If you’ve decided to pursue a career in phlebotomy, one of the first questions on your mind is likely: “How long does it take to become a phlebotomist and start my first job?” With various training options and pathways available, it’s essential to understand the process and make informed decisions to launch your career as quickly and effectively as possible. In this article, we break down the steps involved in becoming a phlebotomist and offer tips on how to speed up the process.
Steps to Becoming a Phlebotomist
In the United States, becoming a phlebotomist generally involves three main steps:
- Training: Completing a phlebotomy training program.
- Clinical Experience: Gaining hands-on experience through clinical practice.
- Certification: Passing a nationally recognized certification exam.
Each step comes with different options that can affect the time it takes to complete. Let’s explore these steps and the various pathways available to you.
Step 1: Phlebotomy Training
The length of time it takes to complete phlebotomy training depends on the type of program you choose. There are two primary options:
Option 1: Full-Time Certificate Program at a Community College or University
A full-time certificate program is one of the most respected ways to enter the field of phlebotomy. Upon completion, you receive a certificate from the institution, which can show potential employers that you’ve received a quality education and are serious about your career. However, there are a few downsides to this route:
- Cost: These programs can be expensive, ranging from $4,000 to $7,000 depending on the state.
- Duration: A full-time certificate program typically takes about 12 months to complete.
Summary: If you choose this route, it will take a minimum of 12 months before you can start working as a phlebotomist. While this option is highly respected, it is both time-consuming and costly.
Option 2: Local Classes (Weekend, Evening, Online, or Training Centers)
Local phlebotomy classes can be more flexible and affordable. Depending on where you live, you might have access to:
- Weekend or Evening Classes: Ideal for those who need to balance training with other commitments.
- Online Programs: Convenient for those who prefer to study from home.
- Local Phlebotomy Training Centers: Shorter, intensive programs focused on practical skills.
The duration for these programs can range from 4 weeks to 6 months, offering a much faster path to entering the workforce. However, it’s crucial to keep several factors in mind when choosing this option:
- Accreditation: Ensure that the program is accredited and recognized.
- Certification Preparation: Confirm that the program prepares you for the certification exam.
- Hidden Costs: Watch out for any extra fees not included in the initial tuition.
Summary: Local classes offer a quicker and often more affordable path, but it’s important to choose a reputable program. Completing this type of training can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 months.
Step 2: Clinical Experience
After completing your phlebotomy training, the next critical step is gaining clinical experience. Most healthcare facilities prefer to hire candidates who have hands-on experience drawing blood from live patients.
- Externship: An externship is a temporary, hands-on clinical experience where you work at a local healthcare facility. During this time, you’ll perform blood draws on real patients, which is essential for building your skills and confidence.
- Duration: Externships typically last between 2 to 4 weeks and are usually part-time, requiring a few hours each day.
Why Clinical Experience Matters: Completing an externship not only enhances your skills but also makes you more attractive to potential employers. They want to hire individuals who already have some experience with live patients, making an externship a vital part of your training.
Step 3: Getting Certified
The final step to becoming a phlebotomist is obtaining your phlebotomy certification. In the United States, this involves passing a nationally recognized certification exam.
- Certification Exam: The most common certification is the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam, conducted by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The CPT is the gold standard in the industry and is widely recognized.
- Preparation Time: The time it takes to prepare for the exam depends on the training program you’ve completed. If you’ve chosen a program that prepares you well, you can schedule your exam soon after completing your training and externship. However, if your program did not cover certification preparation, you might need to spend additional months studying for the exam.
Certification is the final step before entering the workforce. The time required to prepare for the exam can vary depending on how well your training program has equipped you.
Timeline Recap: How Long Does It Really Take?
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated timeframes for each step:
- Training:
- Full-time certificate program: 12 months.
- Local classes: 4 weeks to 6 months.
- Clinical Experience (Externship): 2 to 4 weeks.
- Certification: Variable, depending on exam preparation time.
Overall, the total time it takes to become a phlebotomist can range from approximately 2 months to 14 months or more, depending on the pathway you choose.
Tips for Accelerating Your Phlebotomy Career
If you want to start your career as a phlebotomist faster, here are some tips to help you make smart decisions along the way:
1. Choose an Online Training Program
Selecting an online phlebotomy program that allows you to complete your coursework from home can save you commuting time and offer flexibility in your schedule. This can be particularly beneficial if you need to work while training.
2. Ensure Your Program is Accredited
To avoid wasting time and money, choose an accredited program from a reputable institution. This will ensure you receive a quality education and meet the requirements for certification.
3. Opt for a Program That Takes No More Than 3 Months
If speed is your priority, look for a phlebotomist training program designed to be completed in 3 months or less. Some programs offer intensive coursework that can fast-track your education while still covering all the necessary material.
4. Pick a Program That Prepares You for the Certification Exam
Ideally, your training program should include preparation for the phlebotomist certification exam, so you can take it as soon as you finish your coursework. This will save you from having to spend additional time studying independently.
5. Choose a Program That Arranges Your Externship
Finding an externship can sometimes be a challenge. To avoid delays, select a program that arranges the externship for you, ensuring that you gain the necessary clinical experience promptly.
By following these tips, you can streamline your training and potentially become a certified phlebotomist in as little as 3 months.
Jumpstart Your Healthcare Career with Preppy’s Fast-Track Phlebotomy Certification!
Preppy’s phlebotomy certification program offers a fast, affordable, and fully online path to becoming a certified phlebotomy technician. Here’s what makes our program stand out:
Program Highlights:
- No Prior Experience Needed: No college degree or healthcare experience is required to enroll.
- Complete Flexibility: Study at your own pace, entirely from the comfort of your home.
- Finish Fast: Get certified in as little as 2 months, compared to traditional programs that can take up to 2 years.
- Trusted Education Partner: Program is in partnership with Auburn University, a 150-year-old accredited nonprofit university.
- Hands-On Experience Included: Gain real-world experience through a volunteer externship at one of our partner locations. Complete the required blood draws for certification!
Why Choose Phlebotomy?
- Vital Role in Healthcare: Phlebotomists collect blood samples, which are essential for diagnosing illnesses and medical conditions.
- Make a Difference: Help patients feel calm and comfortable during blood draws, especially those with a fear of needles.
- Growing Demand: The field is expected to grow 24% from 2018 to 2028, far outpacing the average for other occupations.
- Job Security: With medical advancements and an aging population, phlebotomy technicians will continue to be in high demand.
Embark on an exciting and rewarding career in healthcare with Preppy’s online certification program!
Conclusion
Becoming a phlebotomist can take anywhere from 2 months to over a year, depending on the training program you choose and how quickly you move through the clinical experience and certification process. To accelerate your career, focus on selecting the right phlebotomy training program that fits your schedule, budget, and career goals. With the proper guidance and smart choices, you can become a phlebotomist in a relatively short period and begin working in this rewarding healthcare field.
Also read: Who is a Certified EKG Technician?
About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, who’s work on college affordability and accessibility has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader’s Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.
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