Curious about fast-entry healthcare careers but unsure which one fits you best? Medical billing and coding and phlebotomy are two solid options—each with different paths, salaries, and work styles. Here’s a head-to-head comparison to help you decide.

Phlebotomist

• Clinical settings
• Direct patient contact
• Can involve travel (mobile phlebotomy)

Education & Training

Medical Biller and Coder

• High school diploma required
• Certificate or associate degree (1–2 years)
• Topics: coding systems, medical terminology, insurance billing

Phlebotomist

• High school diploma required
• Certificate program (4–24 weeks)
• Topics: blood collection, anatomy, infection control

Career Outlook & Salary

• Medical Biller and Coder:
  Projected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033 (BLS).
  Median salary is $50,250 per year as of May 2024.

• Phlebotomist:
  Projected to grow 8% from 2023 to 2033 (BLS).
  Median salary is $43,660 per year as of May 2024.

Which Is Better for You?

Choose Medical Billing and Coding if you:

• Prefer detail-oriented work
• Like admin tasks and tech
• Want a desk-based or remote job

Choose Phlebotomy if you:

• Enjoy hands-on patient care
• Prefer fast entry into healthcare
• Are comfortable with needles and clinical settings

Both careers are stable and in demand. It comes down to your personality, goals, and how soon you want to start working.

Final Thoughts

Both medical billing and coding and phlebotomy offer fast, reliable paths into healthcare. Whether you're detail-driven and tech-savvy or people-oriented and hands-on, there's a career waiting for you.

Ready to train for a healthcare career?
Explore programs near you with Dreambound and start your journey today.

Dreambound offers programs in multiple locations. For in-depth information on the intricacies of these two vocations, their prerequisites, and steps to join, explore the following blogs:

• Medical Biller and Coder in Maine
• Phlebotomy in Maine
• Medical Biller and Coder classes near you
• Phlebotomy classes near you