There are many good reasons to consider making a phlebotomist to nurse transition. As a nurse, you will have an expanded scope of practice, opportunities to specialize, and higher earning potential. To go from phlebotomist to nurse, earn your nursing degree, pass the NCLEX, and obtain a nursing license.
As a phlebotomist who specializes in drawing blood for either diagnostic testing or blood donation purposes, you are meeting an important need in our healthcare system. However, if you are interested in expanding your scope of practice, becoming a registered nurse (RN) will enhance your opportunities.
If you already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, making the transition from phlebotomist to nurse may not take as long as you think. Mercer University’s Second Degree Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) track will allow you to graduate with your BSN in as few as 12 months following the completion of any prerequisites.
Is phlebotomy a good step to nursing? Consider your transferable skills, and then begin planning on earning a nursing degree and taking the NCLEX.
What is an accelerated nursing track? Get the answers to your questions and find out if an ABSN track is right for you.
Why Transition From Phlebotomist to Nurse?
There are many reasons why you might consider transitioning from a career in phlebotomy to nursing.
Is Phlebotomy a Good Step to Nursing?
One of the reasons to consider switching to a nursing career is that it offers advancement opportunities. As a phlebotomist, you became familiar with some of the clinical aspects of healthcare, and you mastered the art of interacting with patients. As a nurse candidate, you can build upon this skill set and continue to make a positive impact in healthcare.
Expanded Scope of Practice
When you become a nurse, you will have greater practice authority and an expanded scope of practice. This means you will handle far more aspects of patient care, including care planning, medication administration, wound care, and patient education.
Diverse Workplace Settings
Some phlebotomists work in hospitals and clinics, while others might work in blood donation centers. As a nurse, you will have more options regarding work settings. While many nurses work in hospitals, clinics, or doctor’s offices, others work in long-term care facilities, home health agencies, or schools.
Opportunities to Specialize
As a nurse, you will have a range of nursing specialties to choose from. You can follow your passion where it leads, whether that is pediatrics, oncology, women’s health, orthopedics, or another specialty.
Greater Earning Potential
Since nurses have more responsibility and education requirements, they also have higher earning potential compared to phlebotomists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), phlebotomists earned a median annual salary of $41,810 as of May 2023, whereas RNs earned a median annual salary of $86,070.
How Phlebotomy Skills Can Help You Succeed in Nursing
Phlebotomists need certain skills, including the following:
- Proficiency with blood draws
- Bedside manner
- Infection control practices
- Attention to detail
- Knowledge of lab tests
- Ability to work under pressure
All these skills can serve you well in a nursing career. Nurses also need to be able to draw blood, communicate well with patients, and adhere to strict infection control protocols. Of course, you will also need to expand your skill set as you transition from phlebotomy to nurse responsibilities. For example, nursing requires strong critical thinking and decision-making skills, as well as a broader range of clinical skills. The ABSN track will teach you everything you need to master the requirements of nursing.
Steps to Transition From Phlebotomy to Nurse
If you have decided that going from phlebotomist to nurse is the right career move for you, you can follow these steps to make the switch:
Find a Track That Is Right for You
Although requirements vary from state to state, not all phlebotomist positions require a bachelor’s degree. If this describes you, a traditional four-year BSN degree may be the best pathway for you to become a nurse. On the other hand, if you have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, you could be eligible for Mercer University’s ABSN track.
Other eligibility requirements include:
- A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, including a minimum GPA of 3.0 for all science classes
- A minimum composite score of 76% on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
- Completion of any required prerequisite courses
An enrollment counselor at Mercer University will review your unofficial transcripts to determine which, if any, prerequisites you need to take.
Apply to Nursing School
After fulfilling the eligibility requirements, submit your application to the ABSN track. In addition to your official transcripts, test score, and application, you will need to submit a resume and an admissions essay. Your enrollment counselor will guide you through the application process and ensure your application is complete prior to submission.
Prepare for nursing school with six actionable tips geared toward success.
Earn Your BSN Degree
The next step in making the phlebotomy to nurse transition is to graduate from nursing school. At Mercer University, you will benefit from flexible online coursework in the ABSN track. That means you can work through the classes on your own schedule as long as you meet all applicable deadlines. You will be completing the program in a blended combination of online classes and in-person lab and clinical experiences, and you will have the full support of our nursing faculty, including opportunities to interact virtually with your peers and instructors.
In addition to the online coursework, you will visit our ABSN Learning Site for in-person nursing skills and simulation labs. You will practice nursing skills and work through patient care scenarios in our state-of-the-art laboratories. Our nursing students work on high-fidelity manikins, which are capable of accurately simulating patient responses. These labs are designed to teach critical thinking and clinical decision-making.
Lastly, you will complete a series of clinical rotations at some of the top healthcare facilities throughout the Metro Atlanta area. You will gain experience providing direct patient care under supervision and enjoy exposure to some of the top nursing specialties, such as acute care, intensive care, maternity care, and pediatrics. By the time you graduate, you will be a practice-ready nurse candidate.
Pass the Licensing Exam
After graduating with your BSN, the next step in transitioning from phlebotomist to nurse is to pass the NCLEX, the licensure exam all aspiring RNs must pass. The NCLEX tests not only your nursing knowledge but also your ability to think critically and apply clinical judgment to various patient care scenarios. After passing the NCLEX, you can obtain your state-issued nursing license.
Career Advancement Opportunities for RNs to Consider
Becoming an RN after working as a phlebotomist is a form of career advancement. However, there are other opportunities within nursing to consider. Once you have a BSN and some clinical experience, you can pursue professional certifications in your nursing specialty. Another option is to return to school to obtain your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
With a graduate-level nursing degree, you can pursue a career away from direct patient care, such as becoming a nurse manager or administrator. Or, you could obtain board certification in your specialty to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). There are many advancement opportunities within nursing to consider.
Prepare for Your Next Career Move at Mercer University
At Mercer University, you can successfully transition from phlebotomist to nurse with our ABSN track. With small class sizes, attentive instructors, and Academic Success Coaches, you will receive all the support you need to thrive as a nurse candidate.
Our ABSN track allows you to graduate with your BSN in as few as 12 months if you already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Contact an enrollment counselor today to learn more.