How Long Does It Take To Get Your Phlebotomy Certification?

It’s time to stop letting the prospect of years of study keep you from pursuing a healthcare career. One of the most rapidly-growing and in-demand fields, phlebotomy, makes certification possible in just a few months (or less!). What if you could be working in the healthcare setting of your choice this fall? Here is a look at how long it will take to get your phlebotomy certification.

Training Program (4-16 Weeks)

The first step in becoming a phlebotomist in Texas is to complete a reputable training program. These programs vary in length, but usually consist of at least two components: In-class training and clinical training.

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In-class training covers the basic knowledge you need to safely and effectively draw blood for patients. At Careers Unlimited, these basics include the following:

Reading and understanding lab test orders
Learning basic tubes
Safety precautions
Error identification and prevention
Patient identification
And more

Clinical training constitutes the hands-on portion of the program’s training. During this portion, students gain practical experience in applying the techniques and knowledge they are gaining during their in-class training. Here are some of the skills you will learn during the clinical portion of Careers Unlimited’s phlebotomy course:

Completing venipunctures
Practicing venipuncture techniques
Reading lab orders
Practicing safety techniques
Properly handling specimens
And more

The clinical aspect of your training will vary from program to program.

Phlebotomy Certification Exam (Varies)

You have many choices when it comes to pursuing phlebotomy certification in Texas. Here are some of the recognized certifying agencies you can use:

American Certification Agency for Healthcare Professionals (ACA)
American Medical Technologists (AMT)
The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT/MMCI)
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)
National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

In order to apply to take the certification exam from any of these institutions, you will need to make sure you meet their eligibility requirements. Usually, you will need to have completed a certain number of hours of clinical training (As many as 100) and a certain number of venipunctures and skin punctures on patients (As many as 100 venipunctures).

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Want to prepare for the specific test you are going to take? You can take practice exams or study reference material to improve your chances of success on the test. Preparation may take up to 40 additional hours of study.

The process of applying for, scheduling, preparing for and taking your exam will vary. However, you should plan on spending at least a few weeks on the process to give yourself time to complete all paperwork, gather and relevant documents (e.g. Appropriate ID) and take the exam.

Wait Time For Certification Exam Results (7-14 Days)

Once you complete your certification exam, you will need to wait for your official certification to come through. You may receive your test results immediately after completing the test, or within a few days. However, the official certificate should arrive by mail within about 2 weeks. Once you receive that official certification, you are one step closer to landing your ideal healthcare job.

Streamlining Your Phlebotomy Certification

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While the time it takes to earn your phlebotomy certification varies, there are steps you can take to shorten the process. Here are a few ideas:

Choose your program wisely

Some phlebotomy training programs are longer than others. You should look for a program that allows you to receive a high-quality education and in-depth practical experience without taking months of your time. At Careers Unlimited, for example, you can complete our hybrid phlebotomy course in as little as 5 weeks. That means you could be eligible to take your certification exam next month!

Consider flexible schedules

If you are busy with work and family obligations, completing a training program can feel daunting. You can make the process easier (and faster) by selecting a program that allows you to study flexibly.

At Careers Unlimited, for example, our phlebotomy course is hybrid. That means that you complete some of the course in-person and some of the course online. That makes it easier to fit your studies in around your daily schedule. In addition, we offer classes on Saturdays and in the evenings so you can prepare for your future in the way that is most efficient for you.

Find an affordable path to certification

You don’t need to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on your healthcare career. At Careers Unlimited, our courses are affordable and flexibly financed. Discover scholarships, payment plans and more to put the cost of your training within your reach.

At Careers Unlimited, we make preparing for your future easier, faster and more affordable than ever before, and not just for students who want to become phlebotomists. We provide nurse assistant courses, a patient care technician course, a network support specialist course, a clinical medical assistant course, and CNA classes in McAllen, TX. Let us help you discover the perfect career for you!