Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, research and donations. It’s one of the quickest ways into healthcare: most people train in a few weeks to a few months, and you don’t need a college degree. This guide explains how to become a phlebotomist step by step, including the four states with their own licensing rules, what certification involves and what the job pays.
Last reviewed: October 1, 2026. Job and pay data come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Licensing and certification rules come from state agencies and certifying organizations, linked below.
| Median pay | $45,230 per year ($21.75 per hour), May 2025 |
| Typical education | Postsecondary certificate (program usually under 1 year) |
| Jobs in 2025 | 143,900 |
| Projected growth, 2025–35 | 7% (much faster than the 3% average) |
| Openings per year | About 18,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Phlebotomists.
Step 1: Make sure you meet the basic requirements
Most phlebotomy programs and national certifications require a high school diploma or equivalent. The National Healthcareer Association (NHA), for example, lists it as a requirement for its Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam. Many programs also ask for proof of immunizations and a background check before you can do clinical practice, so ask about these early.
The BLS also highlights the personal qualities the job demands: you’ll need steady hands, close attention to detail (every sample must be labeled correctly) and the ability to calm nervous patients.
Step 2: Check whether your state requires a license
In most states, phlebotomists don’t need a state license; employers set their own requirements and usually prefer national certification. Four states are different and regulate phlebotomists directly:
| State | What’s required | Agency |
|---|---|---|
| California | State certificate. For a Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT I) with no experience: 40 hours of classroom training, 40 hours of clinical practice with at least 50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures, and a passing score on an approved national exam. | California Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services |
| Washington | Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist (MA-P) certification. Paths include an accredited phlebotomy program, a current national certification (such as ASCP, NHA or AMT), or an approved supervised training program. | Washington State Department of Health |
| Louisiana | State phlebotomy license. | Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners |
| Nevada | State licensure for laboratory personnel who collect blood. | Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health |
Requirements change, so confirm the current rules with the state agency before you enroll in a program.
If you live in one of these states, choose a training program that’s approved to meet that state’s rules. California is the strictest: it requires 50 venipunctures, compared with the 30 the NHA asks for.
Step 3: Complete a phlebotomy training program
Training programs are offered by community colleges, vocational schools, technical schools and some hospitals. According to the BLS, they usually take less than a year and cover anatomy, physiology, medical terminology and lab safety, along with hands-on practice. Program lengths vary a lot. A few real examples:
- Miami Dade College estimates its Phlebotomy Technician program at about 8 weeks, with morning and evening classes.
- UCLA’s phlebotomist course runs six weeks of classroom instruction, followed by clinical rotations that can last up to two months.
- Community College of Philadelphia offers a one-semester course that includes weekly clinical rotations and prepares students for the ASCP exam.
Some employers will hire people with only a high school diploma and train them on the job, the BLS notes, but a formal program makes you a stronger candidate and is usually needed to qualify for certification.
Step 4: Log your hands-on blood draws
This is the step online-only courses can’t replace. Certifying bodies require proof that you’ve performed a minimum number of successful collections on real people. The NHA, for instance, asks for at least 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary (finger) sticks. California requires 50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures. Make sure your program includes a clinical placement or externship where you can complete these, and keep your documentation.
Step 5: Pass a national certification exam
Certification isn’t legally required in most states, but the BLS notes that employers often prefer certified candidates. The most widely recognized options include:
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) from the National Healthcareer Association: a two-hour exam you can take at your school, a testing center or online with live remote proctoring.
- Phlebotomy Technician, PBT(ASCP) from the American Society for Clinical Pathology, often taken after an accredited program.
- Other credentials from organizations such as the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) and American Medical Technologists (AMT).
Each has its own eligibility rules and fees, so check which ones employers in your area ask for before choosing. We compare them side by side in our phlebotomy certificacion comparison. Some jobs also require Basic Life Support certification in CPR.
Step 6: Find your first job
Hospitals and medical labs employ more than two-thirds of all phlebotomists. Most of the rest work in other outpatient healthcare services, such as blood donation centers, and in doctors’ offices. Some phlebotomists travel to set up mobile donation drives or to draw blood at patients’ homes and long-term care facilities.
Where you work affects what you earn. Here are the BLS median wages for phlebotomists in their main employment settings:
| Workplace | Median annual wage (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| Outpatient care centers | $48,030 |
| Medical and diagnostic laboratories | $46,670 |
| Offices of physicians | $44,500 |
| Hospitals (state, local and private) | $44,220 |
| All other ambulatory healthcare services | $39,930 |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. The lowest-paid 10% of phlebotomists earned under $35,780; the highest-paid 10% earned over $58,780.
Expect to work on your feet for long stretches. Most phlebotomists work full time, and those in hospitals and labs may need to cover nights, weekends and holidays.
Is phlebotomy a good career choice?
The case for it: training is short and relatively affordable, demand is growing faster than average as the population ages, and the skill is used in almost every healthcare setting. Many people also use phlebotomy as a first step toward nursing, medical assisting or laboratory careers.
The case against it:Â pay is below the national median of $50,980, and growth in income is limited unless you move into another role, as our look at what affects a phlebotomist’s salary explains. The work is repetitive, and you’ll deal daily with anxious patients and the occasional person who faints.
If you’re comparing phlebotomy with other short programs, see our list of quick certifications that pay well. If pay matters most and you can train longer, our ranking of the highest-paying trade jobs without a degree shows options that earn considerably more.
Sources
- BLS, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Phlebotomists.
- California Department of Public Health, Phlebotomist certification.
- Washington Administrative Code 246-827-0400, Medical assistant-phlebotomist.
- National Healthcareer Association, CPT certification.
- American Society for Clinical Pathology, Phlebotomist career page.
This guide is for general information. Training, licensing and certification rules change, so always confirm the current requirements with your state and the certifying organization.