Phlebotomy or Surgical Tech

Hello!

I am trying to figure out what is a good direction for advancement of my career. I completed my BS in Cellular/Molecular Biology with a minor in Forensic Biosciences in 2023. I worked at an ecology lab after graduation, I changed for a Pharmacy Tech and now I'm a Patient Access Representative for my local hospital. I wanted to be a MLS or MLT but my state passed a law 2022 stating I can not unless I go back to school for a few years or a clinical site. The hospital has a program but it would be a personal loan and $12,000 at least and another year where I am living (not good mentally since there's nothing going on). It also does not have the ASCP certification yet and they don't know until May and they stated that it could be another 2 years 2026-2027 (July-June).

My lease is up in late August and I was going to go back to school so I'll be able to work in a hospital or at least healthcare to a degree. I was debating on phlebotomy or surgical tech. Both have certifications I could go back and obtain. The Phlebotomy is also a specimen processing tech too and is in one semester (8 weeks class, 8 weeks clinical with 254 hrs total). The surgical technician I think I have all the pre reqs from my degree and not sure how long the program is but can look into it. These are both more affordable and through FASFA with around $5000 at max cost.

I guess my question is what is a better pathway? I would reasonably enjoy both looking into them but given my background I'm definitely looking for suggestions and opinions on what may be the best.

Thank you for the help in advance! (: