Everything you need to know about phlebotomy classes

On Dreambound, there are 762 phlebotomy programs and 480 upcoming classes. The average length for Phlebotomy classes is three months. We've helped tens of thousands of people find phlebotomy classes near them, and we've been featured in Yahoo!, NurseJournal, Forbes, and other publications.

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Types of phlebotomy classes:

In person programs

There are many in person phlebotomy options available across the country. You can use our search to filter by in-person phlebotomy classes near you.

In general, here's what you can expect:

• Length: 2 weeks-3 months long. The 2 week long course are accelerated and full-time, so expect to set aside any obligations during that time period. 3 month long classes can be part-time, either evening, day, or weekend
• Cost: $1,000-3,000. It will vary based on your location and type of school. For example, classes in Washington and California are usually more expensive as there are further licensing requirements than other states
• Format: You'll have about 40 hours of theoretical classroom training, then lab where you'll practice venipunctures and other procedures relevant to phlebotomists. Finally, you will likely have an in-person externship that your school will set you up with. This is usually around 40 hours long as well. It may take place at a lab such as LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics, or may take place at a doctor's offices
• Exam: There are a few different phlebotomy testing providers. Employers are usually okay with any of them. For example, the National Healthcare Association Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam has 120 multiple-choice questions and costs $117.
• Requirements: It will vary per school, but almost all schools will require a background check that screens for any felonies and certain misdemeanors. This ensures that you will be allowed to go to the externship site and get a job following the program completion. In-person programs also may or may not require a high school diploma. If they do not require a high school diploma, they usually require some reading/math competency exam. The most common is the Wonderlic exam which checks for 8th grade reading and math ability.
• Types of schools: Phlebotomy programs are either offered by private vocational schools or local colleges. Private schools are usually accelerated and require you to pay out of pocket. They are also usually covered by WIOA funding. Local colleges may offer financial aid or may also be low cost.
• Start times: Private vocational schools will generally have start dates every month or every other month. However, college classes will generally only be offered a couple times a year.

Online programs

It's surprising, but yes phlebotomy programs can be done online! We'll break them down below:

• Length: 6 weeks-3 months long. However, a cool thing about online programs is that they often are self-paced, which means you can finish it as fast as you are willing to put in the effort. This format isn't for everyone, as you'll need to have the discipline in order to continue with your studies. Having a cohort and studying together may be a better fit for those who need accountability!
• Cost: $1,000-3,000. Self-paced programs are cheaper than cohort-based ones, in general.
• Format: Similar to in-person programs, you'll have theoretical classroom training. But then, you'll have a virtual lab simulation where you'll practice venipunctures and blood draws. Quality of simulation can vary significantly per school. Finally, your online phlebotomy program will work to match you up with an in-person externship. It may take place at a lab such as LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics, or may take place at a doctor's office. Be sure to ask your admissions officer what relationships they have near you, and if someone near you has recently been placed in an externship! You don't want to be stuck in a situation where you have to go find your own externship site.
• Exam: Same as in-person
• Requirements: Same as in-person
• Types of schools: Online phlebotomy programs are almost exclusively offered by private vocational schools, although a local college may have an affiliated "extension school" that offers phlebotomy training.
• Start times: Online phlebotomy programs are usually self-paced, so you can start at any time, 24/7 hours a day. If they aren't self-paced, there are usually start dates every month.

Learn more about the Phlebotomy certification

What is Phlebotomy? What is a Phlebotomist?

Phlebotomy is the practice of drawing blood from patients for diagnostic purposes or other medical interventions. A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, is a healthcare professional who specializes in drawing blood from patients for medical testing, transfusions, or donations. They are trained to follow strict protocols to ensure the safety and accuracy of the blood collection process.

What Does a Phlebotomist Do?

Phlebotomists or Phlebotomy technicians are healthcare professionals trained to draw blood from patients for medical testing, transfusions, or donations. They are responsible for adequately collecting and labeling blood samples and ensuring patient comfort and safety.

How to Become a Phlebotomist?

To become a Phlebotomist, you must complete a phlebotomy class or program, which typically includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. Online phlebotomy classes also exist to make it more accessible to people, although some might still prefer an in-person experience. Additionally, there are various free phlebotomy classes available, many of which can be completed online. Furthermore, some companies offer phlebotomy training programs in exchange for employment with their organization.

Externships (i.e., hands-on, clinical practice) are where you'll get to practice actually drawing blood. That might be done with a real person or with some simulations. You'll then take a certification exam. Some states, like California or Washington, have further licensing you have to do with the state.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Phlebotomist?

The duration of getting your phlebotomy certification can vary, but it typically takes around 4 to 8 months of training and education. There are also some 4 week phlebotomy classes which are accelerated programs or even shorter!

How Long Is Phlebotomy School?

Phlebotomy school typically lasts between 4 weeks and 3 months, depending on whether you're enrolled in an accelerated program or part-time classes. Some programs offer intensive 2-week courses for full-time students, while others allow you to complete your training at a slower pace over a few months. In addition to the classroom learning, many programs also require an externship, where you will gain hands-on experience drawing blood in a clinical setting. Overall, the length of phlebotomy school will depend on the format and pace that best fits your schedule.

What Phlebotomy Certification Is Best?

The best phlebotomy certification depends on your career goals and location, but many employers accept the National Healthcareer Association's (NHA) Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) certification as a standard. The NHA is recognized nationwide and offers a comprehensive exam that covers the essential skills needed to perform venipunctures and other related procedures. Other popular certifications include the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification and the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Ultimately, its important to choose a certification that's widely accepted by employers in your region.

Phlebotomy Jobs: Where Does a Phlebotomist Work? What Facilities Hire Phlebotomists?

Phlebotomists can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, diagnostic laboratories, blood banks, and research facilities. They may also find employment opportunities in nursing homes, home health agencies, and physician's offices - but this is less common. Entry-level phlebotomists generally start out at a lab like Labcorp, Quest Diagnostics, or as a travel phlebotomist for a smaller company. Exploring phlebotomist jobs in these diverse environments can offer valuable experience and career advancement opportunities.

What Is the Job Outlook for a Phlebotomist?

The job outlook for Phlebotomists is generally positive, with a projected growth rate of 8% from 2023 to 2033, faster than average compared to other occupations. The projected job openings are about 19,600 a year, creating more opportunities for you to work in this field. The need for medical testing and the expanding healthcare industry drive the demand for Phlebotomists.