7 Quickest Online Phlebotomy Classes

Phlebotomy technicians are healthcare professionals who draw blood from patients for testing, donation, and research purposes. If you are interested in becoming a phlebotomist, you may be curious about quick phlebotomy classes.

In this article, we explore various fast phlebotomy classes offered online and address questions related to online courses, job outlooks, and more. Continue reading to learn how you can begin your career as a phlebotomy technician.

What Does a Phlebotomy Technician Do?

A phlebotomy technician, also known as a phlebotomist, performs blood draws. Phlebotomy technicians may also assist in blood transfusions. Phlebotomists work in doctors' offices, laboratories, hospitals, and other clinical settings. Some phlebotomists travel to visit patients at their homes or workplaces and draw blood on site.

Can I Become a Phlebotomy Technician Online?

Yes, you can become a phlebotomy technician by taking an online course. Online training courses consist of classes and coursework conducted through distance learning, typically on your laptop or mobile phone.

All phlebotomy courses require an in-person component so that students can practice their needle skills. This hands-on experience is essential to becoming a certified phlebotomy technician (CPT).

Once your phlebotomy classes are complete, you may take the CPT exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or the Certified Phlebotomist Technician Specialist (CPTS) exam administered by the American Education Certification Association (AECA).

How Long Do Online Phlebotomy Classes Take?

Online phlebotomy training courses take between four weeks and six months to complete. You can enroll in fast-track phlebotomy classes, which feature asynchronous lectures and coursework that you take at your own pace. Students who take more classes per week and who conduct their required in-person components complete their training course more quickly.

Fastest Online Phlebotomy Courses

This list showcases various short-term phlebotomy classes. The training programs range from four weeks to six months � and many can be taken at an accelerated rate.

1. Stepful

Stepful is a healthcare education company that offers a four-week phlebotomy training course designed for working professionals. Students may enroll part-time and take evening classes. Phlebotomy classes cover topics such as medical terminology, capillary collections, and safety and compliance. Students complete at least 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks to round out their education and sit for the CPT exam.

• Estimated cost: $699 program total
• Program length: Four weeks
• Accreditation: NHA

2. Phlebotomy Career Training

Phlebotomy Career Training (PCT) is a post-secondary school that specializes in healthcare training. PCT's online phlebotomy course is self-paced; students can take classes 24/7 on their computers or mobile devices. The curriculum consists of 35 course topics, including hazardous materials management, therapeutic communication, and specimen processing.

Students must conduct at least 30 venous draws at a clinical site to graduate from PCT's program.

• Estimated cost: $550 program total
• Program length: Four weeks to six months
• Accreditation: National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)

3. Beacon Hill Career Training

Based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Beacon Hill Career Training is an online healthcare education company. Beacon Hill Career Training offers a five-week online phlebotomist review course designed for professionals like medical assistants, licensed practical nurses (LVNs), and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) who have already completed a phlebotomy class but never took the national CPT exam.

The self-paced, online course includes classes such as the history of phlebotomy, pediatric care, and phlebotomy techniques.

• Estimated cost: $275 program total
• Program length: Five weeks
• Accreditation: NHA

4. MedCerts

MedCerts is an online education company that specializes in fast-track healthcare and information technology (IT) training courses. MedCerts' phlebotomy course is designed to be completed in 12 weeks, with students committing 15 to 20 hours of learning per week.

The curriculum includes phlebotomy classes such as professionalism in allied health, human anatomy, and medical terminology.

• Estimated cost: $2,200 program total
• Program length: 12 weeks
• Accreditation: NHA

5. U.S. Career Institute

Based in Fort Collins, CO, the U.S. Career Institute is an online school that offers a wide range of certification and associate degree programs. U.S. Career Institute's phlebotomy course is entirely online and prepares students to become entry-level phlebotomy technicians.

The program is self-paced, and most students complete the course within three to four months. The curriculum covers subjects such as anatomy and safety, fundamental laboratory tests, and blood collection and analysis.

• Estimated cost: $979 program total
• Program length: Three to four months
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

6. Ultimate Medical Academy

Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) is a nonprofit healthcare institution headquartered in Clearwater, FL. UMA offers a hybrid phlebotomy course, combining online learning with on-campus training.

The program is eight credit hours, which includes classes and 80 hours of supervised clinical training. Upon successful completion of UMA's program, students receive a diploma and are eligible to sit for the CPT exam.

• Estimated cost: $479 per credit hour
• Program length: Four months
• Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

7. Saint Peter's University

Saint Peter's University is a small private school located in Jersey City, NJ. Saint Peter's University has an online phlebotomy training course with open enrollment, meaning students may enroll and begin taking classes at any time. The online curriculum includes courses such as legal issues in healthcare, infection control, and phlebotomy equipment and supplies. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the national CPTS exam.

• Estimated cost: $1,995 program total
• Program length: Six months or less
• Accreditation: NHA

How We Rank Programs

We consider factors such as accreditation status, course timeline, and program costs when determining which programs to feature.

• Accreditation: All of the listed phlebotomy programs are accredited by independent organizations. This ensures the program curriculum meets quality education standards.
• Program length: The phlebotomy classes here may be completed in six months or fewer. We highlight the fastest phlebotomy classes at the top of our list.
• Affordability: We include schools that offer financial aid opportunities, such as grants, loans, or military benefits, to students.
• Reputation: A program's reputation is determined by its accreditation status, curriculum, faculty, and graduation success rate.

FAQs About Online and Hybrid Phlebotomy Classes

We answer frequently asked questions about online phlebotomy classes, from program costs to salary projections.

Is an Online Phlebotomy Class Worth It?

Online phlebotomy classes offer affordable, flexible pathways for you to join the healthcare industry. Phlebotomy technicians are in-demand professionals who work in a range of medical settings; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a six percent job growth each year for phlebotomists through 2033.

Ultimately, whether to enroll in a phlebotomy class is a highly personal choice. You must weigh your personal commitments against your professional goals.

Can You Become a Phlebotomist Fully Online?

You can take classes and complete coursework entirely online. However, to be eligible to take the CPT or CPTS exam and become a certified phlebotomist, you must complete vein punctures in person. This hands-on experience is vital to developing your skills and ensuring that you provide quality medical services to future patients.

Can You Do Phlebotomy Classes Online for Free?

Most phlebotomy courses include a cost. The cost of these programs covers items such as the instructor's salary, the online learning platform, and exam preparation fees.

Some companies offer tuition reimbursement programs for their employees. For example, if you work in a medical facility, your employer may pay for your training course, thus making it free to you. Most employer tuition reimbursement programs require that employees commit to working for the company for a specific period of time.

Is There Financial Aid for Online Phlebotomy Courses?

You can receive financial support through scholarships, grants, loans, and military benefits. The types of financial aid available to you depend on your chosen school and your personal needs.

For example, Saint Joseph's University is an accredited nonprofit school that accepts the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applying for FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal and state aid.

Explore Online Healthcare Classes

If you would like to learn more about online healthcare classes, we invite you to connect with the partner institutions featured on Learn.org. Reach out for more information and discover which school best supports your healthcare career goals.