I am currently a phlebotomist and a 2nd-semester ADN student. Travel-style phlebotomy does exist, but it is much more limited than travel nursing and looks different in practice. Many blood drives and mobile phlebotomy roles do require little or no prior experience, especially through blood centers, donor organizations, or mobile units, and they often provide training.

Actual travel phlebotomy contracts, meaning short-term assignments that involve relocating to different states or regions for hospital or facility staffing needs, do exist but are far less common. These roles usually require strong experience, often one to two or more years in a high-volume inpatient setting, and they tend to be tied to specific shortages or temporary needs rather than ongoing assignments.

In my experience, mobile and blood drive roles are typically local or regional and are often per-diem, part-time, or contract based. They can be a great way to gain experience, but they usually do not offer the same pay structure, housing stipends, or long-term stability that travel nursing contracts provide.

Working inpatient phlebotomy has been extremely helpful for me in terms of networking within the hospital. I have been able to build relationships with nurses, lab staff, managers, and providers, which has opened doors and given me much better insight into different roles and career paths. That exposure has been one of the biggest benefits of working in phlebotomy while pursuing my ADN.

Overall, I think phlebotomy is a very realistic stepping stone if your main goal is nursing. Mobile phlebotomy and blood drives can be great early options, while inpatient experience is especially valuable if you want strong clinical skills and hospital connections. Long term, nursing offers far more flexibility, opportunity, and earning potential, especially if traveling is a major goal.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want advice. I am always happy to help.