What is a Phlebotomist? A Guide on How To Become a Phlebotomist: Training, Certification, Career Paths & Salary

One of the most essential aspects of healthcare is phlebotomy. Phlebotomy is the process of drawing blood from a patient to be used for testing, donations, and even therapeutic purposes. The personnel responsible for this process are called phlebotomists—and there’s a growing demand for the role. 

Here, we’ll answer the question, “What is a phlebotomist?” and review how to enter the field and what to expect from the career outlook. 

A phlebotomist is a medical professional who receives training to perform blood drawings on patients. Training covers several methods for blood collection, including puncturing the vein, finger pricks, and heel pricks for infants. The blood they collect is then analyzed or donated. 

While nurses and lab technicians are trained to draw blood, it isn’t their sole responsibility. For a phlebotomist, however, drawing blood is the primary job function.

In addition to drawing blood, phlebotomists may have other related responsibilities, such as:

• Labeling and handling samples collected from patients.
• Following safety and hygiene protocols. 
• Providing emotional support and proper communication with the patient throughout the blood drawing process.

Phlebotomists work in a variety of settings, including:

• Hospitals 
• Labs
• Clinics
• Donation Centers
• Nursing Homes

In these places of work, phlebotomists work with pediatrics, the elderly, outpatients, and inpatients. Phlebotomists work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals and are often supervised by a clinical laboratory technologist.

To succeed as a phlebotomist, an individual must possess hard skills and knowledge related to anatomy, blood drawing techniques, and infection control. Required soft skills include compassion, communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving. Ample physical stamina and dexterity are also needed.

Becoming a phlebotomist can vary from state to state in the United States.

1. Educational requirements typically call for a high school diploma or a GED.
2. Next comes enrolling in a phlebotomy training program, which includes classwork, hands-on experience, and a minimum of 40 hours of practical training. 

Phlebotomy programs are often offered at community colleges, technical schools, and vocational institutions. Choose an accredited program to lay a solid foundation for a successful career in phlebotomy.

Obtaining certification to become a phlebotomist typically involves passing an exam administered by a certifying agency. Examples of certifying agencies include: 

• American Medical Technologists (AMT)
• National Center for Competency Testing/Multi-skilled Medical Certification Institute (NCCT/MMCI)
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) 

Certification exams from these agencies consist of both practical work—which involves demonstrating blood drawing, labeling samples, and following safety protocols—as well as a written portion. The phlebotomist certification exam costs between $120 and $150. 

There are 3 Phlebotomy Certification levels:

• Limited Phlebotomy Technician (LPT): Certified to perform skin puncture blood collection.
• Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT I): Certified to perform skin puncture and venipuncture blood collection.
• Certified Phlebotomy Technician II (CPT II): Certified to perform responsibilities of an LPT and CPT I while also performing arterial (artery) puncture blood collection. 

Some states, including Washington, California, Louisiana, and Nevada, have specific requirements for certification as a phlebotomist.

From start to finish, becoming a phlebotomist typically takes less than a year to complete.

The expense of training to become a phlebotomist varies based on the type of program and the institution offering it. There are online courses available, and some in-person classes can start at around $500. However, if you choose a program through a healthcare provider or a community college, the costs can exceed $2,000. Keep in mind that these figures don’t include additional expenses like certification fees, supplies, or background checks.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median annual wage for a phlebotomist in 2024 was $43,660, with job growth projections of 8% or higher. Phlebotomy is an excellent entry point in the healthcare field, and progression in this career typically leads to nursing or laboratory work.

Successful phlebotomists possess a blend of the essential hard and soft skills outlined above, along with adequate physical stamina and dexterity. If you’re comfortable with collecting blood, understand how to follow proper safety procedures, and are a compassionate individual, phlebotomy is likely a good fit for you. 

Opting for a career in phlebotomy is a smart choice if you want to enter the healthcare field quickly and you value job stability.

Interested in becoming a phlebotomist? Consider the Phlebotomy Technician training program at the Erie Institute of Technology. EIT’s six-month training program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to launch their careers as phlebotomists in the healthcare field. Featuring hands-on training, job placement, and flexible scheduling, medical programs offered at EIT provide the resources needed to begin your rewarding career in the healthcare industry as a Phlebotomy Technician. 

Get started today by contacting us to request more information on the program or apply online.