have a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or a related field and are certified by a national certification agency.$57,380 median salary 

Patient-Focused Phlebotomy Career Paths

CareerDutiesRequirementsEstimated Salary
Mobile Phlebotomy(entry-level)A mobile phlebotomist travels to patient homes or workplaces to collect blood and other specimens.Ensures the proper labeling, handling, and transport of specimens to the laboratory for analysisKeeps accurate records of specimens collectedHigh school diploma or GED, completion of a phlebotomy training program, and a CPT-1 license$50,416 average per year in San Francisco (as of May 16, 2023)
Medical Assistant(mid-career)Records patient history and personal informationMeasures vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, and weightAssists healthcare providers during medical exams and proceduresUsually requires additional education, like a Certified Medical Assistant credential.Average starting salary of $44,000
Registered Nurse(experienced)Assesses patient conditions and educates patients and familiesAdministers medications and treatmentWorks closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement care plans, monitor patient progress, and coordinate patient careA degree in nursing, and successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered NursesAverage annual salary of $89,010

Supervisory Phlebotomy Career Paths

CareerDutiesRequirementsEstimated Salary
Phlebotomy Supervisor(early career)Manages and oversees the daily operations of a phlebotomy department or unitSupervises phlebotomy staff and ensures they are trained and competent in their dutiesMaintains quality control and safety standards for specimen collection and handlingExperience in a phlebotomy role for 2+ years$56,000 per year
Phlebotomy Manager(mid-career)Responsible for managing the overall operations of a phlebotomy department or laboratoryOversees phlebotomy staff, ensures regulatory compliance, and manages budgetsDevelops and implements policies and procedures to ensure high-quality patient care and laboratory operationsExperience in phlebotomy, management skills, and a bachelor’s degree in a related fieldAround $65,000 per year
Laboratory Director(long-term)Oversees the overall operations of a laboratory, including phlebotomy servicesManages laboratory staff, ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, and manages budgetsCoordinates with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure accurate and timely laboratory resultsMaster’s or doctoral degree in a related field and significant experience in laboratory managementAround $156,081 per year

When you obtain a CPT-1 from a respected, accredited school, the possibilities for success are limitless. By choosing a school known for producing high-quality, confident graduates, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to forge your path in the exciting and rewarding field of phlebotomy.

BAMA Institute is a known and respected provider of healthcare education and can help you forge the phlebotomy career path of your dreams. To learn more about our program, contact an admissions representative.

Accreditation and Certifications

California Department of Public Health
Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education

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