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what steps should I take to get the most amount of money out of being a phlebotomist. What should I become an LVN or LPN? Is it necessary to be an LVN/LPN to be a phlebotomist??
I'm in the San Jose Job Corps program and I'd like to be a medical assistant but my long-term goal is to be a radiologic tech. the preferred order I'd like to do is medical assistant, LVN/LPN, phlebotomy, then radiologic tech
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7 answers
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Yo, Adam! Okay, so you’ve got a whole medical-career glow-up plan, and I’m here for it. Let’s untangle this and get you stacking that cash while working your way to becoming a radiologic tech.
First things first—Phlebotomy Money moves 🤔 or travels 😏:
Okays so, In California, you gotta be a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT-1) to legally draw blood. Get that certification through a state-approved program and the big bucks will follow.
Hospitals = More $$$: Clinics and labs pay decently, but hospitals usually shell out more. Aim to work in trauma centers or specialized units if you can.
Now also, If you can handle those vampire hours, working nights or weekends often comes with extra cash in the form of shift differentials.
Some phlebotomists cross-train in EKG or patient care, which makes you more valuable and boosts your paycheck.
Adam, LVN/LPN isn't Necessary for Phlebotomy, not at all! You can be a phlebotomist without being an LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) or LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). Different tracks, different vibes. If your heart’s set on phlebotomy, no need to detour. But…
If you want higher pay and more career options, yes. LVNs/LPNs earn more than phlebotomists and can also work in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. Plus, it’s a solid stepping stone toward advanced healthcare roles (like your radiologic tech goal).
Now to keep it short for you buddy!
1. Phlebotomy (CPT-1): Fastest path to start making money—usually a few months of training.
2. Medical Assistant: Broaden your skills while making slightly more bank and gaining clinical experience.
3. LVN/LPN: One to two years of training, but opens doors to higher salaries and better job stability.
4. Radiologic Tech: Your endgame! This one takes a bit longer (typically 2 years for an associate degree), but the pay is sweet—like $80k+ in Cali.
Hope this helped out Adam, if you need anything else do let me know, all the best and good luck! 😉🤗
Connect with hospital staff while you’re in Job Corps—sometimes, it’s who you know that gets you hired.
Many hospitals will pay for your next certification if you’re already working for them then ride that free education wave. Just check in with them.
Mobile phlebotomy (drawing blood at patients’ homes) is a side hustle goldmine if you want extra cash. So you can go for it.
First things first—Phlebotomy Money moves 🤔 or travels 😏:
Okays so, In California, you gotta be a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT-1) to legally draw blood. Get that certification through a state-approved program and the big bucks will follow.
Hospitals = More $$$: Clinics and labs pay decently, but hospitals usually shell out more. Aim to work in trauma centers or specialized units if you can.
Now also, If you can handle those vampire hours, working nights or weekends often comes with extra cash in the form of shift differentials.
Some phlebotomists cross-train in EKG or patient care, which makes you more valuable and boosts your paycheck.
Adam, LVN/LPN isn't Necessary for Phlebotomy, not at all! You can be a phlebotomist without being an LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) or LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). Different tracks, different vibes. If your heart’s set on phlebotomy, no need to detour. But…
If you want higher pay and more career options, yes. LVNs/LPNs earn more than phlebotomists and can also work in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. Plus, it’s a solid stepping stone toward advanced healthcare roles (like your radiologic tech goal).
Now to keep it short for you buddy!
1. Phlebotomy (CPT-1): Fastest path to start making money—usually a few months of training.
2. Medical Assistant: Broaden your skills while making slightly more bank and gaining clinical experience.
3. LVN/LPN: One to two years of training, but opens doors to higher salaries and better job stability.
4. Radiologic Tech: Your endgame! This one takes a bit longer (typically 2 years for an associate degree), but the pay is sweet—like $80k+ in Cali.
Hope this helped out Adam, if you need anything else do let me know, all the best and good luck! 😉🤗
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Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
Hi, Adam. You have an interesting career path in mind! You are not likely to make a hefty amount of money as a phlebotomist. And you might actually want to start there, since LVN and LPN are likely to require you to perform phlebotomy. If your end goal is radiology, I'm not sure you need to go through all the other disciplines. However, you might find that you are a good fit and enjoy one of them! In phlebotomy you should get a good picture of laboratory careers, the nursing areas are quite different and all are very different from radiology. Consider your strengths and weaknesses and what you most enjoy doing and go from there. But making money as a primary goal doesn't usually lead to a satisfying career or life.
Good luck!
Kathie
Good luck!
Kathie
Thank you, Kathleen for the advice.
Adam
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Hi Adam,
Getting into healthcare is great! Keep in mind that all healthcare careers still provide customer service (patient care). You do not need an LVN or LPN to complete phlebotomy. Phlebotomy usually requires a certification/class. However, you will need to perform phlebotomy to become an LPN or MA- but these careers also do much more. MA's usually require a certification course to become one. Rad tech is a totally different field and requires a degree (usually 2 years of rad tech school). To be an LPN/LVN it is usually 1 year of nursing school. But to be honest if you are going to do 1 year of nursing school you might as well do 2 years and get your associate's in nursing to become an RN. Generally, a phlebotomist does not make a lot of money and you will most likely not get paid more even if you have an LPN/LVN because you're still only doing phlebotomy. More responsibilities will make you more money in general. I would agree with Kathleen though, if you are doing something just for the money, it may not be rewarding to you as a career.
Getting into healthcare is great! Keep in mind that all healthcare careers still provide customer service (patient care). You do not need an LVN or LPN to complete phlebotomy. Phlebotomy usually requires a certification/class. However, you will need to perform phlebotomy to become an LPN or MA- but these careers also do much more. MA's usually require a certification course to become one. Rad tech is a totally different field and requires a degree (usually 2 years of rad tech school). To be an LPN/LVN it is usually 1 year of nursing school. But to be honest if you are going to do 1 year of nursing school you might as well do 2 years and get your associate's in nursing to become an RN. Generally, a phlebotomist does not make a lot of money and you will most likely not get paid more even if you have an LPN/LVN because you're still only doing phlebotomy. More responsibilities will make you more money in general. I would agree with Kathleen though, if you are doing something just for the money, it may not be rewarding to you as a career.
Thank you so much!
Adam
Updated
Gladys "GG"’s Answer
Hi Adam,
Phlebotomist positions are considered entry level so you don't need anything other than certification to do it. Unfortunately the do not pay much, currently around $14 an hour to start. Having this under your belt is always helpful if you are moving forward in your career. I would personally recommend getting your RN degree, it will open so many doors and if you enjoy it, it will be worth it. If you are not sure, I suggest you volunteer at a hospital to make sure. I wish you lots of luck.
Phlebotomist positions are considered entry level so you don't need anything other than certification to do it. Unfortunately the do not pay much, currently around $14 an hour to start. Having this under your belt is always helpful if you are moving forward in your career. I would personally recommend getting your RN degree, it will open so many doors and if you enjoy it, it will be worth it. If you are not sure, I suggest you volunteer at a hospital to make sure. I wish you lots of luck.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Adam
Updated
Catherine’s Answer
Honestly, you're not going to start out making a lot as a phlebotomist but there are options. I would look into mobile or travel phlebotomy. Becoming a MA does give you a glance at everything you will be doing as a phlebotomist and a LPN. I do agree with Kathleen that radiology is a completely different field and will require completely different skills. I would suggest trying to get a job in an urgent care or ER as a Certified MA. You will see how each role is played. Good Luck with everything!
Updated
Cindy’s Answer
I think you are interested in a career in the medical field, but are not sure what that entails. I would urge you to read the posts of others on this site. Look up posts about what an LPN or a MA or CMA is and what they do. The position of phlebotomy is probably going to earn you as much money as going to work at a grocery store like Aldi. Getting the job will be harder as the positions are very few. LPNs are called LVNs in some states. This is a good career for a lot of people. Depending on where you work as a nurse, you will probably be trained to do phlebotomy anyway (by your employer).
Thank you for the advice.
Adam
Updated
Catherine’s Answer
Honestly, you're not going to start out making a lot as a phlebotomist but there are options. I would look into mobile or travel phlebotomy. Becoming a MA does give you a glance at everything you will be doing as a phlebotomist and a LPN. I do agree with Kathleen that radiology is a completely different field and will require completely different skills. I would suggest trying to get a job in an urgent care of ER as a Certified MA. You will see how each role is played. Good Luck with everything!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Adam