4 top reasons to consider a career in phlebotomy

Phlebotomists are some of the unsung heroes of the medical world, and their role has become increasingly important in the midst of the Covid-19 crisis. Working on the frontline to help test potential Covid patients and help with related surveys – as well as continuing their business-as-usual bloodwork during this time of heightened need – phlebotomists face risk and reward in their work every day. Phlebotomist all over the world have adapted to new precautions to make their job as safe as possible and have banded together to help in the fight against the pandemic – but could this role be a good fit for you? Here are four of the best reasons why you should consider a career in phlebotomy.

You’ll make a difference

The work phlebotomists do can help to quickly diagnose diseases and conditions. It’s a vital part of any healthcare practice which saves lives all over the world every day. Whether you’re involved with blood transfusions, plasma donations or drawing blood to help diagnose and screen for illnesses, your work makes a real difference. You can also play an instrumental role in helping a patient feel comfortable and relaxed, which is important to help them get the care they need.

You won’t be stuck behind a desk all day

According to the NHS, many adults spend around nine hours a day sitting and this can present all kinds of health problems. The good news is, phlebotomists work in a variety of locations, including hospitals, health centres and clinics, as well as in patients’ homes and residential and care homes. If you’re working on a temporary project, such as a Covid-19 survey, you’ll typically work in a community setting where you visit survey participants in their own homes, meaning your environment will change every day. You may work as part of a team, with nurses, biomedical scientists, GPs or other healthcare staff, and will have plenty of contact with patients. Interacting with people every day means this job is never dull, and you’ll have a great opportunity to develop your interpersonal skills and help to put patients at ease in what can often be a frightening time for them.

Barriers to entry are low

There are no set entry requirements to phlebotomy, and several different ways you can enter the job market. A college qualification, such as a Level 2 Diploma in Healthcare Support Services or a Level 2 Certificate in Health and Social Care, can be a good springboard to success, with work placements helping to ensure you get a job after completing your study. You may also be able to do an intermediate apprenticeship as a healthcare science assistant or start as a healthcare assistant and complete further training. When compared to other healthcare roles that require years of postgraduate training and work experience, this is one profession that is relatively easy to get into.

Check out more top tips on how to become a phlebotomist.

The career outlook is positive

As the population continues to grow and demand for new types of tests continues, we’re seeing plenty of jobs available for phlebotomists here in the UK and further afield. In the US, employment of phlebotomists is expected to grow by 23% between 2018 and 2029, which is much faster than other occupations. It’s a stable career pathway that offers relatively good pay for low levels of training and entrance requirements, making it a great choice for jobseekers now and in the future.

Find your next phlebotomy job with IQVIA

At IQVIA, we have a wide range of phlebotomy and healthcare assistant roles available all over the UK. As part of the Covid-19 Infection Survey, these professionals are working in a community setting to support the sampling study through blood and swab testing. If you’re a qualified healthcare assistant (HCA) or phlebotomist, with experience in venepuncture, we’d love to hear from you. View the latest phlebotomy jobs and register with us to find out more.