How much does a dental assistant make an hour?

While salary can vary based on experience, the state you live in, and your employer, the average hourly pay for dental assistants in the workforce in 2021 was $18.59 per hour, or $38,660 per year.*

What do dental assistants do?

In a typical dental office, dental assistants are those who support dentists and dental hygienists. A dental assistant's daily tasks can vary and include both administrative work and patient support. On a regular day, dental assistants take a patient’s medical history, explain procedures, and assist dentists during procedures. As a dental assistant, you can also expect to be responsible for preparing treatment rooms, including sterilizing medical equipment and tools and preparing patients for x-rays.

What does it take to become a dental assistant

Becoming a dental assistant often requires specific education and training. Depending on your state's regulations, you may also be required to pass a licensing or certification exam. Once you’re hired at an office, you may also complete a period of hands-on training under the supervision of an office manager or experienced dental assistant.

How long do you have to go to school to be a dental assistant?

Many traditional dental assistant training programs can take up to one year to complete, but with Penn Foster’s self-paced online coursework, you can prepare to take the next step toward a career in the field in as little as four months. This course can help you prepare for industry certification exams, such as the National Entry Level Dental Assistant.

Phlebotomy Technician

Career Diploma 12 months

New

Online Phlebotomy Technician Program

With Penn Foster’s online Phlebotomy Technician Career Diploma, you’ll learn the ins and outs of working as a phlebotomy technician and prepare to take the next steps toward an in-demand job in healthcare. Our program balances online learning with hands-on experience through simulations and an Apprentice Doctor training kit as well as an on-site externship to ensure you gain the knowledge you need to take the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) certification exam, offered through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Our Phlebotomy Technician Training can help you prepare to take the next steps toward a new career in healthcare on your schedule.
Gain hands-on experience through simulations, an Apprentice Doctor Venipuncture course and training kit, and a 40-hour externship. Our Externship Coordinators will help you find a site near you to complete your hours.
Costs associated with the first attempt at the CPT exam, including an exam prep package (a value of over $200), are covered under your Penn Foster program tuition.
Receive an Apprentice Doctor Venipuncture course and training kit which provides a realistic simulation experience with an innovative venipuncture and IV puncture arm.

Accredited

Online

Self Paced

Cost of Program

$1,199

$1,399 Save $200

$69/month, Start for as low as $20

Enroll Now Request Info

1-800-523-0577 (9AM - 9PM ET)

phlebotomist drawing blood from patient in exam room.

What You Will Learn

Effective communication skills to exhibit during phlebotomy procedures.
Understand and apply principles of anatomy and physiology relevant to phlebotomy, including knowledge of blood composition and circulation.
Proficiency in venipuncture techniques.
Implement infection control protocols and standard precautions to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens during phlebotomy procedures.
Gain knowledge of specimen handling, processing, and transportation procedures to maintain.
Understand legal and ethical considerations related to phlebotomy practice.

Full Program Goal & Outcomes

Phlebotomy Technician Career Outcomes

Phlebotomy Technician

AVG SALARY*

$43,660/yr

NUMBER OF JOBS*

141,200

JOB GROWTH*

Certified phlebotomy technicians can find jobs in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, laboratories, long-term care facilities, and more!

State Licensing Requirements

Licensing and/or certification requirements for jobs in this field are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered in the Penn Foster Program. Prospective students should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where they plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in this program. See the State Licensing page for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.

Penn Foster’s New Phlebotomy Technician Program

Phlebotomy Technician Curriculum Details

57.8 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Estimated completion time:

12 months

Penn Foster’s programs are self-paced, allowing you to fit education into your life and not the other way around. In the Phlebotomy Technician Program, you have up to 12 months to complete your studies, including a 40-hour externship.

Through your online classes, you can prepare to sit for the National Healthcareer Association’s Certified Phlebotomy Technician certification exam. Your program includes courses such as:

General Patient Care
Venipuncture Labs
Infection Control
Phlebotomy

Show Full Curriculum

Phlebotomy technician drawing patients blood in lab.

Phlebotomy Technician Externship

As part of your Penn Foster Phlebotomy Technician Training, you’ll have the opportunity to apply what you learned in your classes to real-world situations in a 40-hour externship at a site near you! Through your externship, you’ll 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. This experience can help you better prepare for your future career, helping you build relationships with healthcare professionals in your field and strengthening your skills.

You must successfully complete your externship to graduate from the program and sit for the CPT exam.

Student Stories

Penn Foster’s Phlebotomy Technician courses can help you prepare for a career in phlebotomy or even other parts of the healthcare field. Penn Foster programs have helped many students achieve their goals and kickstart their careers. Learn more about Penn Foster’s graduates' experiences and how Penn Foster worked for them.

View Student Success Stories

Melissa O.

2024 Penn Foster Graduate

“Works very well with my complicated schedule and I felt like I was able to learn at my own pace.”

Looking for healthcare training for your workers?

Penn Foster currently works with hundreds of leading employers to meet their unique organizational needs.

Learn More

Phlebotomy Technician Career Diploma Tuition

With Penn Foster, you can choose from one of our low-cost payment options below and get started on your way to a new career!

Option 1: Pay in full

Cost of Program¹

$1,199

$1,399 Save $200

Best price. Best value.
Pay the full cost today
No monthly payments

Enroll Now

Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

Cost of Program¹

$1,399

Pay $69 per month
Start for $20 down
All major credit and debit cards accepted

Enroll Now

Option 3: Monthly Mail Pay Plan

cost of program¹

$1,399

Pay $69 per month
Start for $39 down
Mail your payments

Enroll Now

Need more info or ready to enroll?

Looking for more information on transfer credits, military benefits, or our refund policy? Find this information and more about tuition and enrollment here.

Tuition & Payment Options

We're here to help. Call 1-800-523-0577 (9AM - 9PM ET)

Request Info

Our Proven Healthcare Learning Model

Empowering students to reach their professional goals

Flexible

Start anytime
No exam due dates
Self-paced

Interactive

Digital study guides
Presentations and animations
Simulations, training kit, and videos

Connected

24/7 access to online resources
Dedicated Learner Center
Stay up to date on social media

Supportive

Expert faculty
Dedicated learner support
Robust learning resources

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Online Phlebotomy Technician Career Diploma FAQs

How do I become a phlebotomy technician?

While it’s possible to enter the occupation with just a high school diploma and on the job training, many employers prefer candidates with a certificate from a postsecondary phlebotomy program. Training involves learning the skills and knowledge you’ll need to be successful on the job and can help you become certified, which can also help you stand out to employers when applying for jobs.

What is the CPT exam?

The Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam is offered through the National Healthcareer Association and 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.

How does the externship for Phlebotomy Technician work?

The externship for this program is 40 hours on site, placement of which is done by our skilled internal externship team. You’ll gain hands-on experience through this externship, including the required minimum venipuncture and capillary sticks necessary to sit for the certification exam.

Where can I work as a phlebotomy technician?

Phlebotomy technicians can find work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, medical clinics, blood banks, physician offices, and research departments.

How much do phlebotomy technicians make?

Like many roles in the medical field, phlebotomy technicians are in demand! This career is projected to grow 8% through 2033, which is higher than the national average.*

Disclaimers:

¹ Depending on where you live, you may be charged taxes in addition to the total cost of your program.

Sources:

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Phlebotomists." Accessed October 1, 2024.

Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.