As medical technology continues to march forward many various career opportunities have become available as part of the medical system. One such career is Phlebotomy, the medical science of puncturing a vein to draw blood or administer fluids intravenously.
Featured program lengths vary by college.
The career of Phlebotomy is expected to grow 5% in the next decade according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Phlebotomists serve as medical technicians with highly specific job requirements. Most phlebotomists draw blood for diagnostic testing, blood transfusions, blood donation, blood assessments, and research.
There are a variety of schools that offer phlebotomy courses, programs, and certifications that will prepare a student to successfully pass their exams and begin a career as a medical technician in Phlebotomy. Most programs will begin with coursework that teaches students how to draw blood and the ethics of the medical field, but most of their experience will be outside of the program actually doing blood draws at either a local partnering medical facility or volunteering for the Red Cross.
Students can begin their career as a Phlebotomist before earning their certification for it, as they need a minimum of hours doing blood draws to qualify for certification. While they can do this it is strongly recommended that they do seek to become certified in the state they are planning to be employed in. Finding work is much easier when they are fully certified. Most programs are offered at community colleges and online. Students can enroll in four-week phlebotomy classes to kick start their career in the medical field.
We have gathered programs that offer 4-week phlebotomy classes to browse through and find one close to you or an online program that would be available throughout the country. (With exception of California and Washington, due to state regulations.)
28 Best Phlebotomy Classes Near You
1. Heart to Heart Healthcare Training
Heart to Heart Healthcare Training provides a blended format for students desiring to become phlebotomists. They will take the first four weeks of the course online. During the online courses, students will learn about the circulatory system, veins, physiology and other items that are pertinent to performing blood draws. Then students will participate in labs where they gain the necessary hands-on skills to perform safe blood draws. This portion of the course will be on two evenings of the week for four weeks on campus. This thorough course will teach students and prepare them with the skill set necessary to be successful and gain employment with some experience already on their resume.
Location: Ypsilanti, Michigan and Essexville, Michigan
Tuition: $850
Course Duration: 4-week online course, 4-week lab course
2. Intermountain Healthcare
Intermountain Healthcare offers a four-week training course to train phlebotomists to not only take blood draws but also provide a safe, comfortable, and confidential environment for patients. Students must be high school graduates or have a GED. This is a paid training program, where students are paid to learn this skill set in return the student must sign an employment agreement that they will work with Intermountain Healthcare for 2080 hours following program completion. That is approximately 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time. In the first two weeks, students will be doing coursework, the last two weeks students will be participating in clinical externships where they will gain hands-on experience and the skillset they need to be successful.
Location: Murray, Utah
Tuition: Paid Training
Course Duration: 4 weeks, (2 weeks course work, 2 weeks externships)
3. Phlebotomy Career Training
Phlebotomy Career Training offers an entirely online Phlebotomy course that students can enroll in and complete on their schedule. Students can accelerate the programs or take it a little slower. This particular program will give students access to the latest phlebotomy book for the NAPTP and a study guide for the national EKG exam. Upon completing the coursework students can take the certification exams and two national exams. Students will have to complete 30 live venipunctures and 5 capillary sticks in order to complete the course and earn certification. Students will be responsible for finding their own externship opportunities to complete this requirement.
Location: Garden City, Michigan
Tuition: $800
Course Duration: 1 to 4 months
4. Northeast Medical Institute
The phlebotomy technician program at Northeast Medical Institute is designed to teach both procedural and technical aspects of basic phlebotomy. Students will learn how to collect blood specimens and the required venipuncture. The two-week course will cover the theory and hands-on experience of drawing blood. Students will learn the concepts of Introduction to Phlebotomy & Infection Control, Legal Issues in Healthcare, Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology, Phlebotomy Equipment & Supplies, Phlebotomy Procedures, and Phlebotomy Fundamental Essentials. At the conclusion, students will take the CPT test on-site to become certified.
Location: Stamford and Woodridge, Connecticut
Tuition: $1,160
Course Duration: 2 weeks
5. Saint Lukes
The phlebotomy program at Saint Lukes is a comprehensive course that teaches students about all the phases of phlebotomy and technique. Students will learn about anatomy and physiology, laboratory departments and organization, specimen collection equipment, and techniques. Students will learn a great deal in the classroom as well as have clinical rotation opportunities in the following areas; hospital laboratories, patient service centers, physician offices, and neonatal/pediatric settings. Students will learn and practice basic, intermediate, and advanced blood draw techniques throughout this comprehensive program.
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Tuition: $1,690
Course Duration: 4-5 weeks
6. Alliance Healthcare Services
Alliance Healthcare Services offers a 2 week and a 4 week phlebotomy class where students. Students will learn the theory and skill behind blood draws. Once students have learned the fundamentals of phlebotomy and participated in a simulated lab they will have the opportunity to do a live blood draw on donors. Once students have completed these requirements they will be eligible to take the national certification exam.
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Tuition: $1,500
Course Duration: 2 week or 4 week
7. Stein Academy
A Maryland Board of Nursing approved career school, Stein Academy offers a four-week phlebotomy course at its Baltimore campus in Maryland. This program is a 60-hour classroom instruction and lab experience. Students will learn the theory, physiology, anatomy, and ethics of blood draw. Students will participate in live venipuncture and capillary sticks, they must successfully perform these to be able to complete the program and earn certification. There is no additional externships or laboratory experiences outside of Stein Academy. Students can sit in on the national certification exam if they choose to though Maryland does not require phlebotomists to have the national certification.
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Tuition: $1,300
Course Duration: 4 to 8 weeks
8. Carolina School of Phlebotomy
The Carolina School of Phlebotomy recognizes that the quality of a laboratory test is only as good as the specimen that was obtained by the phlebotomist. The need for good samples and efficient, caring phlebotomists has led the Carolina School of Phlebotomy to specialize in training students how to properly and efficiently draw blood. Currently there are two programs available for students seeking to become certified phlebotomists, a 7 week program and a 4 week accelerated program. The 7 week program includes an externship where students will gain more practice and networking through clinical rotations. The 4 week program does not include the externship.
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Tuition: $650 to $75
Course Duration: 4 week or 7 week
9. Daytona State College
A public community college, Daytona State College offers a comprehensive 4 week phlebotomy class. Students enrolled in this program will learn the art, science, and skill of phlebotomy. Students will learn how to accurately and efficiently obtain blood samples from patients needing blood work done. Students will attend a four-week course where they learn the theory, physiology, anatomy, and laboratory tools used in phlebotomy. Students will then participate in 4 weeks of clinical rotations where they will gain hands-on experience in obtaining samples at various hospitals and settings where blood draws are necessary. This is a limited-access program so please enroll early to ensure a spot is available.
Location: Daytona Beach, Florida
Tuition: Contact School of Health Careers for Cost
Course Duration: 4 week Coursework, 4 week clinical rotations
10. The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science provides a unique two-week phlebotomy training program that was designed to meet the growing need for trained phlebotomists. Students will first interview for a job position with the talent acquisition team. Once a job offer is made students will then qualify to receive paid training for two weeks. This training will teach them the physiology and anatomy of phlebotomy. Students will receive hands-on experience and then will be placed with a seasoned phlebotomist to continue being mentored. Students will have 8 hour days of coursework and four days of clinical rotations.
Location: McClean, Virginia
Tuition: Paid Training
Course Duration: 2 weeks
11. Delgado Community College
A public community college, Delgado Community College offers a comprehensive phlebotomy program. Students will participate in two lecture courses and one practicum. During the lecture courses, students will learn the anatomy and physiology of the body systems. During the practicum students will gain hands-on experience at one of the local affiliated institutions. Once students complete the program they qualify to take the national certification exam if they choose to. Graduates will be able to be employed as an entry-level phlebotomist.
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Tuition: $1,020
Course Duration: 1 term
12. American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is known for training excellent phlebotomists with the many donation sites they have throughout the country there are opportunities throughout the country to learn from the best. Students can participate in either a paid training program or a program they pay for. The paid training program comes with an agreement that must be met with the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross is one of the most recognizable medical institutions in the world. Students learn in small classes, 8 to 16 students, where they are guaranteed to receive the personal attention and opportunities to become efficient professional phlebotomists.
Location: A Red Cross Near You
Tuition: $965 or Paid Training
Course Duration: 4 weeks
13. Baptist Hospital Laboratory School of Phlebotomy
Baptist Hospital Laboratory School of Phlebotomy now offers paid training for students that are admitted to the program. Students will learn how to properly perform venipunctures, explain requirements for any blood tests that are ordered by physicians, work efficiently in a laboratory setting, and gain an understanding of the teamwork involved inpatient care. Students will participate in two weeks of classroom instruction. Following the two weeks of instruction students will then participate in clinical rotations. The rotations can take up to ten weeks to complete. Once students have completed all the requirements to become certified they will earn their certificate of completion.
Location: Pensacola, Florida
Tuition: Paid Training
Course Duration: 2 week classroom, 10 week clinical rotation
14. Oquirrh Mountain Phlebotomy School
At Oquirrh Mountain Phlebotomy School students will learn from experts that will guarantee they will learn and become certified within the state of Texas to practice phlebotomy. With a 100% pass rate, students will learn from an accredited institution that teaches the latest practices and techniques. Graduates will meet employer’s requirements upon program completion. Students are confident to draw blood and will learn the most effective and caring way to perform their job. There are numerous training sites throughout Texas, see where the closest one is to you here.
Location: Houston, Texas
Tuition: $475
Course Duration: 1 to 4 weeks
15. Academy of Medical Training
At the Academy of Medical Training students learn how to effectively collect, transport and handle a specimen for medical purposes. They learn to identify and select equipment for collecting a specimen as well as supplies and additives used in phlebotomy. Students will learn about laboratories, organization and teamwork within the healthcare system. They will learn new techniques and procedures in their given field. Students will complete two weeks of classwork and then complete 80 hours of applied experiences. To complete the program and become certified students must complete 30 successful unaided venipuncture collections and 10 successful unaided capillary collections.
Location: Waterbury, Connecticut
Tuition: $1,150
Course Duration: 2 week classroom
16. E&S Academy
E&S Academy provides a four-week phlebotomy class online where students will learn the theory, process, and techniques of drawing blood specimens. Students will learn collection techniques, emergency situations, and safe laboratory procedures to prevent contamination. Students will participate in 50 hours of online class instruction and 30 hours of in-person instruction. Students will be certified upon completion of the program. The entire program takes 4week to complete. With this certification, graduates can work anywhere in the United States.
Location: South Plainfield, New Jersey
Tuition: Contact Schoo
Course Duration: 4 Weeks
17. Bates Technical College
Bates Technical College offers a phlebotomy program that meets the standards set by the state of Washington Department of Health. Upon completion students are prepared to take the national certification exam. Students will learn how to successfully collect blood samples using all of the tools currently being used in the laboratory industry. Students must be willing to allow fellow students to take samples from them and will be taking blood samples from other students. This allows them to meet the requirements for learning the techniques and skills of drawing blood on live patients.
Location: Tacoma, Washingto
Tuition: $1,300
Course Duration: 4 to 6 week
18. Woodland Healthcare Training
Woodland Healthcare Training offers a phlebotomy technician program that prepares students to become entry-level phlebotomists that will work closely with doctors and nurses. Students will participate in an overview of the most current phlebotomy practices and procedures. Students learn both capillary and venous procedures. To complete the program and become certified students must complete the coursework, 30 venipuncture and 10 capillary sticks on live patients. The comprehensive program includes 84 hours of course instruction, 36 clinical laboratory hours and 4o hours of a clinical externship.
Location: Denham Springs, Louisiana
Tuition: $3,6675
Course Duration: 4 to 8 weeks
19. Manhattan Institute Allied Medical Training
Manhattan Institute Allied Medical Training provides a comprehensive course for prospective phlebotomists. The state of New York does not require national certification for phlebotomist technicians to practice in New York. Students will learn how to work within a medical team, understand laboratory organization, blood draw techniques, specimen handling and transporting. With hands-on learning opportunities during safe classroom instruction, students will gain confidence in ventricular and capillary sticks on live patients. The entire program can be completed in as little as 4 weeks. Day, night and weekend classes are offered to help meet the needs of students.
Location: New York, New York
Tuition: Contact School for Cost of Program
Course Duration: 4 Weeks
20. Somerset Community College
Somerset Community College is a public community college in Kentucky that offers a course where students can learn the art and skill of phlebotomy. This course enables students to earn a phlebotomy certification. This particular course meets the first four weeks of each semester. Students desiring to participate in laboratory instruction can enroll in Introduction to the Clinical Laboratory course. This course allows students to gain hands-on experience in a laboratory setting with performing blood draws on live patients. This course runs through the semester. Students do not have to be admitted to the lab in order to earn the certificate.
Location: Somerset, Kentucky
Tuition: $178 Per Credit Hour
Course Duration: 4 Week
21. Guilford Technical Community College
A public community college, Guilford Technical Community College provides a phlebotomy training program that is taught through didactic, student laboratory, and clinical experiences. Students are trained to perform a variety of blood collection methods using proper techniques as well as the precautions that need to be in place. Students will learn how to use vacuum collection devices, syringes, capillary skin puncture, butterfly needles and blood culture specimens on patients of all ages. All tests will be performed in the student laboratory.
Location: Jamestown, North Carolina
Tuition: $305
Course Duration: 4 to 8 weeks
22. Medstar Academy
Medstar Academy serves the Phoenix area with medical training courses taught by seasoned professionals. Classes are kept small to ensure that each student will successfully pass the certification exams at the end of the course. Instructors pace the courses so students can adequately learn the material and techniques necessary to learn phlebotomy. Students will learn the course material and participate in clinical experiences where they gain the skill set through hands-on experience to be a caring and proficient phlebotomist. Many students find employment with partnering clinics.
Location: Peoria, Arizona
Tuition: $999
Course Duration: 4 Weeks
23. Nebraska Methodist College
The Nebraska Methodist College offers a unique course that allows students to earn a certificate as a phlebotomist technician. Students will participate in the coursework online, needing to participate a minimum of 7 to 10 hours per week, and then participate in a 3 week clinical rotation experience. Students that are able to accelerate their coursework may complete the program much sooner. With their hybrid blend for the course, students are able to meet personal obligations while learning and preparing for a new career in the medical industry.
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Tuition: $900
Course Duration: 4 to 9 Weeks
24. Doctor’s Help Training Healthcare Workers
Doctor’s Help Training Healthcare Workers in Baltimore Maryland is trying to fill the gap and provide certified healthcare workers that are needed across the state. Students will attend every Saturday for four weeks to learn the theory, physiology, anatomy and skill that is required to become a certified phlebotomist. Students are prepared to take and pass the national certification exam so they will have a better resume upon graduation to be employed in a number of different settings.
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Tuition: $980
Course Duration: 4 to 6 Weeks
25. Colorado Mesa University
A public institution for higher learning, Colorado Mesa University offers a hybrid Phlebotomy course that prepares students for certification as well as preparing them to enter the workforce upon completion The hybrid course is rigorous and is meant to be completed within the four week period of time in which students are enrolled. They will complete all of the course work online at their convenience. It is available 24/7 online. Then they will participate in labs and clinical at set times that they will receive when they enroll in the program. Clinical placement will vary depending on partnering clinics operating hours.
Location: Grand Junction. Colorado
Tuition: $598
Course Duration: 4 Weeks
26. The Nirvana Institute
The Nirvana Institute of Illinois provides a phlebotomy program that is approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education and Nation Health Careers Association. Students will gain the knowledge, training and skill to be an effective member of the healthcare team. Students will learn the proper techniques for collecting both venous and capillary blood specimens from live patients. Coursework includes communication skills, proper labeling and transporting of a specimen, health and safety, anatomy, and physiology. Classes are held three days per week and prepare students to take the national certification exam.
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Tuition: $1,300
Course Duration: 4 Weeks
27. Central Texas Nurse Network
With an ongoing enrollment and training schedule, students can earn theri phlebotomy technician certificate much faster without having to wait for open enrollment dates at Central Texas Nurse Network. Students are prepared to be employed as phlebotomy technicians in laboratory settings such as hospitals, clinics and blood banks. Students learn safe practices and techniques for collecting, labeling and transporting specimens. Students also learn how to work in, respond, and be a team member within a laboratory environment. Students will enroll in both the coursework and the lab portion for this certification program.
Location: Austin, Texas
Tuition: Contact Program
Course Duration: 4 Weeks
28. Columbus Phlebotomy Training Center
Columbus Phlebotomy Training Center LLC has phlebotomy programs designed for the student that has no previous medical training or experience. The course is a comprehensive course that utilized the hands-on approach to teaching the procedure and skill of drawing blood for medical purposes. Classes are kept very small, no more than ten per class including faculty. THis ensures the safety and individualized attention students need to successfully complete the accelerated course. The course is split into two parts, lecture and practicum. Students will earn certification upon completion of the course.
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Tuition: $1,275
Course Duration: 4 to 5 Weeks
Whether students are already in the medical field and needing to earn a phlebotomy technician certification to advance their career or they are new to the medical field and seeking to enter as a phlebotomist technician, the 4 week phlebotomy classes are an efficient and affordable way to earn certification. With these qualified programs throughout the country students can find a phlebotomy course near them, many offering online and hybrid courses to meet the needs of working individuals. Apply to a program near you to start a rewarding career in just one month.
Featured program lengths vary by college.
Programs and Career Details in Phlebotomy
A career in health can be a landmark calling for a good future. And when you decide to major in phlebotomy, it means you are committing to saving lives. Even still, the chances are that you are asking about the ideal skills you will learn for you to be a certified phlebotomy technician. It is also true that you may be wondering which school options and programs are available for you.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, phlebotomy is one of the most popular careers in the medical field. The expected percentage of growth is 17% between 2019 and 2029. Part of this popularity is because the program takes a shorter time than any other program leading to this work. But what are the skills you will learn at the end of it all?
With a certification course in phlebotomy, you will gain a myriad of skills that will be useful in the field. These skills are beneficial for your career, and they prepare you to meet general requirements in the workforce in any position.
For instance, clear communication skills are a universal requirement that enables just any other professional to perform better. Obtaining correct information from patients and speaking clearly will call for the most comforting and indispensable communication skills.
Being neat and organized is also a skill that you will gain from this program. As a phlebotomy technician, you will want to maintain a useful instrument like blood vials and needles according to sanitation requirements.
Furthermore, since the whole career is about drawing blood and other related concerns; it is only wise to note that the number one skill you will gain is how to handle blood samples and how to draw blood. Plus, the whole program includes rigorous instructions on labeling instruments and data entry skills in vast areas of medical records.
Skills You Would Learn in Phlebotomy Classes
Medicine is a technical and very broad field. As a medical practitioner, you might be required to specialize in certain areas for excellent service delivery. One of the areas you should specialize in as a professional in medicine is phlebotomy. Phlebotomy is the process of drawing blood from patients for tests, research, transfusion, or just blood donation.
To be a professional phlebotomist, you will have to attend relevant courses in certified institutions of your choice. Being an accredited phlebotomist places you at a higher chance of being employed. Although some people take it as a main course, you can couple it up with other courses, especially nursing careers.
What You Learn in A Phlebotomy Class
Once you enroll in a phlebotomy class, you will not only learn about drawing blood from patients. Phlebotomy involves a vast set of other skills that you acquire before you can be certified to work as a phlebotomist. Some of these skills include:
- Communication Skills: Communication is the most important skill in phlebotomy. As a phlebotomist, you are required to keep patients comfortable while drawing blood. Clear and comforting communication skills ensure you obtain and record accurate information from patients. When patients are comfortable with you, they are likely to give honest information and always come back when they have issues that require your services. Enrolling in a phlebotomy class polishes up your communication skills and increases your chances of getting employed.
- Workspace and Instruments’ Maintenance Skills: If you want to become a phlebotomist, good organization is one of the attributes you must have. In a phlebotomy environment, in most cases, a laboratory, hygiene is one of the most crucial requirements. Blood samples need to be kept as clean as possible to avoid contamination. Contaminated blood samples pose a risk of infection when transfused to a person. If the blood samples are to be used for tests and research, the results will be inaccurate if they are contaminated.
Laboratory equipment is very expensive. To avoid the costs of regular repairs and replacement, you will learn ways of maintaining the equipment so you can use it for a long time. You will also learn how to use electrical and mechanical equipment to carry out phlebotomy operations.
- How to Draw Blood: Collection of blood is one of the hardest tasks, yet it is the main duty of a phlebotomist. In a phlebotomy class, you will learn how to draw blood from different parts of the human body, depending on the reason for blood collection. If the patient exhibits negative reactions after drawing the blood, you need to know what to do as a phlebotomist. Therefore, you will learn how to identify signs of a negative reaction and how to respond in case the patient exhibits some of them.
- Labeling and Numbering: Once blood samples have been collected, they need to be identified by the technicians going to use them. One of the biggest responsibilities of a phlebotomist is to label the blood samples collected for different tests. You will learn the labeling and numbering skills in a phlebotomy class. This prepares you for situations where you have to draw more than one blood sample for different tests.
- Medical Data Entry and Record-Keeping: Data entry is the most crucial skill you need as an aspiring phlebotomist. After collecting blood samples, labeling, and conducting tests, you need to keep a clear record of the findings. Well-kept records make it easier to access information by researchers or doctors who need to use the blood samples collected for tests. Clear data allows you and other relevant people to understand the tests and results for treatment or conclusions.
There are many job opportunities for phlebotomists. However, the most common place you can work in is hospitals. Doctors and lab technicians need phlebotomists to draw blood for tests. Other places you can work include emergency response centers and non-governmental organizations. Organizations that conduct blood donation campaigns offer opportunities for phlebotomists.
Although it seems easy, phlebotomy certification might be hard to get. You need to complete the phlebotomy classes then sit for an examination. In some cases, the costs of completing a phlebotomy course could be very high. If you are unable to finance your studies, you can apply for scholarships and grants from the government and other organizations. Networking while at school will help you learn more skills faster and increase your chances of employment after school.
Comparing Phlebotomy Training Programs
After you’ve decided to get phlebotomy training, choosing the right program should be your next step. Defining your priorities will be a good place to start. Finding the right program will be easy when you understand the career outlook and what is most important to you.
- Time of Completion: Phlebotomy training programs vary in length. Whether you need a flexible schedule and how soon you want to join the workforce will determine which program duration will be the best fit for you.
- Accreditation: Attending an accredited phlebotomy school guarantees that your education meets the set standards necessary to get your certification and start your career. Accreditation also enables you to apply for federal financial aid programs.
- Location: How critical is it to find phlebotomy training programs close to you? If you are willing to move to attend school, you can choose a program away from your locality. If you’re hunting for a school within easy commuting, then look for one within your locality.
Phlebotomy is rapidly becoming a popular career choice, and the United States is no short of schools offering Phlebotomy training. Phlebotomy is an invaluable skill to learn, and the career outlook is incredible. Phlebotomists are exposed to different career options that are springboards to other medical sectors.
Certifications to Gain from Phlebotomy Classes
Studying phlebotomy is an important move but getting certification in phlebotomy is invaluable. It demonstrates that you’ve obtained a specific level of knowledge and skill in the field. Certification allows phlebotomy technicians to qualify for hire benefits and pay over those who don’t have one. With certification, you provide your employer with additional security, knowing that you’re fully qualified to perform the duties required for a phlebotomist. It’s also key to promotions while still demonstrating your dedication to your work.
Some of the Certification to gain from phlebotomy training classes include:
- Limited Phlebotomy Technician Certification: The limited phlebotomy technician training program follows the state guidelines to prepare students for certification and employment. The certification authorizes phlebotomists to perform skin puncture blood collection only. It shows that a technician has learned basic anatomy and medical terminology, infection control, and procedures necessary for skin puncture blood collection.
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT I Certification): The Certified Phlebotomy Technician I certification prepares technicians to collect samples through skin puncture and venipuncture. Students attend lectures and practical training where they learn about the circulatory system, venipuncture techniques and specimen collection, and the risk factors and complications. Students earn a CPT 1 certification upon successful completion of the training program.
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician II (CPT II): The Certified Phlebotomy Technician II certification authorizes technicians to do skin puncture, venipuncture, as well as arterial puncture blood collection. CPT II technicians work independently. They also participate in hospital-related services, including performing patient care and ensuring the safety of hospital employees.
States That Require Certification for Phlebotomy
Every state has unique requirements for its phlebotomists. There are only four states that require a license or certification for phlebotomy. These states include:
- California: California is one of the four states that require phlebotomy certification, which involves training some level of clinical practice and passing a written examination. Certification may take up to two years. Once completed, the state expects the technicians to renew the certification every two years. This instructional model helps to prove that the technician still has what it takes.
- Colorado: The state of Colorado also requires a certification for phlebotomy. Students must complete training, sit for the examination, and meet all requirements to get certification from a regulated body. Some of the institutions where one can learn phlebotomy in this state include Arapahoe Community College, Pima Medical Institute, and Accent Learning Systems.
- Louisiana: Louisiana State also requires all phlebotomy technicians to become licensed and certified, which requires extensive study after the original qualification. You’ll also need to clock a specific number of hours doing phlebotomy procedures.
- Nevada: The state of Nevada also requires phlebotomy technicians to be fully certified and licensed. You are trained as a Lab Assistant, meaning you have to complete the National Phlebotomy Technician Exam. Then, you’ll be qualified to obtain a lab license, which is essential.
A phlebotomy certification class covers detailed course topics such as:
- Anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system
- Laboratory theory and medical terminology
- Specimen documentation and transportation
- Non-blood specimen collection
- Laboratory law, ethics, and regulatory issues
- Pediatric and geriatric blood collection
- Quality, competency, and performance assessment
- Specimen collection, processing, and handling
- Laboratory operations
- Phlebotomy theory
- Intravenous, arterial, and special collection procedures
- Lab safety, cells, and anatomy of the arm
- Blood collection systems, review of medical asepsis
With all these topics to be covered, phlebotomy students should expect extensive reading and outside classroom homework. Earning a phlebotomy certification will qualify you to work in a range of medical settings. While medical assistants are expected to handle a wide range of clinical and clerical tasks, your medical field role will be more specialized. This means that your role as a phlebotomist will revolve around drawing blood from patients to perform various tests. You’ll perform tests to check for nutrient deficiencies and other serious illnesses. At the same time, you might be tasked with taking blood donations for patients in need. Your role can also revolve around monitoring patients for problems during and after medical procedures.
Becoming a certified phlebotomist allows you to work in various medical labs and interact with the patients. Your professionalism puts patients at ease during the procedures, which goes a long way to helping them get through the process smoothly. It is an exciting and rewarding career. You can obtain the knowledge and skills you need to become a certified phlebotomist and begin your successful career at some of the top universities and colleges across the United States.
How to Apply to A Phlebotomy Program
If you are the kind of person who would love to pursue a career that involves working with a variety of people, you should consider being phlebotomists. A Phlebotomy technician’s typical role is to collect blood samples of different individuals, mainly for insurance or medical reasons. The blood samples are either collected in hospitals, from individual homes, or workplaces. Additionally, they are also tasked with ensuring blood donors’ safety by conducting blood tests and proper blood bank storage during blood donation activities.
Even though little is known of phlebotomy technicians, they play a vital role in managing diseases. Currently, almost every healthcare facility requires phlebotomy services, leading to increased demand for professionals. So, why do you need to pursue a career in phlebotomy? According to recent surveys, phlebotomists’ jobs are likely to grow by 17%, indicating that the positions would be in high demand in the future. This article explores a typical phlebotomy program application process.
What Do You Need to Apply to A Phlebotomy Program?
Just like other college degrees, a phlebotomy program has minimum requirements that you must meet if you are an aspiring phlebotomist. Besides, the technicians are required to have an understanding of written and verbal communication. Even though the requirements needed when applying for a phlebotomy program might vary from one college to the other, the general minimum requirements include and not limited to:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- High school diploma transcript
- A GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Must provide NG ACCUPLACER, ACT, or SAT scores taken in the last four years
- Updated and accurate immunization records
- CPR certification
- Verifiable drug screens
- Successfully pass a national and state background check.
In some cases, candidates with substantial proof of previous employment, leadership qualities, customer service experiences have a higher chance of being selected for the program. Therefore, it is always advisable that applying candidates possess some of these prerequisites. Besides, candidates are generally ranked based on their qualifications and will eventually be enrolled in the certificate programs during the application.
What Is the Application for A Phlebotomy Program Typically Like?
The application of phlebotomy certificate programs involves various processes to ensure the efficiency of the entire process. The process typically involves:
- College Research: The first step in the application process is to research some of the leading colleges that provide phlebotomy training programs. Once you have identified your preferred college, visit the college’s website, and download the college admission forms. Ensure that you have met all the requirements as outlined in the application form.
- Filling of The Admission Forms: Each college always has a unique admission criterion that requires applying candidates to fill in their details. Other institutions will need you to attach some of your supporting documents and testimonials with the application form. This will help the college verify if you meet the required standards that are needed before being enrolled in the certificate program. Once you are confident that you have accurately filled the forms, you are expected to submit your application before the stated deadline.
- Selection Process: Candidates who have qualified are customarily ranked based on their high school scores. In most cases, all the applicants who meet the required minimums are typically selected for the programs. Qualified students are finally enrolled in the program.
What Can Boost Your Application to A Phlebotomy Program?
Phlebotomy programs undoubtedly attract numerous applications across the country. Therefore, to ensure that your application is selected, one must strive to have a unique application. The various aspects that are likely to boost your application include:
- Recommendation Letter: Having a recommendation letter, especially from your previous teachers or individuals who plays a significant role in your life, could work wonders. Recommendation letters act as evidence of some of your personal qualities and achievement in life.
- Work Experience: Just as recommendation letters, having worked previously in a customer service set up will inevitably boost your application to a phlebotomy program. Most colleges prefer applicants with work experiences, especially in healthcare facilities, and excellent customer care attributes.
Currently, there is a high demand for a phlebotomist in almost every healthcare institution across the country. The technicians play a vital role in the facilities, including collecting blood samples from donors and patients, conducting blood tests, and storing blood samples, among other functions. For one to qualify as a phlebotomist, one must attain phlebotomy certifications.
The programs are offered in several colleges. All you need is to conduct research, identify a good college, and apply through the college admission department. The basic requirements for selection into the program include a GPA of 2.0, CPR certifications, must be at least 18 years of age, and background checks.
In Summary
When it comes to the programs available for this course, you can choose between degree-based, vocational medical school, and basic phlebotomy programs. While all of them are geared towards preparing students for this field, they differ in many ways. One major difference is the timeline of the programs, costs, financial aid, and entry requirements.
Degree-based programs may require between 6-10 credit hours in a semester and cost around $2000. In contrast, the medical-vocational schools usually include a 3-month, ten credit classes and costs around $4789. Basic phlebotomy programs range between $2000 and $2200.
With a phlebotomy certification, you are getting a direct ticket to work in the medical field as an expert in drawing blood specimens needed to diagnose various health conditions. Such an expert will also take care of the lab equipment, prep them for use, and maintain the cleanliness of their patients’ equipment and comfort. Additionally, some technicians will be responsible for shipping blood samples to any designated area of requirement.
One of the top requirements for entry into this course is the completion of high school. Apart from passing and having a good GED, someone may want to pursue health science and psychology courses to prepare them further for this course, which improves the likelihood of qualifying upon application.