Phlebotomists are essential healthcare workers. They perform needed tests to help doctors diagnose and treat their patients. In this blog post, we'll explore how long it takes to become a phlebotomist and understand its time frame.
Phlebotomy is the practice of drawing blood for medical testing, performing transfusions, or collecting blood donations. A phlebotomist collects blood samples from patients safely and effectively with the use of needles, syringes, and blood tubes.
Phlebotomy training programs can take anywhere between 2 weeks to 6 months to complete. During the training, you will engage in at least 40 hours of classroom instruction.
Each state has varying hands-on experience requirements to complete. The average amount of hands-on experience needed is around 100 - 120 hours. You also need to do at least 30 successful skin punctures and 100 successful venipunctures.
Trade schools, technical schools, and community colleges offer training programs in phlebotomy. Check out our blog post on how to become a phlebotomist and learn your way to becoming one!
The specific requirements to enroll in a phlebotomy training program vary by school and program. Here are some common requirements for phlebotomy training:
It's necessary to check with the specific school or program you want to enroll in for their specific enrollment requirements.
The short answer is that it varies. The timeframe for becoming a certified Phlebotomist depends on two different factors.
1. The two-part test: The certification exam consists of a written and practical part. The written part includes 100 multiple-choice questions with a passing score of at least 70%.
2. Waiting period: It may take 2 weeks to a few months before you can take the certification exam. The timeframe for receiving your certification also varies by certification agency. Some offer immediate online results. Others may take 2 weeks or longer to process and mail your certification.
It is always best to check the processing time of the certifying agency where you choose to take the test.
Certification is not always a requirement, depending on the state you live in. It's a voluntary process that demonstrates knowledge and skill in a particular area. Getting a certification increases your chance of finding better jobs, keeping patients safe, and advancing your career.
The steps of taking your phlebotomy certification can vary depending on your state’s requirements and the certifying organization. In most cases, you’ll do the following:
Here's a list of the nationally-recognized professional organizations:
Licensure is a legal requirement to practice in a certain field. Phlebotomy licensure agencies and requirements vary by state. Some states that need licensure for phlebotomists include California, Louisiana, Nevada, and Washington. If you're in one of these states, you may need a certification to get a license.
Below is the process for taking your licensure examination:
It's important to note that the specific steps and requirements for the licensure exam may vary depending on the organization and state in which you plan to practice as a phlebotomist.
Overall it may take anywhere between 4 to 8 months to become a phlebotomist and up to a year with certifications and licensing. Start a rewarding career in healthcare and make an impact on the lives of others. Take a step closer by finding phlebotomy schools near you!
Fel is a student support representative who guides enrollees to the right program and answers their queries. She's committed to helping students and takes pride in her work. In her free time, she enjoys sightseeing and hanging out with loved ones.