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Whether you're exploring different healthcare certifications or know that you specifically want to draw blood, phlebotomy is a great entry-level healthcare certification. Phlebotomy, also called a blood draw or venipuncture, is a vital component of healthcare that plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating patients. You likely have interacted with a phlebotomist if you've gotten your blood drawn at Quest, LabCorp, or a doctor's office!
At Dreambound, we help over 100,000 people find job training programs every month, so we know the ins and outs of all the different certifications out there. Phlebotomy is our most popular certification as of March 2024.
Here's why we like the phlebotomy certification over other allied health certifications here at Dreambound:
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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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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:
Online programs
It's surprising, but yes phlebotomy programs can be done online! We'll break them down below:
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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The job outlook for Phlebotomists is generally positive, with a projected growth rate of 10% from 2021 to 2031, faster than average compared to other occupations. The projected job openings are about 21,500 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.
The salary of a Phlebotomist can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and the employing facility. According to the BLS, the mean annual wage of phlebotomists in May 2023 was $41,810, and the mean hourly wage was $20.10. The median annual salary for phlebotomists in May 2022 was $40,580, at which half earned more and half made less. The median hourly wage was $19.51.
Renewing a Phlebotomy certificate typically involves completing continuing education units (CEUs) and paying the renewal fee. Specific requirements may vary depending on the certification agency and state regulations. A phlebotomy certification typically lasts for two years, and it is important to remember to renew your license in order to continue practicing this rewarding profession.
Phlebotomists specialize in drawing blood from patients for diagnostic testing, transfusions, or donations. They are trained in venipuncture techniques and must follow strict protocols to ensure the accuracy and safety of the blood collection process. On the other hand, Medical Assistants have a broader scope of responsibilities. They perform clinical tasks, such as taking vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, administering injections, and administrative duties, like scheduling appointments, managing medical records, and coordinating with insurance companies.
In order to help you find a phlebotomy class, at Dreambound we've gathered the most comprehensive list of phlebotomy classes in the US. Below you can find a list of phlebotomy classes, organized by city. If you don't see your city listed, you can always search by zipcode.
We know taking the first step to becoming a phlebotomist can be scary. That's why we're trying to demystify the process by writing guides on how to become a phlebotomist. Since state processes or requirements may vary, we've written separate guides for each state:
Considering other programs? Read our guides on Phlebotomy versus other similar programs in field, providing a comprehensive overview to assist you in making the right choice for your career path.
Justine Tacmo is part of the Growth team at Dreambound. He assists the organization by updating critical information so students receive the most up-to-date information for their desired trade schools. Besides, he has a passion for writing and expresses it through poetry, covering themes of life, love, and mental health, which is also his advocacy.