Want to expand your horizons as a phlebotomist? You may not be getting the room for advancement or new experiences you’d like in your current employment. The good news is that careers similar to phlebotomy exist in abundance, and many provide greater freedom and higher pay.

Phlebotomy is a very lucrative profession with excellent job prospects. Patient blood samples must be collected, which calls for expertise and training. It’s also important to communicate effectively with patients and assist them as they undergo testing, sample collection, and analysis.

Despite the profession’s many advantages, many phlebotomists leave the field searching for higher pay or more varied work experience. This article discusses possible phlebotomist career paths outside the medical lab that offer greater independence and higher salaries.

1. Medical Laboratory Technician

A medical laboratory technician (MLT) is a healthcare professional who performs tests on samples of body fluids, tissue, and other substances. MLTs collect samples, prepare them for testing, analyze results, and report findings to physicians and other healthcare providers.

This job requires a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. It also requires the ability to work independently and follow instructions.

2. Clinical Research Associate

Clinical research associates (CRAs) are responsible for managing clinical trials, ensuring that they are conducted according to protocols and regulations. They may also be involved in designing, implementing, and analyzing clinical studies.

This job requires strong communication skills and a thorough understanding of medical terminology and clinical trial processes.

3. Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are healthcare professionals who provide administrative and clinical support to physicians and other healthcare providers. They may be responsible for scheduling appointments, taking medical histories, preparing patients for examinations, and collecting and processing specimens.

Medical assistants must be organized and have the ability to multitask. They also need to communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare providers.

This job is a great option for phlebotomists looking for more flexibility.

4. Patient Care Technician

Patient care technicians (PCTs) provide direct patient care in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics. They may monitor vital signs, administer medications, and collect specimens.

This job requires strong communication skills and the ability to work independently and follow instructions. It also requires knowledge that Patient care technicians must have a thorough understanding of medical terminology and be able to work independently.

They must also be organized and have excellent communication skills. PCTs typically earn more than phlebotomists and have the potential to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics.

5. Health Information Technician

Health information technicians (HITs) manage patient health information, including medical records and other related data. They must accurately code diagnoses and treatments for insurance reimbursement purposes.

This job requires strong organizational skills and the ability to pay close attention to detail. HITs must also have a thorough understanding of medical terminology and the ability to work independently.

6. Laboratory Technician

Laboratory technicians perform tests and analyze samples in a laboratory setting. They must be able to record data accurately and analyze results. This job requires strong organizational skills and the ability to pay close attention to detail.

Laboratory technicians must also have a thorough understanding of medical terminology and the ability to work independently.

7. Medical Transcriptionist

Medical transcriptionists are responsible for transcribing medical reports, such as patient histories, physical exams, and laboratory results. They must be able to accurately interpret medical terminology and record the information clearly and concisely.

This job requires strong organizational skills and the ability to pay close attention to detail. Medical transcriptionists must also have a thorough understanding of medical terminology and the ability to work independently.

8. Medical Coder

Medical coders assign codes to diagnoses and treatments for insurance reimbursement purposes. They must accurately interpret medical terminology and set the appropriate codes. This job requires strong organizational skills and the ability to pay close attention to detail.

Medical coders must also have a thorough understanding of medical terminology and the ability to work independently.

9. Medical Biller

Medical billers are responsible for submitting claims to insurance companies and other payers for payment. They must be able to interpret medical terminology accurately and submit the appropriate codes to ensure timely reimbursement. This job requires strong organizational skills and the ability to pay close attention to detail.

Medical billers must also have a thorough understanding of medical terminology and the ability to work independently.

10. Patient Care Technician

Patient care technicians are responsible for direct patient care, such as taking vital signs and assisting with medical procedures. They must accurately interpret medical terminology and provide the appropriate care. This job requires strong organizational skills and the ability to pay close attention to detail.

Patient care technicians must also have a thorough understanding of medical terminology and the ability to work independently.

11. Medical Administrative Assistant

Medical administrative assistants are responsible for providing administrative support to medical staff. They must accurately interpret medical terminology and provide the appropriate assistance. This job requires strong organizational skills and the ability to pay close attention to detail.

Medical administrative assistants must also have a thorough understanding of medical terminology and the ability to work independently.

12. Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in filling prescriptions and providing customer service. They must accurately interpret medical terminology and provide the appropriate assistance. This job requires strong organizational skills and the ability to pay close attention to detail.

Pharmacy technicians must also have a thorough understanding of medical terminology and the ability to work independently.

13. Histotechnologist

A Histotechnologist is a medical laboratory technician who works with body tissue in a laboratory setting. They work closely with pathologists to prepare body tissue for examination to diagnose or determine the cause of certain conditions and diseases. This can involve taking a biopsy from the patient by cutting away pieces of the affected area, fixing it in paraffin, staining it, and then mounting it on a slide for inspection under a microscope.

Histotechnologists have many of the same duties as Phlebotomists but focus on analyzing tissue samples rather than blood work. They examine tissue slides under microscopes, prepare chemicals and slides for experiments, label all specimens correctly, and chart data that doctors can use to make an accurate diagnosis. In this way, they play an important role in helping doctors identify illnesses and diseases affecting their patients’ health.

Conclusion

Phlebotomists can apply their talents and knowledge to various related fields. Medical coders, patient care technicians, medical administrative assistants, pharmacy techs, and histotechnologists are all examples of these.

Strong organizational abilities and the ability to pay strict attention to detail are required for each of these roles. The capacity to work independently and a solid grasp of medical terminology are prerequisites for these roles.

You can mention your phlebotomy expertise and talents on your resume if you apply for one of these other jobs. Doing so will show potential employers that you are well-suited for the position.

Recruiters are inundated with applications, but you can make yours stand out by working with one of our expert resume writers. To get started, get in touch with us today.