What sort of questions should I ask myself if I was thinking of becoming a phlebotomist?

More than likely someone in the field or that knows someone in the field. I posted a similiar question on nursing and got good questions. Your imput is appreciated as I try to make career choices here.

I have many years of experience directing clinical laboratories and I've hired, trained, and supervised many, many phlebotomists.

This job requires a person who is intelligent, thinks fast on the feet, and has maturity and good judgement to handle stressful and difficult situations. It helps to have a strong back and you must be able to do a lot of walking. You also need good people skills and have compassion for sick or fearful people. A good phlebotomist pays attention to detail and never deviates from the rules of proper patient identification and specimen labeling - an error can have grave consequences to the patient.

The job doesn't pay as well as other laboratory jobs because it doesn't require the same level of education. Many phlebs train on the job or take a short course to get their training. Generally, for a newly-trained phleb, it takes a good six months of full time work to reach a high level of competency.

The benefits of going into this field is that you do have a lot of patient contact and that you are doing work that is of benefit to others. The pay is OK for the level of education, but it would be difficult to support yourself on your salary alone. Oftentimes people become phlebotomists so they can work in the medical field while going to school to become a lab tech, nurse, or even a doctor. Many hospitals will pay for part or all of your college tuition if you are a full time employee.

It seems so boring doing the same thing all the time. Drawing blood. I suppose though the people interaction jwould be good.

Do I like needles?
Do I faint at the sight of blood?
Do I like being around sick people?
What job is my ultimate goal?
Why don't phlebotomists make much money?