How long does it take to become a phlebotomy technician

When looking for various phlebotomy training facilities, you should consider several factors. One of the primary factors to consider is how long does a phlebotomy course take?

How Long to Complete a Phlebotomy Course

The minimum state’s requirements for completion of this course is 20 hours of basic didactic, 20 hours of advanced educational, and a 40-hour internship. At PhlebotomyU, the session takes longer, because there is an emphasis on mastering the practice to best prepare students for the phlebotomy workplace.

PhlebotomyU requires 20 hours of basic, 20 hours of advanced didactic, 50-60 hours of in-classroom practical, and a 40-120 hours internship. PhlebotomyU also provides NCCT National Phlebotomy Certification Examination (on-site), which is uncommon for most phlebotomy schools.

PhlebotomyU’s Longer Course Length Effectively Prepares Students

This institution offers superior and hands-on training that is necessary for real-world practice. The advanced curriculum far-exceeds the state of California’s requirements. Those trained at PhlebotomyU enter the workforce with full confidence.

PhlebotomyU maintains a state-of-the-art facility with all the newest technology required for phlebotomy training. The school prepares students to take and pass a CPT I national exam, which is key to any phlebotomy career. Moreover, the pass rate of PhlebotomyU is 97% versus the 79% national average. This higher pass rate can be partially attributed to the longer course length of PhlebotomyU.

Every student undertaking the course is also provided with quality learning experience with relevant practical classes.  The school also provides a financial and timely balance because it offers a 5-week path into the NCCT certification examination.

Schedule for phlebotomy classes at PhlebotomyU

At PhlebotomyU, the program is flexible to meet various individual needs. For example, multiple class schedules are offered. A few are listed below:
1. Monday-Friday class that lasts for four weeks
2. Weekend phlebotomy classes for Saturday and Sundays lasting for nine weeks
3. Evening classes that run from Monday to Friday and lasts five weeks.

Enroll in Phlebotomy School Today

The PhlebotomyU is a private institution that is approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Its mission is to enhance student’s careers, meet the needs of healthcare providers, and improve patient care by providing high quality, cost-effective phlebotomy education through industry-leading curriculum, current technology, and extensive hands-on experience.

The courses are also designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate in various medical fields like hospitals, clinics, blood banks, and clinical labs. If you are interested in taking a phlebotomy course, contact us today.


  • Most phlebotomists earn a postsecondary non-degree credential from a phlebotomy program.
  • Four states require certification for phlebotomists, and many employers prefer a postsecondary credential.
  • Phlebotomists complete continuing education to maintain their certification or work qualifications.
  • Phlebotomists contribute to healthcare by collecting blood and alleviating patients' anxieties.

Phlebotomists — or phlebotomy technicians — collect blood through venous or skin punctures. These professionals play a vital role in healthcare, particularly in diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions. Patients may receive phlebotomy services to test for specific medical conditions, donate blood or plasma, or undergo transfusions.

Phlebotomy technicians also must uphold high standards when labeling biological samples, using needles and other equipment, and entering medical information into databases. Because these professionals handle biological samples, they must perform their tasks safely and with attention to detail.

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Many phlebotomists find it rewarding to interact with patients and contribute to their care. Patients often feel uneasy about undergoing a blood draw, and compassionate phlebotomists can help calm their fears. These technicians can also explain why collecting blood is important.

Employment prospects for phlebotomists look promising. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs in this field will grow 22% between 2020-2030, compared to 16% for other healthcare support jobs and 8% for all occupations over the same period.

What Are the Requirements to Be a Phlebotomist?

Aspiring phlebotomists must first graduate from high school or obtain a GED certificate. While in high school, it may help to take classes in science and anatomy. Individuals can then enroll in a phlebotomy program, which usually requires 4-8 months of training and leads to certification. Such programs can be found at trade schools, technical schools, and community colleges.

Phlebotomy graduates who work in California, Louisiana, Nevada, and Washington must obtain certification to practice. However, professionals in other states should still consider getting a postsecondary credential to increase their employment opportunities. Phlebotomists can choose from various certifications, including:

  • Certified Phlebotomy Technician I: prepares professionals to perform skin and venous punctures to collect blood
  • Certified Phlebotomy Technician II: prepares professionals to carry out skin, venous, and arterial punctures for blood collection
  • Limited Phlebotomy Technician: prepares professionals to collect blood through skin punctures

Certification requires passing a written and practical exam. The written test includes about 300 questions, and the clinical component requires demonstration of skin and venous blood draws, sample labeling, and sanitization procedures. Phlebotomists can acquire certification from one of several organizations:

  • American Certification Agency for Healthcare Professionals
  • American Medical Technologists
  • American Society for Clinical Pathology
  • American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians
  • National Center for Competency Testing
  • National Healthcareer Association
  • National Phlebotomy Association

Phlebotomists must complete continuing education to stay current in their field — especially those who need to renew their certification. States vary in their requirements for continued phlebotomist training, although many professionals need to complete about six continuing education credits each year. Phlebotomists may be able to attend conferences or take classes at community colleges or vocational schools to meet these requirements.

What Does Phlebotomist Training Look Like?

Acquiring appropriate training and obtaining certification are important steps in learning how to become a phlebotomist. Certification programs require classroom instruction and laboratory experience. Courses generally cover topics like anatomy, medical terminology, and physiology. Students who cannot show a high-school-level competency in math or algebra might need to take prerequisite coursework.

Although not typical, some individuals with a high school or GED diploma receive on-the-job training instead of enrolling in a phlebotomy program. Regardless of their educational background, all phlebotomists must adhere to state regulations regarding certification and continuing education.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Phlebotomist?

Most phlebotomy programs take 4-8 months to complete and involve one or two semesters. This time frame does not include earning a high school diploma (or the equivalent) and preparing for and taking the certification exam. Exact program lengths vary by school.

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Phlebotomist

The difficulty of the phlebotomy certification exam depends mainly on the test-taker. The entire assessment comprises several components, including a written exam of about 300 questions. It also includes a practical section that tests individuals' ability to draw blood, sanitize equipment, label samples, and perform other essential tasks. Most candidates can reduce their uncertainty about the exam by becoming familiar with the written and practical sections.

People who do not exhibit an interest or proficiency in math but still want to pursue a healthcare career might consider phlebotomy. Phlebotomist education requirements typically do not include advanced mathematics. However, some certification programs might prefer students with a 9th- or 10th-grade understanding of algebra or math. However, students training for this career must master other competencies, such as having a good eye for detail, dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and physical endurance.

Phlebotomists do not generally give injections or deliver intravenous fluids or drugs. Instead, registered nurses (RNs) and physicians perform these duties. Phlebotomists use venipuncture to collect blood samples. They might also gather other bodily fluids for different types of tests.

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Is doing phlebotomy hard?

Being a phlebotomist is not hard but it does require lots of training and practice. Phlebotomists will learn a lot on the job and will get better as they gain more experience drawing blood. This job may be difficult for individuals who are sensitive to the sight of bodily fluids.

Which phlebotomy certification is best?

The Best Phlebotomy Certification Programs in 2022.
Best Overall: Phlebotomy Career Training..
Best Accelerated Program: Chicago School of Phlebotomy..
Best Intensive Program: National Phlebotomy Association (NPA).
Best Online Option: American National University..
Best Value: Heart to Heart Healthcare Training..

How long is phlebotomy school near?

CDPH Approved Phlebotomy Program is an 80 hour program that requires 2 week of training and provides the necessary knowledge and skills.

What is the difference between phlebotomist 1 and phlebotomist 2?

Remember that a Phlebotomy Technician II license grants authorization to perform venipuncture, arterial punctures, and skin punctures. The primary difference for this license is that you must already have a current CDPH Phlebotomy Technician I license, along with 1040 hours of field-experience over the past five years.