7 answers
CareerVillage Office Hours
Student
Palo Alto, California
479
Questions
Asked
1315 views
How long does it take to become a phlebotomist?
Tell us everything we need to know to become a phlebotomist.
Note: We've seen a lot of interest in this career, so we're looking for guidance from our community of professionals
Login to comment
7 answers
Deb Weber, MBA, MSRS, RCIS
Lab Assistant
14
Answers
Boise, Idaho
Updated
Deb’s Answer
Being a phlebotomist requires different education per State in which you wish to work. Most employers will hire with experience OR classroom certification or both. Classes can vary from 10 week programs at a community college, to 2-3 day programs through an employer ( usually if you have prior experience such as CNA).
As for becoming expert once on the job - of course it depends on training, workload, and learning ability - but I took a good 6 months to be a valued team member in hospital phlebotomy drawing everything and everyone from blood cultures to oncology, pediatric, and intensive care unit patients.
So…it can be very quick to become a phlebotomist, and depending on how a person gets trained on the job and what they experience, the more time it can take to be an expert.
The fun of it? Drawing a sample to transfuse an unborn baby👀 drawing samples to be used for eyedrops, seeing every patient age possible - and culture types, too? SO fun/challenging!!!
Find a class
Become certified
Seek work in outpatient if regular office hours preferred/inpatient if you like shiftwork
Ask to be trained on EVERYTHING
Enjoy the professional growth and job security as a laboratorian.
As for becoming expert once on the job - of course it depends on training, workload, and learning ability - but I took a good 6 months to be a valued team member in hospital phlebotomy drawing everything and everyone from blood cultures to oncology, pediatric, and intensive care unit patients.
So…it can be very quick to become a phlebotomist, and depending on how a person gets trained on the job and what they experience, the more time it can take to be an expert.
The fun of it? Drawing a sample to transfuse an unborn baby👀 drawing samples to be used for eyedrops, seeing every patient age possible - and culture types, too? SO fun/challenging!!!
Deb recommends the following next steps:
Samantha Serpa
Respiratory Therapist
1
Answer
Modesto, California
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
Hello,
Depending on where you picture yourself working will decide what type of program you should look into. I would suggest looking up jobs in your area to see what their requirements are. (Hospital setting vs lab setting) Some jobs may require a certificate vs a license. I would plan for the job I want if it were me. I hope this helps in a bit in your future endeavors.
Depending on where you picture yourself working will decide what type of program you should look into. I would suggest looking up jobs in your area to see what their requirements are. (Hospital setting vs lab setting) Some jobs may require a certificate vs a license. I would plan for the job I want if it were me. I hope this helps in a bit in your future endeavors.
Deborah Brown
Phlebotomist
2
Answers
Dickson City, Pennsylvania
Updated
Deborah’s Answer
The specifics can differ depending on the state and the job, but let's take my experience in Pennsylvania as an example. I had the opportunity attend the Geisinger School of Phlebotomy. The course duration was a manageable three months, and upon graduation, I was recognized as a Phleb II by Geisinger.
I decided to apply my skills in a plasma donation center, which had its own unique set of requirements for a Phleb II. So, I began my journey there as a Phleb 1. One of the most appealing aspects of the school was that it paid me as an employee while I was learning. This meant I was earning while gaining invaluable skills and knowledge, a truly win-win situation!
I decided to apply my skills in a plasma donation center, which had its own unique set of requirements for a Phleb II. So, I began my journey there as a Phleb 1. One of the most appealing aspects of the school was that it paid me as an employee while I was learning. This meant I was earning while gaining invaluable skills and knowledge, a truly win-win situation!
Hailee Gilliam
Phlebotomy
3
Answers
Greenville, South Carolina
Updated
Hailee’s Answer
Hi Friend!
I'm not sure if this is offered everywhere, but I completed an online course. I did it through MedCerts.com. It was an easy program that I completed in a few months. You complete all the needed courses online and then you will complete a "clinical" course as well. The clinical portion was a few days at a local doctors office drawing blood and performing finger sticks. They provide student insurance for when you go to these offices to stick people. You complete a form that tells that you completed all the necessary needs and your mentor signs it and you're on your way! It is cost effective as well for how fast you get certified and working in your desired career.
I'm not sure if this is offered everywhere, but I completed an online course. I did it through MedCerts.com. It was an easy program that I completed in a few months. You complete all the needed courses online and then you will complete a "clinical" course as well. The clinical portion was a few days at a local doctors office drawing blood and performing finger sticks. They provide student insurance for when you go to these offices to stick people. You complete a form that tells that you completed all the necessary needs and your mentor signs it and you're on your way! It is cost effective as well for how fast you get certified and working in your desired career.
Stephanie Hodges DNP MSN FNP-C CNEcl
Nurse Practitioner and Professor of Nursing
5
Answers
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Most local community colleges continuing education departments offer phlebotomy training at an affordable cost and time sensitive training. There are also private companies that offer training, and some programs such as Medical Assistant of Medical Office Assistant may also include phlebotomy training within their program .
Some programs may be as short as a few weeks and some up to a year depending on certifications, and as others have mentioned, working in a clinic or office will be different than working in a hospital laboratory.
Ideally, if you can receive experiences in both while training, you can decide what area interests you the most.
With experience you will become a skilled phlebotomist and patients will speak your praises! Practice practice practice during your training, and remember confidence is a big part of your success, and that comes with knowledge and skill.
Best of luck to you!
Some programs may be as short as a few weeks and some up to a year depending on certifications, and as others have mentioned, working in a clinic or office will be different than working in a hospital laboratory.
Ideally, if you can receive experiences in both while training, you can decide what area interests you the most.
With experience you will become a skilled phlebotomist and patients will speak your praises! Practice practice practice during your training, and remember confidence is a big part of your success, and that comes with knowledge and skill.
Best of luck to you!
Godfrey Magawe
Clinical officer nephrology
114
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Godfrey’s Answer
I think one needs to do a CMA course first which can take 3-6monthhs then one can get a phlolebotomy proficiency certificate
Anna Bernal
Recruiter
60
Answers
Oviedo, Florida
Updated
Anna’s Answer
Hello,
Path to becoming a phlebotomist:
1. Complete secondary education
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. You can also take relevant courses in math, science, anatomy and physiology, and health.
2. Meet eligibility requirements
You'll usually need to provide proof of high school graduation, updated immunization records, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification, and pass a clean background check.
3. Complete an accredited phlebotomy program
You can find these programs at vocational schools or community colleges.
4. Pass the certification exam
Once you've completed the program, you'll need to pass the certification exam to become certified.
5. Gain experience
You can start working right away with on-the-job training to gain valuable clinical experience. As you gain experience, you can learn to manage the demands of different work environments and may even progress to senior phlebotomist, training new staff.
Path to becoming a phlebotomist:
1. Complete secondary education
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. You can also take relevant courses in math, science, anatomy and physiology, and health.
2. Meet eligibility requirements
You'll usually need to provide proof of high school graduation, updated immunization records, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification, and pass a clean background check.
3. Complete an accredited phlebotomy program
You can find these programs at vocational schools or community colleges.
4. Pass the certification exam
Once you've completed the program, you'll need to pass the certification exam to become certified.
5. Gain experience
You can start working right away with on-the-job training to gain valuable clinical experience. As you gain experience, you can learn to manage the demands of different work environments and may even progress to senior phlebotomist, training new staff.