Phlebotomy at WGU
Are You Looking for a Phlebotomy Program?
Although WGU doesn’t currently offer a phlebotomy training program, we have other programs that can open you up to more job options.
For instance, our RN-to-BSN, health services coordination, and nursing prelicensure programs can help you prepare for a range of careers similar to phlebotomy. Graduates of these online programs can go on to have careers in nursing, patient care coordination, histotechnology, and more.
If you’re interested in expanding your career options beyond phlebotomy, read on to learn about the healthcare degree programs offered at WGU and the jobs they can lead to.
Skills for a Phlebotomist and Similar Professions
Being a phlebotomist involves more than just drawing blood. They work closely with patients as they seek diagnosis and treatment for a range of illnesses and conditions, often explaining the procedure to patients to help them stay calm. After taking a blood sample, a phlebotomist is responsible for labeling the blood for processing, entering information in computer databases, and assembling and maintaining medical instruments.
Becoming a certified phlebotomist requires at least a high school diploma, as well as a phlebotomy certification, which can be earned by passing a certification exam.
To be successful at their job, phlebotomists need a range of knowledge and skills, including:
- Medical coding knowledge
- Communication skills
- Experience taking vital signs
- Emotional intelligence
- Empathy
- Computer skills
- Data entry skills
Phlebotomists share many of the same skills that are required of today’s nurses and healthcare workers. So, if you’re interested in phlebotomy, it’s worth considering an RN-to-BSN, health services coordination, or nursing prelicensure program. These degrees can expand your healthcare knowledge and broaden your job options, which could lead to a higher salary.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Prelicensure)
If you live in one of the states where WGU offers a prelicensure nursing degree, you can become a registered nurse (RN) and earn your BSN at the same time. This program expands on what a phlebotomy program would teach, preparing you to become a nurse and be directly involved with patient care. This career is broader than phlebotomy and will allow you to work with patients on a deeper level.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
The RN-to-BSN program is designed for current RNs who are ready to become healthcare workers and improve patient and community health. This degree provides you with valuable knowledge to expand on patient work beyond blood collection and can prepare for a more lucrative career in healthcare.
Bachelor of Science Health and Human Services
If you enjoy the medical field but don’t want as much direct patient contact, then a career in health services coordination can be a great fit. This program prepares you for non-patient facing roles in healthcare, such as a patient care coordinator, patient liaison, patient advocate, and more.
$38,450
is the average annual salary for a phlebotomist, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Careers Similar to That of a Phlebotomist
Phlebotomy is a great career choice if you want a job drawing blood from patients and performing supporting roles in hospitals, doctors’ offices, and similar environments. However, if you feel passionate about helping patients on a larger scale or in a different capacity, then there are other career paths you should consider.
To help you better understand your options, here are some of the jobs you can potentially land with the degree programs mentioned above.
What Does a Phlebotomist Do?
A phlebotomist draws blood from patients for tests, research, transfusions, and/or blood donations. They often work in hospitals, blood donation centers, doctors’ offices, and laboratories.
What Does a Patient Care Technician Do?
A patient care technician supports nurses, doctors, and other medical staff in caring for patients with physical and mental health concerns. They work in a range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and assisted living communities.
What Does a PACU Nurse Do?
PACU nurses are critical care nurses who work in a hospital’s post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). They care for patients who have just gotten out of surgery and are recovering from the effects of anesthesia. PACU nurses play a vital role in ensuring patients have a safe and speedy recovery.
What Does a Histotechnologist Do?
Histotechnologists use histologic technology to diagnose diseases, conduct research, or instruct others in the science of histology. They prepare human, animal, or plant tissue for microscopic examination in order to establish or confirm a diagnosis.
What Does a Forensic Nurse Do?
A forensic nurse is a specialty nurse who acts as a link between the healthcare system and the law. They often work with crime and abuse victims and collect physical evidence for criminal investigations.
What Does a Patient Care Coordinator Do?
Patient care coordinators work with patients in non-medical settings to set them up with specialists, explain treatment, and help them get everything they need for a successful visit and aftercare.
What Does a Does an Oncology Nurse Do?
An oncology nurse works specifically with patients battling cancer. They help facilitate medications, mitigate symptoms, communicate treatments, and communicate with a patient’s family during treatment.
What Does a Pathology Assistant Do?
A pathology assistant provides various services under the direction and supervision of a pathologist. They're specially trained to provide accurate and timely processing of a variety of laboratory specimens, including most pathological specimens
What Does an Intravenous Technician Do?
Also known as IV techs, these professionals are trained to administer IV medications in a pharmacy or clinic. They also prepare prescriptions, compound sterile preparations, and give patients their medications. In some positions, they even handle patient intake and verification.
22%
Employment growth is expected for phlebotomists between 2020 to 2030, according to the BLS.
Why Choose WGU?
Why should you choose an online healthcare degree from WGU over a degree somewhere else? Here are a few reasons WGU is a smart choice:
- It’s affordable. Our low, flat-rate tuition means you're charged the same amount per six-month term, regardless of how many classes you take.
- It’s relevant. Our degree programs are designed with your employment and success in mind, so the skills you learn will translate directly to your work post-graduation.
- It’s accessible. Along with our already-low tuition, our scholarships and financial aid make college even more affordable.
- It’s at your pace. Thanks to our competency-based education, you can pass courses by proving what you know, meaning you can speed up your program and potentially graduate faster.
Prepared for Success on the Job
*From a 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU graduates.
100% of employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.*
97% of employers said that they would hire another WGU grad.*
98% of employers said WGU graduates met or exceeded expectations.*
Which Degree Should You Choose?
Any of the healthcare or education focused bachelor's degrees at WGU can prepare you for a future career making a difference in the lives of others. These degrees are a great alternative to a phlebotomist degree program and can make sure you have training and credentials that will help you succeed in your career.
Health & Nursing
Nursing (Prelicensure) – B.S.
A one-of-a-kind nursing program that prepares you to be an RN and a...
A one-of-a-kind nursing program that prepares you to be an RN and a baccalaureate-prepared nurse:
- Locations: Due to in-person clinical requirements, students must be full time residents of Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin to enroll in this program. The coursework in this program is offered online, but there are in-person requirements.
- Tuition: $8,755 per 6-month term for the first 4 terms of pre-nursing coursework and $8,755 per 6-month term for the remaining 4 terms of clinical nursing coursework.
- Time: This program has a set pace and an expected completion time of 4 years. Certain coursework may be accelerated to finish faster.
- WGU offers the prelicensure program in areas where we have partnerships with healthcare employers to provide practice sites and clinical coaches to help teach you and inspire you on your path to becoming a nurse.
- If you don't live in one of our prelicensure states or don't qualify to apply, consider getting our Bachelor's in Health and Human Services instead. This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry, while also working directly with patients who need help.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Community Health
- Women's and Children's Nursing
- Pathology
- Physiology
- Research
Health & Nursing
Nursing (RN-to-BSN Online) – B.S.
An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added...
An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added theoretical depth, employability, and respect that a bachelor's degree brings:
- Time: The program is designed to be completed in 1 year.
- Tuition: $5,325 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 23 total courses in this program.
- Transfers: Students can transfer up to 90 credits.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Healthcare Policy and Economics
- Information Technology in Nursing Practice
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Applied Healthcare Statistics
If you don't currently have an RN and don't qualify for your nursing prelicensure program, consider getting our Bachelor's in Health and Human Services instead. This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry in a unique way.
Health & Nursing
Health and Human Services – B.S.
An online health degree program for students who are committed to making a...
An online health degree program for students who are committed to making a difference for patients in a variety of ways.
- Time: 63% of students finish this program in 24 months
- Tuition: $4,210 per 6-month term
- Courses: 35 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Epidemiology
- Community and Public Health
- Cultural Awareness
- Pathophysiology
- Healthcare Values and Ethics
- Substance Abuse Support
This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry, while also directly working with patients who need help.
Health & Nursing
Nursing – Education (RN-to-MSN) – M.S.
This MSN – Education online nursing program for RNs includes a BSN program...
This MSN – Education online nursing program for RNs includes a BSN program component and is a substantial leap forward for an aspiring nurse educator.
- Time: 60% of RN-to-MSN grads finish within 38 months.
- Tuition and fees: $5,325 per 6-month term during undergraduate portion, and $5,035 per 6-month term during graduate portion.
- Courses: 32 total courses in this program.
This program is ideal for current RNs who are looking to earn both their BSN and MSN in a single, accelerated program.
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:
- Contemporary Curriculum Design and Development in Nursing Education
- Value-Based Nursing Care Outcomes
- Advanced Pathopharmacological Foundations
- Informatics for Transforming Nursing Care
- Leadership and Management
Given the growing nurse educator shortage, earning your MSN with a focus in education is both a rewarding decision and a solid career move.
