Top Online Phlebotomy Classes & Certification Programs
Ready to begin your journey to a career in healthcare? Discover certification classes, learn about accreditation and cost, and find the online phlebotomy program that works for you.
You really want to work in healthcare, but you don’t have years to dedicate to a medical degree. You want to get your foot in the door as soon as possible, but you’re not sure where (or how) to start. If this sounds like you, earning your online phlebotomy certification could be a great option. As a professional phlebotomist, you’ll play a critical role within your healthcare team, from drawing blood and labeling specimens to organizing samples and recording key patient information.
Earning an online phlebotomy certification could be your first step toward a career in healthcare. Keep reading to find the top online phlebotomy certification programs and to learn how you can get your higher education started today.
Bossier Parish Community College
Bossier City, Louisiana
Public
University of Tennessee – Martin
UT-Martin provides an online phlebotomy technician professional development certificate in connection with Health Ed Today. This offering requires 50 hours of instruction and can be finished in as few as eight weeks. Provided in a self-paced learning format, students receive six months of access to textbooks, course materials, and workbooks for $1,699.
Once enrolled, you can take advantage of interactive learning modules, labs, around-the-clock mentoring, and career services. During the course of the program, students can plan to learn how to safely collect blood specimens, perform safe and complete venipunctures, and manage the order of draw. Specific course topics include anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system, pediatric and geriatric blood collection, and blood collection equipment.
If you plan to enroll, you should already possess or be actively pursuing your high school diploma or GED. Upon completing UT Martin’s program, you should feel prepared to sit for several state and national certification exams.
Alvin Community College
Alvin Community College provides a predominately online phlebotomy technician program that can be completed in just one semester. Offered through the Continuing Education Workforce Development Program, the program accepts students who are at least 18 and possess a high school diploma or GED at the time of enrollment. Students must also have certain immunizations and hold CPR certification from within the last two years.
All coursework is completed online but students do need to visit campus four times during the program to practice puncturing veins on mannequins. The program also requires you to complete clinical hours at an approved facility. Coursework includes clinical phlebotomy, labeling of specimens, and professionalism and ethics.
Courses are taught year-round and students pay $860 in tuition plus $71 in fees regardless of residence. If you need a part-time learning option, the school also makes this available.
FAQs About Online Phlebotomy Certification
Many schools and career centers provide online phlebotomy programs, but that’s not to say they all guarantee equal student outcomes. It’s important to consider questions around accreditation, graduation rates, and percentage of students who find work. The following section helps familiarize you with key parts of online phlebotomy programs and answer your most common questions.
What are the major types of phlebotomy certifications?
Several different professional associations and certifying organizations provide certificates to help phlebotomy technician program graduates demonstrate their skills and knowledge. You should carefully review each of the options below to find the one that best works with your education, experience, and career goals.
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP): ASCP has certified more than 570,000 medical laboratory professionals since its founding in 1928. The society provides both U.S. and international certifications, including those for phlebotomy technicians. Applicants pay $135 and must demonstrate training and work experience before sitting for the examination.
- The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT): Phlebotomy Technician Certification is available through the ASPT if you possess between 6-12 months of experience, completion of an accredited training program, and documentation of at least 25 successful venipunctures and 5 skin punctures. Applicants pay $90 and must maintain an active ASPT membership.
- National Phlebotomy Association (NPA): The NPA provides the Certified Phlebotomist Technologist credential to any candidate who completed an allied health program with at least 160 contact hours and 200 hours of practice in clinical settings or on mannequins. Examinees must pay a test fee and pass the exam to receive certification.
- National Healthcare Association (NHA): The NHA provides a variety of healthcare certifications, including the phlebotomy technician certificate. Applicants must have completed a phlebotomy training program within the last five years, hold a GED or diploma, and be at least 18 years of age. The exam costs $117 and requires renewal.
- National Center for Competency (NCCT): The NCCT allows candidates to earn their certification through four different routes: current student, graduate, experience, or military. The requirements for each vary, so you should select the route that best matches your path. The exam currently costs between $90-$135.
- American Medical Technologists (AMT): The AMT provides two paths to certification: education or work experience. Those following the first must have completed at least 120 clock hours of training, while candidates pursuing the second must have at least 1,040 phlebotomist work hours over the previous three years. The exam costs $120 for domestic applicants.
What do you learn in phlebotomy classes online?
Every online phlebotomy program looks different, but many offer courses, topics, and learning outcomes that overlap with those at other schools. All programs place great emphasis on understanding the legal and ethical considerations as well as ensuring students master vein puncturing and safe blood drawing. The following section takes a look at learning outcomes you can expect to walk away with as well as a few common classes.
- 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 around phlebotomy, including how blood samples must be labeled and requirements around patient consent. - Learning Outcome #5
An awareness of how samples must be taken, labeled, stored, transported, and processed and clear directives on what must be done if protocols are not followed correctly.
Common Courses
- Phlebotomy Theories
This introductory course covers the basic principles and tenets of safe blood draws on patients across the lifespan. In this class you will learn about the various methods for extracting blood (e.g., finger sticks, venipunctures, etc.), how to care for both the youngest and oldest patients, and other common practices. - Anatomy and Physiology
Taking this course provides you with a broad, foundational overview of all the systems and parts of human bodies, including how they function. This course helps you understand cardiovascular and circulatory systems – both of which directly tie into your work as a phlebotomist. - Medical Terminology
Understanding the medicine-specific words used by physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers help phlebotomy technicians avoid confusion and convey information in a clear, standardized manner. This course provides a study on common terminology and pronunciation. - Collection and Processing
The processes around collecting and processing blood specimens must follow specific protocols in order to ensure samples avoid contamination. This course provides a step-by-step overview of how to conduct these processes correctly. Students also learn about the various methods of processing and safely shipping samples. - Principles of Professionalism
Phlebotomy technicians work with individuals from all walks of life throughout their professional days, making it important that they know how to present themselves and their employers well. This course looks at how to properly address fellow healthcare professionals while also giving tips and tools for working with all different types of patients.
Can you earn a phlebotomy certification completely online?
Many phlebotomy training programs allow students to complete their classes online, making it easier to meet these requirements while balancing personal and professional responsibilities. Most, however, do require you to visit campus to practice venipunctures on mannequins and/or participate in clinical hours at an approved healthcare facility.
How long does it take to earn a phlebotomy certification online?
The amount of time taken to complete an online phlebotomy program depends on several factors. Some schools offer self-paced learning options where you can finish as quickly or slowly as you please; others require students to follow a set schedule. The time spent earning your online phlebotomy certification also depends on whether you can devote all of your energies to the coursework or need to study on a part-time basis.
The majority of programs take between four and eight months to complete, but some accelerated programs allow you to finish requirements in as few as eight weeks. You should check with several community colleges and vocational schools to identify available timelines before making a commitment.
How much does an online phlebotomy certification cost?
The cost of an online phlebotomy program can vary substantially between schools and institutions, making it important to check prices if you’re on a tight budget. Finding a public, non-profit school often makes the most financial sense while for-profit, private schools typically charge more. Below, we look at the costs of three different programs to help give you a sense of what to expect.
Can online phlebotomy classes work towards a certification program?
If you want to become a phlebotomist, all certification programs require that you possess a minimum amount of education gained through phlebotomy coursework. As discussed earlier in this guide, many vocational schools, community colleges, and even some high schools provide phlebotomist training – some of them online.
Before selecting your online phlebotomy training program, you should carefully read over the educational requirements. Some of the certifying agencies may even provide a list of approved schools. Make sure any program you pick meets the minimum requirements before enrolling.
Paying for Your Online Phlebotomy Certification Classes
Phlebotomy certification programs typically cost less than full degrees, but they can still be expensive. If you’re working with a budget or don’t want to go into debt to get your certification, there are several funding options that can help lower costs and make it easier to get yourself through school.
1
Because scholarships and grants don’t need to be repaid so long as you meet all the terms, they are always a popular option. Professional associations, schools and training centers, and government agencies provide these types of awards to students. They tend to be quite competitive, so you should start applying early.
2
Student loans serve as an important part of the funding process as they help you meet any outstanding financial obligations once you exhaust personal savings and other types of funding. The U.S. Department of Education offers several types of student loans based on degree level and student classification.
3
When filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the U.S. Department of Education will determine whether you qualify for work-study opportunities based on your individual/household income. If so, you can apply to open student positions posted by your vocational school or community college. These positions provide an hourly wage that can be used towards any school and/or living expenses.
Accreditation Standards for Phlebotomy Certification Classes
Attending a properly accredited phlebotomy program is of major important given that failing to do so can cause issues when seeking certification and/or looking for jobs. At the institutional level, you will either see regional or national accreditation. While regional is seen as the more rigorous of the two, you may also come across the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science. The purpose of accreditation is to make sure schools adequately support students while enrolled and prepare them for their intended career.
At the programmatic level, the National Phlebotomy Association provides accreditation to ensure programs meet national standards. If you’re unsure whether a school or program maintains accreditation, you can search the U.S. Department of Education’s 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: these professionals are trusted to take blood from patients, handle it carefully, and abide by ethical and legal regulations. The vast majority of employers require their phlebotomists to hold certification from one of the national organizations reviewed earlier in this guide.
To receive certification, you typically need to complete a postsecondary non-degree award such as those earlier discussed. Many certification programs also require candidates to possess some real-world experience, such as clinical experience gained during their program and/or work experience. As of 2024, only four states (California, Louisiana, Nevada, and Washington) mandate that phlebotomy technicians hold certification.
Students must also renew their certifications every couple of years, with individual certifying organizations setting specific guidelines.
Careers & Salary Outlook for Phlebotomists
Phlebotomists play a crucial role in healthcare, and the demand for their services continues to rise, with a projected growth of 7.7% across the U.S. This expansion will add about 10,800 new jobs, bringing the total to around 150,200 positions nationwide. States with the highest projected job increases include Texas, California, and Florida, while Arizona and New Mexico are expected to see the highest growth rates, at 26% and 27.4%, respectively.
Phlebotomists in the U.S. earn a median annual wage of $41,810, though earnings vary widely based on location and experience. The 90th percentile salary reaches $55,330, while the 10th percentile is about $33,310. States with higher median wages include California ($49,120), Washington ($49,130), and Oregon ($46,990). The role is ideal for individuals seeking entry into the healthcare field with growth potential and competitive pay, especially in high-demand regions.
| 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. | $33,310 | $41,810 | $55,330 |
| Alabama | $29,190 | $36,190 | $43,900 |
| Alaska | $40,160 | $44,990 | $61,560 |
| Arizona | $37,200 | $41,210 | $53,210 |
| Arkansas | $29,570 | $36,880 | $43,460 |
| California | $39,270 | $49,120 | $66,690 |
| Colorado | $38,260 | $45,450 | $56,830 |
| Connecticut | $38,020 | $45,950 | $57,010 |
| Delaware | $39,030 | $47,980 | $58,170 |
| Florida | $34,090 | $37,910 | $46,110 |
| Georgia | $32,200 | $39,920 | $50,410 |
| Hawaii | $239,000+ | $239,000+ | $239,000+ |
| Idaho | $30,810 | $38,740 | $47,470 |
| Illinois | $33,350 | $44,530 | $50,080 |
| Indiana | $31,310 | $37,390 | $46,680 |
| Iowa | $34,510 | $37,740 | $47,850 |
| Kansas | $30,440 | $37,870 | $50,760 |
| Kentucky | $29,080 | $37,270 | $53,220 |
| Louisiana | $27,930 | $34,470 | $43,830 |
| Maine | $33,660 | $39,400 | $47,330 |
| Maryland | $37,540 | $45,990 | $57,900 |
| Massachusetts | $39,120 | $47,220 | $58,240 |
| Michigan | $35,750 | $38,830 | $48,890 |
| Minnesota | $36,150 | $42,090 | $53,300 |
| Mississippi | $25,480 | $32,780 | $42,470 |
| Missouri | $29,470 | $38,440 | $46,570 |
| Montana | $34,670 | $38,150 | $49,690 |
| Nebraska | $32,870 | $36,360 | $47,740 |
| Nevada | $35,300 | $38,250 | $64,120 |
| New Hampshire | $37,420 | $45,560 | $54,060 |
| New Jersey | $36,100 | $46,770 | $55,940 |
| New Mexico | $31,080 | $38,940 | $47,990 |
| New York | $37,720 | $48,510 | $61,810 |
| North Carolina | $31,730 | $39,220 | $48,390 |
| North Dakota | $35,960 | $40,100 | $57,190 |
| Ohio | $32,120 | $38,110 | $46,520 |
| Oklahoma | $29,910 | $35,880 | $47,510 |
| Oregon | $38,330 | $46,990 | $58,530 |
| Pennsylvania | $35,350 | $42,790 | $51,830 |
| Rhode Island | $39,630 | $45,640 | $56,280 |
| South Carolina | $31,570 | $37,510 | $45,570 |
| South Dakota | $30,640 | $36,240 | $43,490 |
| Tennessee | $28,830 | $36,620 | $45,750 |
| Texas | $31,260 | $40,880 | $48,270 |
| Utah | $33,100 | $36,720 | $44,790 |
| Vermont | $37,010 | $39,900 | $54,180 |
| Virginia | $33,910 | $43,560 | $53,660 |
| Washington | $40,150 | $49,130 | $62,990 |
| West Virginia | $30,030 | $36,560 | $45,150 |
| Wisconsin | $37,770 | $44,600 | $48,690 |
| Wyoming | $23,270 | $35,810 | $72,130 |
Source: Phlebotomists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Continuing Education & Related Careers
As you continue to learn about what it’s like to work as a phlebotomist, it’s important to understand continuing education requirements. After reading through this guide, you may also feel that phlebotomy doesn’t match your career goals, but a related job may be of interest to you. Here’s what you need to know about continuing education and related degrees.
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. To do this, many certifying agencies require you to complete a set number of continuing education credits. Depending on where you live, your state board may also set continuing education requirements.
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. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found these professionals earned $34,800 in 2019.
- Associate Degree in Nursing Pursuing this two-year degree allows you to become a registered nurse and test out the waters of this profession. While many employers look for candidates with bachelor’s degrees, this program can help get your foot in the door. The BLS found that registered nurses earned median salaries of $73,300 in 2019. Learn more about earning your nursing degree online.
- 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 you to work under the supervision of dentists and dental hygienists to perform both clinical and administrative tasks. The BLS reports that dental assistants brought home median salaries of $40,080 in 2019.
Resources for Phlebotomists 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. - Day in the Life of a Phlebotomist
This fascinating YouTube video gives you a glimpse of what to expect when working in this field and helps answer common questions. - National Association of Phlebotomists
Members of NAP can 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 in 5
This popular podcast is produced by PhlebotomyCoach and provides an insider look at the profession. - 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.
