Phlebotomists, also referred to as phlebotomy technicians, are important members of the medical team. Trained and specialized in venipuncture (i.e., drawing blood), these healthcare professionals are critical for diagnosing and evaluating patient conditions.

Let’s put this into perspective. Blood samples are often needed to:

• Analyze organ function
• Assess nutritional needs
• Check for genetic mutations or inherited conditions
• Detect infection
• Diagnose chronic conditions (such as anemia, diabetes, and cancer)
• Evaluate hormone imbalances
• Facilitate blood and plasma donations
• Prepare infusions or transfusions
• Screen for disease (or risk of disease)
• Screen newborns to ensure healthy development

Phlebotomists make this all possible. On a daily basis, phlebotomists are responsible for collecting blood and storing the specimens in a safe and sanitary way. These samples are then analyzed and reviewed by medical providers so that patients can get the treatments they need.

Because of the important and intricate nature of their careers, a certain level of training and knowledge is needed to become a phlebotomist. However, you might be surprised to know that the path is relatively fast! Becoming a phlebotomist is one of the quickest ways to break into health and medicine.

Read on to find out what it takes.

General phlebotomist requirements

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, phlebotomists typically need a postsecondary certificate from a phlebotomy program. This is the expected standard among most states and employers. Phlebotomy programs can be found in career-focused colleges, universities, vocational schools, and technical institutions. They involve training in core sciences like anatomy and physiology, as well as develop career-specific skills like bedside manner and phlebotomy techniques.

In addition to education, phlebotomy certification is often required or preferred by employers. Professional certification can be obtained through the National Health Career Association (NHA), a widely-regarded organization in the field.

How long does it take to become a phlebotomist?

You can become a phlebotomist with just a few weeks or months of training under your belt. However, program lengths can vary, taking anywhere from three months to one year to complete.

At Goodwin University, our Phlebotomy certificate program can be completed in as few as 15 weeks, making it one of the fastest programs available in healthcare. Students train to become Certified Phlebotomy Technicians.

Phlebotomy training is also a key component of our Patient Care Associate (PCA) program, which is offered over three academic semesters. The first semester focuses on CNA and EKG training, while the last semesters dive deep into foundational and advanced phlebotomy skills. Students can then put these skills into practice through hands-on internships. This program is a valuable option for those exploring a phlebotomy career, but interested in versatile, patient care skillsets.

Learn more about our PCA training program here!

What are the necessary skills to become a phlebotomist?

Phlebotomy careers are more than just drawing blood and collecting lab specimens. Like any healthcare team member, phlebotomists are also responsible for making their patients feel comfortable while under their care. As a result, phlebotomists must have a combination of interpersonal and technical skills, such as:

• Compassion, to comfort patients who might be afraid of having their blood drawn
• Dexterity, to use equipment safely and to work efficiently with their hands
• Attention to detail, to ensure vials are filled, labeled, and recorded correctly
• Hand-eye coordination, to carry out all the precise tasks, like finding veins and drawing blood

A postsecondary Phlebotomy certificate or even Patient Care Associate (PCA) program, with a focus in phlebotomy, is a great way to develop these skillsets. At Goodwin, our PCA program develops technique and gives you internship experience with real patients prior to graduation day.

Steps to becoming a phlebotomist

The specific steps to become a phlebotomist can vary by state and employer. For example, some states require that aspiring phlebotomists complete an accredited training program. Certain employers might require that phlebotomists earn a license or certification. So, as you begin to carve your career path, be sure to research the specific requirements of prospective employers and the state in which you reside.

The following steps are typically required to become a phlebotomist.

1. Earn a high school diploma (or equivalent).

To build the foundation of your phlebotomy career, you must start by obtaining a high school education. This is a basic prerequisite that will enable you to pursue college-level phlebotomy training. If you’re still in high school and considering a phlebotomy or healthcare career long-term, consider taking courses in the sciences (like biology, chemistry, and anatomy) to build a solid foundation for your future studies.

2. Complete any necessary background, drug, and immunity checks.

Before launching a career in healthcare, most training programs and/or employers will require you to undergo a background check, drug testing, and a physical examination by your physician. This ensures you’re in good health to work with patients, who are potentially immunocompromised, and fit to carry out procedures that can sometimes mean life or death.

At Goodwin University, for example, aspiring PCA students must complete a criminal background check prior to applying.

3. Complete a phlebotomy training program.

Aspiring phlebotomists should enroll in a postsecondary training program to gain the skills and knowledge needed to work in venipuncture and patient care. In just a matter of weeks or months, a postsecondary training program will prepare you with knowledge of blood collection techniques, patient safety, infection control, bedside manner, medical terminology, and, of course, the proper storage of blood samples. It will also ensure you get practice in the field throughout the course of your study.

4. Gain clinical experience.

Clinical experience is a critical part of your journey to become a phlebotomist. Because phlebotomy requires a high level of precision and accuracy—to minimize pain and maximize veins—you’ll want to have a lot of practice leading up to your career. When you complete a postsecondary program, a lot of this clinical experience is provided. At Goodwin, for example, students complete a series of three internships throughout the course of the PCA program. They can put their phlebotomy skills into practice and nail down their techniques before launching a job.

5. Pursue professional certification.

Requirements for phlebotomists vary by state, and in some areas, certification or licensing is required. But even when it’s not required, professional certification is highly regarded and recommended. An estimated 96% of employers require or prefer to hire candidates who have done the work to earn respected credentials like Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT). Those with certification can often expect higher compensation, job prospects, and advancement opportunities.

The Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) credential is administered by examination via the National Health Career Association (NHA). Goodwin’s PCA graduates are eligible to pursue this certification immediately after graduation. You may also qualify if you:

• Earned a high school education or GED
• Completed a phlebotomy training program in last five years
• Have successfully performed a minimum of 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary or finger sticks on live individuals

Goodwin University can help you prepare for certification by arming you with a library of knowledge and practical phlebotomy experience. Because phlebotomists also work directly with their patients, we will also equip you with the various interpersonal skills desired in phlebotomists today.

Explore our Phlebotomy certificate program here!

Become a phlebotomist with Goodwin

With a great education and professional phlebotomy certification behind you, you can launch a successful phlebotomy career with employers like:

• Insurance companies
• Health clinics
• Hospitals
• Outpatient laboratories
• Physician’s offices
• Nursing homes

And you can do this relatively fast. Phlebotomy is one of the most accessible professions in medicine, as the training is shorter and more affordable than most other healthcare programs.

Understanding how to become a phlebotomist, as well as all the fundamental phlebotomist requirements, is a step in the right direction.

But let’s take you one step further. Visit us online to request more information about Goodwin’s Patient Care Assistant program to see how we can position you for successful careers like a Certified Nursing Assistant, EKG Technician, or Phlebotomist.

Or, explore our fast-paced Phlebotomy program here!