Healthcare

How to Become a Phlebotomy Technician: Salary, Training & Certification (2026 Guide)

Phlebotomy technicians play an important role in healthcare. If you’re considering this career, find out more about what they do, what the training is like, and if it’s the right job for you in this blog!

Des Sinkevich

Jul 27, 2026

15 min read

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A phlebotomy technician is a healthcare professional who collects blood samples for testing, transfusions, research, and blood donations. Most phlebotomy technicians can complete a training program in under a year, and many employers prefer candidates with professional certification. If you're considering this career, here's what you'll do each day, how much you can earn, certification requirements, and how to get started!

Key takeaways

Fast entry into healthcare.
You can prepare to become job-ready in a year or less, with certification helping you stand out to employers.
More than drawing blood.
Phlebotomy technicians collect blood, ensure accurate specimen handling, and provide compassionate patient care.
Strong career outlook.
The need for phlebotomy technicians is growing, with opportunities across hospitals, labs, clinics, and blood centers.
Flexible training with hands-on experience.
Online programs paired with externships can prepare students for certification and entry-level careers.

Phlebotomy technician career at-a-glance

Avg. Salary: $43,660/yr
Education: Career diploma or certificate
Typical training time: One year or less
Certification: Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) certification exam
Work settings: Hospitals, labs, clinics, blood centers
Primary job: Collect blood samples

What does a phlebotomy technician do?

A phlebotomy technician collects blood samples used for laboratory testing, blood donations, transfusions, and medical research. While drawing blood is a key part of the job, phlebotomy technicians also verify patient information, follow strict safety and infection control procedures, accurately label specimens, and help patients feel comfortable throughout the process. Their work plays a vital role in supporting accurate diagnoses and quality patient care.

Common responsibilities of a phlebotomy technician

The common responsibilities of a phlebotomy technician include:

Drawing blood using venipuncture or fingerstick techniques
Identifying patients and verifying their information before collecting samples
Explaining the blood collection process to help patients feel comfortable
Preparing and sterilizing equipment and collection sites
Labeling blood samples accurately and completing required documentation
Following infection control and safety protocols to prevent contamination
Monitoring patients for adverse reactions, such as dizziness or fainting after a blood draw
Maintaining inventory of collection supplies and ensuring equipment is properly sanitized

What is a typical day like for a phlebotomy technician?

While no two days are exactly the same, most phlebotomy technicians spend their shifts helping patients, collecting blood samples, and supporting the healthcare team behind the scenes.

The specific responsibilities you have each day will depend on where you work. Hospitals often have a faster pace and a wider variety of patients, while physician offices, laboratories, and blood donation centers may offer a more predictable routine.

Preparing for the Day
A typical shift begins by gathering supplies, preparing collection equipment, and reviewing the day's patient schedule. Before collecting any blood samples, phlebotomy technicians make sure everything is clean, organized, and ready to use.
Working with Patients
One of the biggest parts of the job is interacting with patients. Before drawing blood, you'll verify each patient's identity, explain the procedure, and answer any questions they may have. Because many people feel anxious about needles or blood draws, helping patients feel calm and comfortable is just as important as mastering technical skills.
Collecting and Handling Blood Samples
Drawing blood is the primary responsibility of a phlebotomy technician, but it's only part of the process. After collecting a sample, you'll carefully label it, document the necessary information, and prepare it for transport to the laboratory. Following proper safety, infection control, and specimen-handling procedures helps ensure every sample can be accurately tested.
Collaborating with the Healthcare Team
Phlebotomy technicians work closely with nurses, physicians, laboratory professionals, and other healthcare staff throughout the day. By collecting high-quality specimens and maintaining accurate records, they help the healthcare team make informed decisions about patient care.
Wrapping Up Your Shift
At the end of the day, you'll restock supplies, disinfect equipment and workstations, safely dispose of used materials, and complete any remaining documentation. These final tasks help prepare the workspace for the next shift and ensure patient safety standards are maintained.

Is phlebotomy a fast-paced career?

It can be. In busy hospitals and diagnostic laboratories, phlebotomy technicians may care for dozens of patients during a single shift. In smaller medical offices or specialty clinics, the pace may be slower, giving you more time to build relationships with patients. If you enjoy staying active, working with people, and making a meaningful contribution to patient care, phlebotomy can be a rewarding career path.

What is the difference between a phlebotomist and a phlebotomy technician?

“Phlebotomist” and “phlebotomy technician” are different names for the same role and these titles can often be used interchangeably in the healthcare industry. Both job titles will generally have the same responsibilities, so when you’re searching for open roles in the field, you can look at positions with either title. What you’re called is ultimately up to what the employer prefers to label the role.

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Is the work environment for a phlebotomist stressful?

It can depend on where you work! Some environments, like hospitals and urgent care clinics, can be very fast paced, which could be stressful at times.

The work itself may also have stressful moments. The potential of mislabeling samples, which can cause serious issues, can be nerve-wracking.

Handling patients who struggle severely with getting their blood drawn can also be tough on phlebotomy techs. Some patients may cry and scream, and some may even pass out from fear and anxiety. Phlebotomy technicians must keep their cool and remain compassionate in these situations.

How do you become a phlebotomy technician?

To become a phlebotomy technician, you’ll need to follow a few steps.

Earn your high school diploma or GED. The first step toward becoming a phlebotomy technician is earning a high school diploma or equivalent. This is typically the minimum education requirement for enrolling in a phlebotomy training program and applying for entry-level positions. Some employers may hire new phlebotomy techs who just have a high school diploma and offer them on-the-job training, but most are looking for those who have education or certification.
Complete a phlebotomy training program. The next step to becoming a phlebotomy technician is getting training! You’ll want to complete a phlebotomy technician training program with a curriculum that covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, infection control, specimen collection, patient communication, and proper blood collection techniques.
Learn skills in an externship. As part of your training program, you’ll likely gain hands-on experience through an externship. You’ll find placement at an approved site near you and work alongside doctors and phlebotomy technicians to learn the ins-and-outs of the job, as well as completing the required minimum venipuncture and capillary sticks necessary to sit for the certification exam.
Prepare for certification. Once you’ve successfully completed the academic and hands-on parts of your training, you’ll want to prepare and sit for certification. While certification may not always be required, 78% of employers require phlebotomy technicians to be certified, while 18% just prefer to hire certified phlebotomy techs, according to the 2025 NHA Industry Report. The typical certification for this role is the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) certification exam, offered through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Apply for entry-level jobs. Once you’ve finished your training and gained your CPT certification, you can start applying for entry-level jobs! Some of the biggest employers of phlebotomy technicians tend to be hospitals or healthcare systems, so that can be a great place to start your job search. It can also help to reach out to people you worked with in your externship to see if they can recommend any open positions in your area.

Do you need to be certified to be a phlebotomy technician?

You don’t necessarily need to be certified to be a phlebotomy technician, but requirements and regulations around the role can depend on the state you live in. While certification isn’t always necessary, 83% of employers say that their phlebotomy technicians have certification and, when considering applications for new techs, 73% look for credentials and 48% look for successful completion of a phlebotomy training program. It’s possible to find a job without getting certified, but having certification on your resume can help you be competitive when applying for jobs.

There are a few different exams out there, but the typical certification a phlebotomy technician would sit for is the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam.

The Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam consists of 120 multiple choice questions. To be eligible to take this certification exam, you must provide evidence you have successfully performed a minimum of 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary, or finger sticks, on live individuals.

Do you need to be licensed to be a phlebotomy technician?

Most states don’t require that phlebotomy technicians be licensed and it’s not something most employers will look for, either. However, California does require its phlebotomy technicians to get certified and be licensed before they can legally work in the field.

How many levels of phlebotomy are there?

There are three levels of phlebotomy:

Limited Phlebotomy Technician (LPT). Authorized to perform only skin puncture blood collections.
Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT I). Authorized to perform both skin puncture and venipuncture blood collections.
Certified Phlebotomy Technician II (CPT II). Authorized to perform skin puncture, venipuncture, and arterial puncture blood collections.

Where do phlebotomy technicians work?

Phlebotomists work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:

hospitals
medical and diagnostic laboratories
blood donor centers
doctors’ offices

What is a normal schedule for a phlebotomy technician?

Phlebotomy technicians can work a variety of schedules and hours will depend on your employer and what kind of healthcare setting you work in. For example, if you work in a doctor’s office, you’ll likely have a fairly standard Monday through Friday schedule, with exclusively daytime working hours. However, if you work for a hospital, you could have early morning shifts, overnight shifts, and be expected to work weekends and holidays.

Is phlebotomy technician a good job?

For the right person, phlebotomy can be a very good job. It offers a chance to work in healthcare, help patients every day, and build a career without spending years in school.

One of the biggest benefits of phlebotomy is that it gives you the opportunity to support patient care in a meaningful way. Although blood draws may be a routine part of the job, they play an important role in helping doctors diagnose conditions, monitor treatment, and make informed decisions about a patient’s health. That means the work you do has real value every single day.

Phlebotomy can also be a good job for people who want a hands-on career with variety. Depending on where you work, you may interact with patients of different ages, work alongside nurses and other healthcare professionals, and handle a mix of responsibilities throughout the day. In busy settings, the pace can be fast; in other environments, the work may be more predictable and steady.

Another reason many people choose phlebotomy is the accessible career path. It can be a great entry point into healthcare for students who want to get started sooner and gain experience in a professional medical setting. For some, it can even be a steppingstone to other healthcare careers down the road.

How long does it take to become a phlebotomy technician?

The timeframe to become a phlebotomy technician varies depending on how you go about it. For on-the-job training, there’s no set timeline.

If you are enrolling in a training program and getting certified, the timeframe to do so can vary depending on how much of your day you’re able to dedicate to learning. Some online certification prep training programs can be completed in 12 months.

Can you train to become a phlebotomy technician online?

Yes, you can train to become a phlebotomy technician online. When you’re researching potential online programs, you want to verify that the program is legitimate, covers the information you need to know to be successful on the job, offers externship opportunities, and can help you prepare for certification.

With an online program, you’ll be able to learn the essential information that serves as a foundation for hands-on work. But since phlebotomy technicians perform blood draws on real patients, you'll also need hands-on training to develop the practical skills employers expect. That’s where an externship comes in and is an important part of your training. Besides allowing you to apply what you learned online to real life situations, a phlebotomy technician externship should also help you meet the minimum of thirty (30) venipunctures and ten (10) capillary or finger sticks on live individuals that is a requirement for certification.

Before enrolling in any phlebotomy program, it's a good idea to research your state's requirements, as education, clinical training, and certification expectations can vary by location.

Michelle added, "My advice for students in an online phlebotomy program would be to stay organized, create a regular study schedule, and avoid falling behind on coursework. Take time to understand the material and ask questions when something is unclear. Staying motivated and practicing skills whenever possible can help students feel more confident and prepared for hands-on training and their future careers. Just remember, it's normal to not know everything once you do begin your career. You will learn new things almost every day!"

How do I know if being a phlebotomy technician is right for me?

If you’re squeamish or struggle with needles, phlebotomy may not be the career for you. But if blood and needles don’t bother you, this could be the perfect way to enter the healthcare field.

Some of the best phlebotomy technicians also share certain personality traits that help them provide excellent patient care. If you enjoy working with people, pay attention to detail, and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this career could be a great fit.

"A student can decide if phlebotomy is right for them by thinking about whether they enjoy working with people, are comfortable around blood and needles, and can stay calm in stressful situations," Michelle Myers, LPN and one of the instructors for the Phlebotomy Technician Program, advised. "It may be a good fit for someone who is compassionate, detail-oriented, and interested in a hands-on healthcare career. Learning more about the daily responsibilities of a phlebotomy technician can also help students decide if the career matches their interests and goals."

What qualities should a phlebotomy technician have?

"Some of the best personality traits for a phlebotomy technician," Michelle said "are patience, compassion, good communication skills, and attention to detail. Many patients may be nervous or afraid of needles, so it is important to stay calm, friendly, and reassuring. A phlebotomy technician should also be dependable and organized because properly identifying patients, labeling samples, and following safety procedures and infection prevention are very important parts of the job."

The biggest qualities someone considering becoming a phlebotomy technician should have include

Compassion and empathy. For many patients, having blood drawn can be stressful or even frightening. A great phlebotomy technician knows how to listen, offer reassurance, and help patients feel as comfortable as possible throughout the process.
Strong communication skills. Phlebotomy technicians interact with patients, nurses, physicians, and laboratory staff every day. Being able to explain procedures clearly, answer questions, and communicate professionally helps create a positive experience for both patients and coworkers.
Attention to detail. Even small mistakes, such as labeling a specimen incorrectly or entering inaccurate patient information, can affect test results. Successful phlebotomy technicians are detail-oriented and follow procedures carefully to help ensure every sample is collected and documented accurately.
Calm under pressure. Healthcare environments can be busy, and unexpected situations can happen throughout the day. Whether you're assisting a nervous patient or working through a full schedule, staying calm and focused helps you provide safe, efficient care.
Manual dexterity. Drawing blood requires precision and steady hand-eye coordination. While these technical skills are learned through training and practice, being comfortable performing hands-on tasks can help you feel more confident on the job.
Organization and reliability. Phlebotomy technicians often manage multiple patients while keeping track of supplies, documentation, and specimen handling. Staying organized and dependable helps ensure work is completed accurately and on time.

What technical skills should a phlebotomy technician have?

Phlebotomy technicians need more than a steady hand. They also need a strong set of technical skills to help ensure every blood draw is done safely, accurately, and efficiently. These skills are usually developed through training and practice, and they play a major role in helping patients receive quality care.

Blood collection techniques. One of the most important technical skills for a phlebotomy technician is knowing how to collect blood samples correctly. This includes performing venipuncture and fingerstick procedures using the proper technique for each patient and situation.
Patient identification and specimen labeling. Phlebotomy technicians must know how to verify patient information, label specimens correctly, and match each sample to the right test order. Even a small labeling error can affect patient care, so attention to detail is essential.
Infection control and safety procedures. Because phlebotomy technicians work with blood and other potentially infectious materials, they need to understand proper infection control practices. This includes using personal protective equipment, following hand hygiene protocols, and disposing of sharps and other materials safely.
Equipment preparation and maintenance. A phlebotomy technician should know how to prepare, organize, and use blood collection equipment properly. This may include tubes, needles, tourniquets, antiseptic supplies, and specimen transport materials. Keeping equipment clean and ready to use helps support smooth, safe patient care.
Specimen handling and transport. After blood is collected, it must be handled carefully to preserve the integrity of the sample. Phlebotomy technicians need to know how to store, process, and transport specimens according to workplace and laboratory procedures.
Basic medical knowledge. Understanding anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and the purpose of common laboratory tests can help phlebotomy technicians do their jobs more effectively. This knowledge helps them communicate with healthcare teams and better understand why certain procedures or collection methods are needed.
Documentation and recordkeeping. Phlebotomy technicians must also be comfortable documenting procedures accurately. This may include entering patient information, recording collection details, and completing required forms or electronic records.
Communication and technology skills. Although phlebotomy is a hands-on role, it also involves using technology and communicating clearly with patients and healthcare staff. Phlebotomy technicians may use electronic health records, laboratory systems, and other digital tools as part of their daily work.

For those who are new to the field and nervous about their first time on the job, Michelle has some great advice! "My advice to a new phlebotomy technician," she said, "would be to stay patient, keep practicing, and not get discouraged if every blood draw does not go perfectly. Confidence and skill improve with experience. It is also important to communicate with patients, stay calm, follow safety procedures, and always be willing to learn from more experienced healthcare professionals."

How much does a phlebotomy technician make?

On average, a phlebotomy technician makes $43,660 a year or $20.99 per hour. The highest paid phlebotomy technicians tend to work in outpatient care centers and tend to make around $48,000 per year, while those who work for medical labs average a salary of $45,700, and those who work at hospitals earn $41,490.

One of the biggest reasons salaries differ is the type of employer. Phlebotomy technicians who work in hospitals, outpatient care centers, or specialized medical facilities may earn more than those in smaller offices or entry-level settings. More specialized environments may also require more flexibility, experience, or technical skill, which can affect pay.

Experience can also make a difference. Entry-level phlebotomy technicians may start with a lower salary, but wages often increase as professionals gain confidence, build their skills, and take on more responsibility. Over time, experience with difficult draws, patient care, and specimen handling can make a technician more valuable to employers.

Geographic location is another major factor. Salaries may be higher in areas with a higher cost of living or greater demand for healthcare workers. At the same time, local job markets and state requirements can influence how much employers are willing to pay.

Shift schedules can also impact earnings. Phlebotomy technicians who work evenings, overnight shifts, weekends, or holidays may receive shift differentials or premium pay depending on the employer. In busy hospitals and emergency settings, those less traditional hours can sometimes come with added compensation.

What’s the job outlook for phlebotomists?

Roles for phlebotomy techs are projected to grow 6% by 2034, with 18,400 jobs expected to open each year for the next decade.

How to possibly earn more money as a phlebotomy technician

Like most jobs, experience and increased credentials can help you earn more as a phlebotomy technician. Certification, including specialized certification, can help you qualify for higher pay. It may also be beneficial to consider cross-training in another area of healthcare so you have more skills and can work in positions with higher pay scales.

How does Penn Foster’s Phlebotomy Technician Program work?

Penn Foster’s online Phlebotomy Technician Career Diploma is designed to help you build job-ready skills on a schedule that works for your life. The program combines self-paced online coursework with hands-on learning, so you can study from home while still getting practical experience.

As you move through the program, you’ll build the knowledge phlebotomy technicians use every day, including infection control, testing and laboratory procedures, communication, and phlebotomy venipuncture skills. You’ll also complete simulations and receive an Apprentice Doctor venipuncture training kit, which can help you practice and reinforce what you’re learning before stepping into a real healthcare setting.

The program also includes a 40-hour externship, where you’ll gain hands-on experience in a primary care clinic, urgent care clinic, or medical practice near you.

It’s also aligned with the National Healthcareer Association’s Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam, so you can move forward with confidence as you prepare for certification and your next step in healthcare. The cost of your first exam attempt is included as part of the program's tuition!

Train to be a phlebotomy technician online

Becoming a phlebotomy technician can be a fast-paced, interesting, and meaningful career. With our online Phlebotomy Technician Program, you can take the first steps toward a new job on your schedule! There are no enrollment deadlines or due dates, so you can get started as soon as you’re ready.

Want more information? Fill out this form and our Admissions Specialists will contact you directly to answer any questions or help you get started! Or, if you are ready to go now, you can enroll online 24/7!