Best Phlebotomy Schools + Career Information – 2024

Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

With a small investment and a little time, you could make well over the minimum wage with a career in phlebotomy. Employees in the healthcare field are always in demand, making phlebotomy a good career choice that will not take you years to complete. Phlebotomy programs will provide you with all the knowledge and training you need in a short amount of time to get right to work or take any necessary exams for certification and licensing. Several schools in the nation are currently offering courses in phlebotomy. To help you choose the right one we have we have ranked the 5 best phlebotomy programs.

What is the Goal of a Phlebotomy Program?

Phlebotomy schools are designed to prepare you with the knowledge and skills required for employment in your state. You will learn how to safely and effectively collect a blood specimen and how to properly handle blood samples. You will also be trained in safety protocols and laboratory procedures that will be used during your career as a phlebotomist. You will also learn how to deal with patients, how to ease their fears, help them to relax, and make the process as painless as possible.

Program Cost

The cost of attending a phlebotomy program will vary depending on several factors, such as if you will be obtaining a diploma or a certificate. Also, which school you choose to attend, public or private, can dramatically impact the price that you will pay for tuition to complete your program of choice.

Type	Cost
Certificate / Diploma	$2,568 - $26,409

Program Length

One of the attractive factors about a phlebotomy program is the length of time it takes to complete your coursework to be ready for the job. Majority of the programs take no more than a year of time for you to complete, with some taking just a few months with intense education and training.

Type	Length
Certificate / Diploma	3 to 9 months

Can I Pursue This Program Online?

While you may be able to find some informational and refresher courses pertaining to phlebotomy online, there are just some aspects of the coursework that are necessary to complete in person. The clinical aspects of learning to draw blood must be done in a physical setting. Most phlebotomy programs are completed solely on campus, though you may be able to complete a portion of the coursework online to work with your schedule.

Admission Requirements

To enroll in a phlebotomy program, you do not need prior college credits or other specific coursework before you can proceed. A basic education is all that is required. You will need:

• A high school diploma, or
• High school equivalency completion

Curriculum

If you decide to embark on an educational path to be a phlebotomist, you will need to learn how to work with patients. Coursework will also include the proper use of medical and laboratory equipment. You will learn about disease control and anatomy. During your clinical classes, you will learn how to draw blood, how to identify a patient who might be close to fainting, and what to do to reduce pain and discomfort.

What are the 5 Best Phlebotomy Programs Accredited by NAACLS in the Nation for 2024?

1) Moraine Valley Community College - Palos Hills, IL

This certificate program offered by Moraine Valley Community College located in Palos Hills, Illinois presents an opportunity to fulfill your dreams of becoming an entry-level phlebotomist in less than two months. The program has been designed based on guidelines set by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) along with recommendations by the college’s Phlebotomy Program Advisory Committee. It is a 10-credit hour program where you are required to complete three courses. Coursework includes medical terminology, anatomy of the circulatory system, safety, and legal guidelines amongst others.

Key Highlights

• Graduates of this program over the past three years have performed very well on the PBT certification exam, with around 96% of the students passing the exam and thus gaining the upper hand in their career.
• During the last three years, 82% of the graduates have successfully found employment at various medical establishments.
• The annual graduation rate stands at 94%.
• For those who are already employed as a CNA or a medical assistant, this short course will help expand your skills and knowledge.

2) Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College - Asheville, NC

This phlebotomy program offered by AB Tech in North Carolina will prepare you to take up the job as a phlebotomist in hospitals, out-patient centers, physician's offices, and donor centers. The program starts twice every year in Fall and Spring. A maximum of 17 slots are available per semester, and the college accepts applications on a first come first serve basis. You will be attending classes for four days per week, and clinical training at authorized sites will be held 3-4 days every week. Coursework includes a 6-credit phlebotomy technology, three credits in either interpersonal or general psychology, and 3-credit practicum where you will garner real-world skills. To apply, you must either have completed your high school graduation, high school equivalency, or adult high school.

Key Highlights

• This short course helps you to enter the job market in less than six months.
• AB Tech offers students the flexibility to pay their tuition fees in three installments during the semester. This might be quite useful if you are unable to pay the fees in one go at the beginning of your course.

3) Austin Peay State University - Clarksville, TN

Austin Peay State University offers non-credit phlebotomy technician training at its campus in Clarksville, TN. This program starts twice a year in January and August and occasionally in summer (May). The main goal of the program is to prepare individuals with the right skills, knowledge, and experience to efficiently obtain blood and other specimens for laboratory testing. As part of the program, you will gain valuable experience by undergoing practical training at clinical sites located in and around the Clarksville region such as Horizon Medical Center, Centennial Medical Center, Premier Medical, Three Rivers Hospital, and Trigg County Hospital.

Key Highlights

• According to the college website, graduates of this program have recorded a 100% pass rate on the ASCP-BOC national certification exam in Phlebotomy.
• The graduation rate stands at 92%, and the attrition rate is at a low 8%.
• 92% of the students found employment immediately after completing the course.

4) Cuyahoga Community College - Cleveland, OH

Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) at its campus in Cleveland, Ohio is currently offering a short two-semester certificate in Laboratory Phlebotomy. It is a day-time program with classes starting twice every year (Fall and Spring). Only 24 students are admitted per class. This program aims to train you with the skills required to collect blood in a variety of situations at different medical centers such as hospitals, doctor's clinics, emergency centers, and blood donation centers. It also includes an eight-week clinical training at a local hospital or medical clinic where you will work with real patients under the supervision of experienced professionals. The clinical training part is quite intensive, requiring you to spend a total of 32 hours every week.

Key Highlights

• Almost all employers in the Cleveland region prefer certified phlebotomists. Upon successful completion of this program, you can get certified by sitting for exams administered by American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT), or American Medical Technologists (AMT).
• 88% of graduates have successfully passed the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification exam.
• Over the last few years, more than 90% of the graduates have successfully found employment within six months of completing the program.

5) Bossier Parish Community College - Bossier City, LA

Bossier Parish Community College, through its Certificate of Technical Studies in Phlebotomy, aims to prepare you as an entry-level phlebotomy technician to successfully work under the supervision of experienced nurses and clinical laboratory scientists. This 1-year program offered at the BPCC campus in Bossier City, Louisiana, will require you to complete a total of 26 credit hours. Before enrolling into this program, you will complete 13 credit hours of qualification courses in subjects such as medical terminology introductory human anatomy and physiology, introduction to phlebotomy and health care systems and safety. You will take three credit hours each in computer concepts and PSYC Elective. Finally, you will complete seven credit hours in Phlebotomy Hospital Clinicals, during which you will attend classroom lectures for 3 hours every week and spend a total of 180 hours gaining hands-on phlebotomy experience in real-world settings.

Key Highlights

• To be accepted into this program, you must meet the general BPCC admission requirements and complete the 13 credit hour qualifications courses in Phlebotomy with a minimum C grade.
• According to BPCC’s website, the following have been some of the Key Highlights of this program -

ASCP Certification Pass Rate: 96%
Graduation Rate: 97%
Graduate Placement Rate: 91%

Certification and Licensure Requirements to Work as a Phlebotomist

There are no requirements on the federal level that state you must be licensed to work in phlebotomy. Not all states currently mandate licensing to work as a phlebotomist. However, employers often prefer those who do have certification. There are several agencies where you may get such credentialing. The requirements for each agency differ, but in general you will need to have a certain number of educational credits and a certain amount of clinical training. Sometimes the certifying agency will require that you have successfully completed a certain number of blood draws.

If you have completed your coursework from an approved program, you can get certification as a Phlebotomy Technician from the National Center for Competency Testing. You will need to have a form completed by your supervisor to prove your competency. The National HealthNational CenteNational Centecare Association also provides certification as well as study materials. Other agencies that offer certification in phlebotomy include the National PhlebotNational Centeomy Association, American Medical National CenteTechnologists, and the American Certification Agency for Healthcare Professionals.

Where Do Phlebotomists Work?

Hospitals:

Phlebotomists in hospitals may travel between the emergency department and patient rooms to draw blood to take back to the lab for processing.

Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories:

A phlebotomist may prepare samples for testing after drawing blood at an independent laboratory or following other testing procedures, such as a stress test.

All Other Ambulatory Healthcare Services:

There are many cases where blood must be drawn for testing. In these settings, the phlebotomist does the work and may also perform administrative duties as necessary.

Offices of Physicians:

A phlebotomist or an assistant with a phlebotomy certification may handle the finger pricks and blood draws requested by the physician. They will also prepare specimens if they are to be sent off to the lab.

Outpatient Care Centers:

Certain outpatient care centers, such as urgent care settings, may need a phlebotomist on hand for blood draws and other work as is necessary.

Work Environment & Conditions

Phlebotomy duties may require you to spend a lot of time on your feet or walking from one part of an establishment to another. You will be in close, personal contact with others, some of whom may be difficult to deal with. You will spend the majority of your time indoors, though you will most likely have a fairly set schedule. Constant noise could be distracting. Because phlebotomists work with blood, proper protective gear, such as gloves and masks, must be used to reduce the risk of exposure to a harmful or infectious agent.

What Starting Salary Can I Expect as a Phlebotomist?

With an average starting salary across the country being more than $15, this career choice pays more than the minimum wage. In fact, the yearly average phlebotomy salary is around $30,250 just for starters. That is a good starting pay for less than a year of educational investment.

Type	Salary
Hourly	$14.54
Monthly	$2,520
Annual	$30,250
(Source: In-House Research)

How Much Will My Salary Grow with Experience?

Pay raises are typically based on experience and level of responsibility. When it comes to phlebotomists, the salary grows every few years or so. For example, the average annual pay rate after 5 years of working in the field is more than $38,000, while those who have worked for more than 20 years average more than $51,000. This means that if you stick with your career choice, you could increase your take-home pay by about 70% with pay raises.

Level of Experience	Hourly	Monthly	Annual
1-4 years	$16.84	$2,920	$35,020
5-9 years	$18.52	$3,210	$38,530
10-19 years	$21.77	$3,770	$45,280
20 years or more	$24.81	$4,300	$51,610
(Source: BLS)

How Many Job Openings are there for Phlebotomy Graduates?

The need for phlebotomists is high and is expected to increase 10% by the mid-2020s. More than 1,390 new jobs are created in the field every year. This is in addition to the 21,500 current job openings that will need to be filled due to those who retire or change jobs.

New	Replacement	Annual Job Openings (New + Replacement)
1,390	20,110	21,500
(Source: careeronestop)

10 Year Employment Outlook

There is always a need in the medical field for phlebotomists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that growth in this field will be faster than average. As more medical centers are doing their own lab work to save time and costs, the need for certified blood drawers will certainly increase. Additionally, as science is gaining a better understanding of ways to detect certain diseases and contaminants in the blood, testing is going to be more commonplace in all medical settings to better detect health problems early on.

Employment		Employment Growth, 2021-31
2021	2031	Number	Percent
135,500	149,400	+13,900	+10.26%
(Source: careeronestop)

State Wise Employment, Job Openings & Salary Breakdown

Important Organizations & Associations

American Academy of Phlebotomy Technicians

(AAPT) offers their own course to gain certification. You can also verify your certification online and gain continuing education certification.

American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians

(ASPT) offers an examination and certification and is an organization for phlebotomists. However, examinations are only available in a few states.

Center for Phlebotomy Education

Center for Phlebotomy Education does not provide certification but provides its members with educational materials, current events, and news items that apply to those in the field.

National Phlebotomy Association

(NPA) offers nationwide certification and continuing education for phlebotomists. Certification opportunities extend to those in several other countries as well.


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