To work as a phlebotomist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete a phlebotomist training program.

Education after high school

To become a phlebotomist, you must finish high school and complete a training program. Phlebotomy programs are usually one semester long. There are more than 200 accredited phlebotomy training programs nationwide at community colleges and vocational schools.

Phlebotomy training programs include study in anatomy, blood collection procedures, proper storage and handling of blood samples, and safety precautions.

On-the-job training

Phlebotomists receive on-the-job training from experienced phlebotomists in clinical settings. Training may last from several days up to a few months.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be medical laboratory technicians. Training lasts 12 to 36 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.