Phlebotomy Classes Online: Find the Right Certification Program
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HealthcareNursingAdv NursingIf you’re thinking about becoming a phlebotomist, you’ve got questions: how programs work, what they cost, what happens after graduation, and more. This guide takes you through the entire phlebotomy education and certification process, from admissions to getting your certification and finding your first job. Start your journey toward a career in phlebotomy today.
Getting Started: Online Phlebotomy Class FAQs
Many schools and career centers provide online phlebotomy programs, but that’s not to say all programs are created equal. So, it’s important to consider a number of factors when selecting your online phlebotomy program, including:
- Accreditation
- Graduation rate
- Employment rate for graduates
The following section will familiarize you with key parts of online phlebotomy programs and answer some frequently-asked questions by prospective online phlebotomy students.
What are the major types of phlebotomy certifications?
Several professional associations and organizations provide certifications that evidence a phlebotomy tech’s knowledge and skills in the field. You should carefully review each of the options below to find the one or more certifications that best work with your education, experience, and career goals.
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP): The ASCP has certified more than 570,000 medical laboratory professionals, including phlebotomy techs, since its founding in 1928. Applicants pay a $135 to $155 examination fee and must demonstrate training and work experience before sitting for the exam.
- The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT): Phlebotomy Technician Certification is available through the ASPT if you’ve completed an accredited training program, gained six to 12 months of professional experience, and performed at least 25 successful venipunctures and 5 skin punctures. Applicants pay a $100 to $125 exam fee and must maintain active society membership.
- National Phlebotomy Association (NPA): The NPA provides the Certified Phlebotomist Technologist credential to candidates who have completed an allied health program with at least 160 contact hours and 200 hours of practice in clinical settings or on mannequins. Applicants must also pass a certification exam.
- National Healthcare Association (NHA): The NHA provides a variety of healthcare certifications, including the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT). Certification exam requirements include a high school diploma or GED, completion of a phlebotomy training program within the last five years, and payment of the $125 to $129 exam fee.
- National Center for Competency (NCCT): The NCCT provides four certification options: Current Student, Graduate, Experience, and Military. Requirements vary for each option, but all applicants pay an exam fee of $119 to $135.
- American Medical Technologists (AMT): The AMT provides two certification paths. The Education path requires completion of a minimum of 120 clock hours of training, while the Work Experience path requires a minimum of 1,040 phlebotomist practice hours over the previous three years.
What do you learn in phlebotomy classes online?
While the content for online phlebotomy classes varies somewhat from program to program, you find that all of them offer courses that provide students with the knowledge and skills required for competent practice and to obtain professional certification.
Below is a list of learning outcomes common to practically all of the phlebotomy classes you’ll encounter during your program search:
- Learning Outcome #1
Develop the skills needed to work in clinics, medical facilities, hospitals, and blood donation centers and ensure patients are properly prepared to have their blood drawn. - Learning Outcome #2
The ability to communicate effectively and empathetically with patients across the lifespan, paying close attention to any medical issues that could complicate or change how blood needs to be drawn. - Learning Outcome #3
Demonstrate an understanding of how the human circulatory system works, with emphasis on appropriate ways of conducting venipunctures. - Learning Outcome #4
An understanding of current laws and regulations concerning phlebotomy practice, including how blood samples must be labeled and requirements for patient consent. - Learning Outcome #5
An awareness of how samples must be taken, labeled, stored, transported, and processed, as well as what must be done if protocols are not correctly followed.
Common Courses
- Phlebotomy Theories
This introductory course covers the basic principles and tenets of safe blood draws on patients across the lifespan. Students are taught the various methods for extracting blood (finger sticks, venipunctures, etc.), how to care for both the youngest and oldest patients, and other common practices. - Anatomy and Physiology
This course provides a broad, foundational overview of all the systems and parts of the human body, including how each functions. Emphasis is placed on an understanding of the cardiovascular and circulatory systems. - Medical Terminology
Study of common medical terminology and pronunciation. Understanding the medicine-specific terms used by physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers helps phlebotomy technicians avoid confusion and convey information in a clear, standardized manner. - Collection and Processing
The collecting and processing of blood specimens must follow specific protocols in order to avoid sample contamination. This course provides a step-by-step overview of how to conduct those processes correctly. - Principles of Professionalism
Phlebotomy technicians work with individuals from all walks of life, making it important that they know how to always conduct themselves professionally. This course offers tips and tools for effectively interacting with patients and properly addressing fellow healthcare professionals.
Can you earn a phlebotomy certification completely online?
Many phlebotomy training programs allow students to complete their classes online, making it easier to meet education requirements for certification. Most, however, include in-person components such as campus-based venipuncture sessions and/or hands-on clinical hours attended at program-approved healthcare facilities.
How long does it take to earn a phlebotomy certification online?
Completion times vary for online phlebotomy programs due primarily to the specific program and student’s chosen study pace (full-time, part-time, self-paced).
The majority of phlebotomy programs require four to eight months to complete. However, there are a small number of accelerated programs that can be completed in as few as eight weeks.
How much does an online phlebotomy certification cost?
The costs of online phlebotomy programs also vary from school to school, sometimes substantially. Factors most effecting costs include:
- Public vs. private: Programs offered by private schools (particularly for-profit ones) are often more expensive than those at public schools.
- Student residency: Public schools may charge a higher tuition rate to out-of-state residents than in-state residents.
Below are the costs of three current phlebotomy programs to give you a sense of what you can expect to find during your program search. Keep in mind that these figures do not include additional costs for books, uniforms, equipment, etc.
Can online phlebotomy classes work towards a certification program?
Absolutely. In fact, phlebotomy classes are often structured to meet the education requirements for certification eligibility.
As you explore online phlebotomy program options, carefully review course content to confirm that completing it will qualify you for the specific certification you want. And if you have any doubts, contact the program directly and ask about the certifications you’ll be eligible for once you’ve completed your studies.
Inside Top Phlebotomy Classes
To help get you started on your program search, we’ve profiled below two of the best online phlebotomy classes available today. These profiles will give you a good idea of just how these programs work as well as how different programs take different approaches to phlebotomy education and training.
University of Tennessee at Martin
Offered in partnership with online education provider ed2go, UT-Martin’s Online Phlebotomy Technician Certification Training course is self-paced and delivered 100% online. The curriculum consists of 200 course hours completed in 10 learning modules.
Graduates receive a certificate of completion and are prepared to take the exam for the National Healthcareer Association’s Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) certification.
There are no admissions requirements for this course. However, a high school diploma or equivalent is required to sit for the the CPT exam.
The total cost of $2,295 includes:
- 12 months access to all course content and materials
- Support from expert instructors
- CPR certification through the Red Cross
- The opportunity to participate in a clinical experience
- A voucher for the CPT exam.
Alvin Community College
Offered through its Continuing Education Workforce Development Program, Alvin Community College’s hybrid-formatted Phlebotomy Technician program can be completed in just one semester.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or GED at the time of enrollment. Proof of certain immunizations and CPR certification obtained within the last two years is also required.
All coursework is completed online, but students must come to campus four times during the program to practice venipuncture techniques on mannequins. The program also requires completion of a clinical practice experience at an approved healthcare facility.
Tuition is approximately $1,340.00 for in-district residents and $1,375.00 for out-of-district residents.
Paying for Your Online Phlebotomy Certification Classes
Phlebotomy certification classes cost less than full degrees, but they can still be expensive. If you’re working within a budget or don’t want to go into debt to get your training, there are several funding options to consider.
Scholarships and grants are popular because they’re not paid back, making them essentially “free money” for your education. They’re available from a wide range of sources, including professional associations, government agencies, and phlebotomy programs themselves.
Student loans are also quite popular because they’re among the easiest resources to secure. You’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for student loans offered by the U.S. Department of Education.
By submitting your FAFSA, the DOE will also determine whether you qualify for work-study opportunities. If you do qualify, you can apply to open work-study positions available from your vocational school or community college.
Accreditation & Phlebotomy Certification Classes
Making sure that the online phlebotomy program you choose is properly accredited is critical as it’s your assurance that the program meets important standards of academic quality. It can also impact your ability to obtain required professional certification and find employment.
At the programmatic level, the National Phlebotomy Association provides accreditation to ensure programs meet national standards. You can check current accreditation status by using this Department of Education Database of Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
Getting Your Professional License & Certification
Certification plays a big role in the world of phlebotomy, and for good reason. Phlebotomy techs are trusted to take blood from patients, handle it carefully, and abide by ethical and legal regulations.
As of 2026, only four states (California, Louisiana, Nevada, and Washington) mandate phlebotomy technicians obtain state licensure or certification. However, the vast majority of employers require their phlebotomists to hold certification from one of the national organizations discussed earlier in this guide.
Obtaining certification typically requires completion of a postsecondary non-degree training program. Many certifications additionally require candidates to possess some real-world practice experience (gained during their education programs and/or at their jobs.)
Careers & Salary Outlook for Phlebotomists
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 139,400 | 150,200 | 10,800 | 7.70% | 19,500 |
| Alabama | 2,700 | 2,880 | 180 | 6.70% | 370 |
| Alaska | 210 | 230 | 20 | 9.50% | 30 |
| Arizona | 3,660 | 4,610 | 950 | 26.00% | 620 |
| Arkansas | 1,030 | 1,160 | 130 | 12.60% | 150 |
| California | 13,200 | 15,200 | 2,000 | 15.20% | 2,000 |
| Colorado | 1,640 | 1,930 | 290 | 17.70% | 260 |
| Connecticut | 1,910 | 2,090 | 180 | 9.40% | 270 |
| Delaware | 360 | 420 | 60 | 16.70% | 50 |
| District of Columbia | 190 | 190 | – | 0.00% | 20 |
| Florida | 8,770 | 10,200 | 1,430 | 16.30% | 1,350 |
| Georgia | 5,280 | 6,390 | 1,110 | 21.00% | 850 |
| Idaho | 870 | 1,050 | 180 | 20.70% | 140 |
| Illinois | 4,910 | 5,150 | 240 | 4.90% | 660 |
| Indiana | 2,890 | 3,120 | 230 | 8.00% | 410 |
| Iowa | 850 | 960 | 110 | 12.90% | 130 |
| Kansas | 1,240 | 1,320 | 80 | 6.50% | 170 |
| Kentucky | 2,350 | 2,530 | 180 | 7.70% | 330 |
| Louisiana | 2,970 | 3,190 | 220 | 7.40% | 410 |
| Maine | 700 | 710 | 10 | 1.40% | 90 |
| Maryland | 2,580 | 2,830 | 250 | 9.70% | 370 |
| Massachusetts | 990 | 1,080 | 90 | 9.10% | 140 |
| Michigan | 2,860 | 3,020 | 160 | 5.60% | 390 |
| Minnesota | 1,340 | 1,470 | 130 | 9.70% | 190 |
| Mississippi | 940 | 990 | 50 | 5.30% | 130 |
| Missouri | 2,120 | 2,380 | 260 | 12.30% | 310 |
| Montana | 480 | 570 | 90 | 18.80% | 80 |
| Nebraska | 900 | 990 | 90 | 10.00% | 130 |
| Nevada | 840 | 940 | 100 | 11.90% | 120 |
| New Hampshire | 700 | 750 | 50 | 7.10% | 100 |
| New Jersey | 6,370 | 7,120 | 750 | 11.80% | 930 |
| New Mexico | 730 | 930 | 200 | 27.40% | 130 |
| New York | 7,380 | 9,350 | 1,970 | 26.70% | 200 |
| North Carolina | 5,810 | 6,830 | 1,020 | 17.60% | 900 |
| North Dakota | 260 | 290 | 30 | 11.50% | 40 |
| Ohio | 5,320 | 5,560 | 240 | 4.50% | 720 |
| Oklahoma | 2,050 | 2,170 | 120 | 5.90% | 280 |
| Oregon | 2,360 | 2,630 | 270 | 11.40% | 340 |
| Pennsylvania | 4,990 | 5,150 | 160 | 3.20% | 660 |
| Rhode Island | 670 | 700 | 30 | 4.50% | 90 |
| South Carolina | 2,190 | 2,520 | 330 | 15.10% | 330 |
| South Dakota | 400 | 470 | 70 | 17.50% | 60 |
| Tennessee | 2,690 | 3,220 | 530 | 19.70% | 430 |
| Texas | 12,900 | 16,290 | 3,390 | 26.30% | 2,190 |
| Utah | 1,670 | 2,160 | 490 | 29.30% | 290 |
| Vermont | 200 | 220 | 20 | 10.00% | 30 |
| Virgin Islands | 30 | 20 | -10 | -33.30% | – |
| Virginia | 3,190 | 3,540 | 350 | 11.00% | 460 |
| Washington | 2,640 | 3,070 | 430 | 16.30% | 450 |
| West Virginia | 1,130 | 1,240 | 110 | 9.70% | 160 |
| Wisconsin | 3,350 | 3,800 | 450 | 13.40% | 500 |
| Wyoming | 140 | 160 | 20 | 14.30% | 20 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $34,860 | $43,660 | $57,750 |
| Alabama | $29,660 | $35,970 | $42,440 |
| Alaska | $41,980 | $46,110 | $60,100 |
| Arizona | $37,480 | $42,830 | $57,540 |
| Arkansas | $30,310 | $36,870 | $43,580 |
| California | $42,520 | $55,460 | $70,350 |
| Connecticut | $37,400 | $46,260 | $58,200 |
| Delaware | $37,300 | $46,340 | $56,850 |
| District of Columbia | $39,770 | $47,110 | $55,740 |
| Florida | $35,280 | $38,570 | $47,160 |
| Georgia | $34,610 | $43,340 | $52,510 |
| Hawaii | $40,820 | $45,510 | $59,160 |
| Idaho | $33,930 | $39,720 | $48,800 |
| Illinois | $36,590 | $45,620 | $51,360 |
| Indiana | $33,910 | $38,200 | $45,770 |
| Iowa | $34,370 | $38,040 | $48,860 |
| Kansas | $31,710 | $38,330 | $49,330 |
| Kentucky | $30,520 | $38,000 | $47,690 |
| Louisiana | $29,720 | $35,650 | $45,310 |
| Maine | $32,830 | $40,940 | $48,760 |
| Maryland | $38,530 | $47,100 | $58,740 |
| Massachusetts | $40,190 | $48,270 | $60,380 |
| Michigan | $36,240 | $39,760 | $49,190 |
| Minnesota | $38,450 | $44,880 | $56,480 |
| Mississippi | $26,900 | $34,900 | $47,930 |
| Missouri | $31,920 | $39,770 | $49,390 |
| Montana | $36,190 | $46,040 | $54,740 |
| Nebraska | $34,080 | $36,750 | $48,710 |
| Nevada | $36,920 | $40,050 | $55,590 |
| New Hampshire | $38,320 | $46,460 | $56,220 |
| New Jersey | $37,710 | $46,840 | $56,450 |
| New Mexico | $31,220 | $38,480 | $49,940 |
| New York | $38,480 | $49,080 | $61,930 |
| North Carolina | $34,300 | $39,410 | $48,480 |
| North Dakota | $37,020 | $46,720 | $57,420 |
| Ohio | $35,480 | $38,830 | $47,510 |
| Oklahoma | $31,890 | $37,920 | $57,420 |
| Oregon | $38,900 | $47,510 | $60,870 |
| Pennsylvania | $35,710 | $40,140 | $52,080 |
| Rhode Island | $39,600 | $47,650 | $56,290 |
| South Carolina | $34,250 | $38,490 | $46,270 |
| South Dakota | $30,210 | $37,860 | $44,560 |
| Tennessee | $30,050 | $38,440 | $48,940 |
| Texas | $32,500 | $39,770 | $54,770 |
| Utah | $34,960 | $38,730 | $46,680 |
| Vermont | $37,450 | $39,530 | $48,310 |
| Virginia | $37,070 | $45,720 | $53,810 |
| Washington | $39,480 | $47,700 | $62,580 |
| West Virginia | $31,480 | $38,830 | $46,220 |
| Wisconsin | $36,900 | $45,230 | $50,410 |
| Wyoming | $24,300 | $37,390 | $62,830 |
Source: Phlebotomists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Continuing Education & Related Careers
If you choose a career as a phlebotomy technician, you’ll meet stated continuing education requirements to maintain your certification. If after reading through this guide, however, you decide that becoming a phlebotomy tech isn’t you, then you may want to consider pursuing an education leading to any of a number of other entry-level healthcare careers.
Here’s a brief look at continuing education for phlebotomy techs and degrees related to alternative career options.
Continuing Education
As with other healthcare disciplines, the field of phlebotomy continues to grow and evolve as new research and studies uncover more information about how the human circulatory system works and how blood samples can be used in informing patient diagnoses and treatment plans. Because of this, it’s important for phlebotomy technicians to stay abreast of changes and emerging best practices.
To maintain your certification, you must apply for renewal every few years. Your state board may also require completion of a set number of continuing education credits every renewal period.
Related Degrees to Consider
- A.A.S. in Medical Assisting These two-year programs provide the skills needed to offer clinical and administrative support services in hospitals, long-term care facilities, physicians’ offices, and other healthcare settings. Many community colleges offer online medical assistant programs, making it a convenient and flexible option for students.
- Associate Degree in Nursing An ADN degree allows you to get the education and training you need to become a registered nurse in two years. According to the BLS, the median pay for RNs in the U.S. in 2024 was $93,600.
- A.A.S. in Dental Assisting Offered through many community colleges and vocational schools, online dental assisting programs require two years of study and prepare students to work under the supervision of dentists and dental hygienists to perform both clinical and administrative tasks. The BLS reports a median salary of $47,300 for dental assistants in 2024.
Resources for Phlebotomy Students & Professionals
- American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians
The ASPT provides certification and renewal, school approval, an annual conference, and study materials to help learners prepare for their careers as phlebotomist technicians. - What’s it like to work as a Phlebotomist?
This fascinating YouTube video gives you a glimpse of what to expect when working in this field and helps answer some common questions. - National Association of Phlebotomists
Members of NAP receive access to training programs, continuing education courses, quarterly newsletters, a biyearly conference, and opportunities for mentorship. - National Phlebotomy Association
In addition to providing certification, the NPA supports phlebotomy students and professionals alike by providing online and in-person events, job listings, and a regularly updated blog. - Phlebotomist AMA
Reddit provided this “Ask Me Anything” with a former phlebotomist to help address common questions. - Phlebotomy Wisdom
This Facebook group has more than 15,000 members and provides the space for new and experienced phlebotomists alike to come together. - Venipuncture Procedure
This YouTube video demonstrates a venipuncture on a mannequin and can serve as a helpful study tool when preparing for certification.
