Phlebotomy License by State (That Require a Certification)

In the US, there are only 4 states that require phlebotomists to be certified.

In the remaining states, technically anyone is allowed to collect blood and perform other phlebotomy-related work.

However, in reality, it is hard for most people to get hired without proper credentials, yet it is possible to find personnel with a lot of experience and no diploma in the field.

Phlebotomists work in many settings, as they’re an important part of the medical industry.

The settings can be:

• Hospitals
• Blood banks
• Emergency departments
• Research labs
• Other medical facilities

What you need to know when working in such a place is the rules related to phlebotomy in your state and in the jurisdiction you’re practicing.

Phlebotomy Certifications by State

Let’s have a look at the requirements set by each state and especially at the 4 where the certification is mandatory.

Alabama

While in Alabama you don’t need to be licensed, you will have to complete a training program in phlebotomy.

You have several programs to choose from, either short ones where just a diploma is issued, or longer ones where an associate’s degree is available after 2 years.

You’ll notice that the majority of candidates choose the shorter training programs.

If you’re serious about a career in the healthcare industry, an associate’s degree will be the best option for you.

These are some of the programs you can consider in Alabama:

• Fortis Institute – offers a short program for an entry-level position
• Remington College – you can become an AMT-certified phlebotomist
• Calhoun Community College – their program lasts for just one semester

Alaska

In Alaska, you also don’t need a certification to work as a phlebotomist.

Keep in mind that without a diploma, if you get hired, you’ll earn much less than those with certification.

Just like everywhere else, employers prefer to hire qualified personnel.

These are some of the Alaskan colleges you can consider enrolling at:

• The University of Alaska – here you can obtain the Occupational Endorsement Certificate for phlebotomists
• Alaska Career College – offers a practical training program for future phlebotomists
• The University of Alaska Fairbanks – the program this college offers lasts for one year

Arizona

Arizona is another state where certification is not needed by those who want to become phlebotomists.

You’ll be expected to complete an accredited training course where you’ll learn:

• Basic CPR and First Aid
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Venipunctures

You’ll need to be at least 18 years old and show either a high school diploma or GED.

You can check out these schools:

• Arizona College – the training program here lasts for ten weeks
• Coconino Community College – at this school, the training program lasts for 18 months
• East Valley Institute of Technology – here you’ll receive education for an entry-level position in 12 weeks

Arkansas

In this state you also don’t need to be certified to work as a phlebotomist, however, it will be difficult to get hired otherwise.

There are several community colleges and not only in Arkansas offering accredited training programs for this profession.

The majority of the programs last for a few weeks and the coursework will cover:

• The basics of venipuncture
• The theory behind blood work
• Human anatomy
• Safety measures when handling human fluids

Consider these schools when seeking a program:

• Black River Technical College – the program here is 13 weeks long
• Petra Allied Health – here you might find one of the shortest training programs of only 67 hours
• Arkansas State University Newport – this university takes pride in its affordable phlebotomy program

California

Future phlebotomists in California need to get certified before trying to apply for a job.

There are 3 stages to this process:

• Completing an accredited training program
• Completing an internship
• Passing an exam

This process can last for up to 2 years and the certification has to be renewed every 2 years.

There are 3 types of certifications you can earn in California as a phlebotomist:

• Limited Phlebotomy Technician – this is the lowest level of certification
• Certified Phlebotomy Technician 1 – for this credential you need additional classes
• Certified Phlebotomy Technician 2 -for this credential you need at least 1,040 hours of experience in phlebotomy

Here are some schools you can consider:

• Allied Professional Institute – you can take the certification exam when completing your training
• California Institute of Medical Science – this course is basic for the lowest credential
• Health Career College – the program here lasts for 133 hours and it costs $2,500

Colorado

In Colorado, individuals who want to become phlebotomists also need to be certified.

The training program is nearly identical to that in California.

Below you can see a few of the schools you can consider enrolling at:

• Arapahoe Community College – here, only 20 students are accepted in a semester, and the program lasts for 120 hours
• Accent Learning Systems –the program here has 5 modules
• Pima Medical Institute – after only 3 months of study you can start working as a phlebotomist

Connecticut

Individuals don’t need to be certified in Connecticut to become phlebotomists.

However, it’s best to complete an accredited training course in this field, to improve your hiring chances.

If you’re interested in this occupation, you can choose either short and intensive courses or longer ones that last for up to 2 years.

Check out the classes offered by these institutions first:

• American Red Cross-Occupational School – the offered class is intensive and aimed at future EKG technicians who need to know phlebotomy as well
• PICC Resource Associates, LLC – here you have access to an online class as well
• Wallingford Adult Education – the classes offered here are aimed at adult students and organized in the evening

Delaware

For the best chances at finding employment in the State of Delaware, you need to complete an accredited training course in phlebotomy.

Here are some schools offering such programs:

• Dawn Career Institute – the course lasts for 6 weeks, and evening and night classes are also available
• Delaware Technical Community College – this college organizes a course lasting 7 weeks
• Tri-State Technical School – the 8-week-long program here costs just $1,200.

Florida

If you want to become a phlebotomist in Florida, you must complete an accredited training course.

Having a license in this state is not mandatory, but it considerably increases your chances of employment.

These are some schools offering phlebotomy training in Florida:

• Cambridge Institute of Allied Health and Technology – their program is perfect for those who want to earn the certification
• Erwin Technical Center – if you already have some knowledge of phlebotomy, this program is for you!
• Indian River State College – to enroll in this school you need to pass a background check and show your SAT scores

Georgia

Georgia is yet another state where certification is not needed by future phlebotomists.

Most employers won’t even look at candidates without a certification.

This document also helps you advance in your career.

These schools offer some courses you can consider:

• Atlanta Technical College – here you have a very short training program of just 24 hours
• Clinical Skills Training Center – at this college you can combine phlebotomy with EKG training
• Georgia Piedmont Technical College – part of the classes offered here are held online

Hawaii

In Hawaii, to work as s phlebotomist, you need to attend a program with accreditation from the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.

This state has just a few schools offering such training:

• Hawaii Institute of Healthcare and Training Services – a complete course, with classroom time, hands-on practice, and lab work
• Hawaii Medical Training Center – the course offered here lasts for only 6 weeks
• University of Hawaii Kapi’olani Community College – the program here is 164 hours long

Idaho

Like in most states, one doesn’t need certification to work as a phlebotomist.

You will generally have a hard time finding employment without being certified.

Here is where you can find some phlebotomy courses:

• Bingham Memorial Hospital – the title of the program offered here says it all: ‘Phlebotomy 101’
• Idaho State University Workforce Training – here you find vocational training for phlebotomy
• North Idaho State College –you can start working really fast with this 90-hour long training program

Illinois

To increase your chances of employment as a phlebotomist in Illinois, make sure you graduate from a training program with accreditation from either of these associations:

• The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
• The American Society of Clinical Pathologists

Make sure to also pass the exam for the national certification in the field.

These institutes offer basic phlebotomy training:

• College of DuPage – the program combines training for phlebotomy and EKG
• Elgin Community College – offers a very good curriculum
• Oakton Community College – designed for entry-level phlebotomy positions

Indiana

Here you’re required to graduate from a training course accredited by any leading phlebotomy bodies.

The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Services (NAACLS) and the American Society of Clinical Pathologists are the main bodies, but there are others.

Here you have just a few schools you can consider for such a program:

• Indiana School of Phlebotomy – the program offered here lasts for 88 hours
• Ivy Tech Community College – there’s no shorter phlebotomy program than the one offered here

Iowa

In Iowa certification is not mandatory for phlebotomists, but training is.

Here are some schools with phlebotomy classes in Iowa:

• Luke’s College – you must succeed in 100 venipunctures, unaided
• Iowa Western Community College – this course has 72 hours of classroom work and 120 hours of practical work
• Des Moines Area Community College – those with previous knowledge in phlebotomy are welcomed here

Kansas

Like most states, Kansas doesn’t mandate phlebotomists to be certified.

They are expected to graduate from a training course.

Residents in this state can consider one of these colleges

• Coffeyville Community College – 2 classes take place in a real clinic.
• Fort Scott Community College – this school offers adult training programs, for those who want to change their occupation
• Manhattan Area Technical College – here you have a continuing education program

Kentucky

Kentucky expects individuals to meet a minimum standard in training if they want to become phlebotomists.

This can be achieved through one of these schools:

• American National University – offers phlebotomy and EKG classes in a single program
• Big Sandy Community and Technical College – with three locations, so you’re sure to find one near you!
• Emergency Medical Training Professionals – here you can earn the national certification after 10 days

Louisiana

Louisiana is one of the 4 states where you must be certified before you can work as a phlebotomist.

In this state, you need to first get qualified, and then some extra study and practice hours.

You can check these schools for some phlebotomy classes:

• Acadiana Area Career College – the course lasts for 10 weeks and is very thorough
• Crescent City Career Institute – the classes offered here are organized in the evening
• Northwest Louisiana Technical College – it will take more than 1 semester to complete this course

Maine

There are a few requirements to work as a phlebotomist in Maine:

• At least 18 years old
• High school diploma or GED
• Passing a health assessment
• Completing an accredited training course

You can find such a course at:

• Central Maine Community College – this is an introductory course that costs just $475
• Helping Hands Trade School – here you can choose between the basic or advanced course
• Van Buren Adult and Community Education – a course for beginners, for entry-level positions

Maryland

You don’t need certification to work as a phlebotomist in Maryland, but employers will say otherwise.

To become certified, you need to complete a training program with accreditation.

The following schools can help:

• Allied Health, LLC – this is a national organization offering phlebotomy training
• Carroll Community College – perfect training to take the certification exam
• Kaplan University – offers a comprehensive program in the field

Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, you don’t have to be certified as a phlebotomist to draw blood, but most places will only hire certified personnel.

You can consider one of these schools for certification:

• American Red Cross – the course lasts for 6 weeks and combines phlebotomy and EKG training
• Coastal Career Academy – a course ideal for beginners.
• Phlebotomy Services – this course lasts for 3 intensive days

Michigan

Michigan has no requirements for future phlebotomists at the state-level.

Undergoing some training and getting certified will definitely help your career.

To enroll in a training program, you’ll need:

• A high school diploma (or GED)
• To be over 18 years old
• To pass health and background checks

Some phlebotomy courses in this state can be found at:

• Baker College – offers a training program with approval from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
• Glen Oaks Community College – offers a course that meets the criteria of the American Society of Clinical Pathology
• MedRight Inc. – provides training for an entry-level phlebotomy position

Minnesota

It’s best to become certified as a phlebotomist in Minnesota before seeking employment.

You need to first complete a training course that you can find at:

• Anoka Technical College – the offered course has 40 hours in the classroom and 100 hours of clinical practice
• Lake Superior College – a course for entry-level phlebotomy positions
• Saint Catherine University – offers a course lasting for 15 weeks

Mississippi

Earning the national phlebotomy certification in Mississippi is the best way to start your medical career.

Here are just 3 of the schools offering phlebotomy courses in Mississippi:

• East Mississippi Community College – offers a thorough course with classroom hours and supervised practice
• Meridian Community College – the course here is aimed at beginners
• The University of Southern Mississippi – here you can choose from non-credit training and an undergraduate course

Missouri

To increase your chances of working as a phlebotomist in Missouri, it’s best to get certified, though there’s no such requirement at the state level.

You can do so by graduating from one of these schools:

• Boston Reed College – at less than $2,000, this course is quite affordable
• Franklin Technology Center – to pass the course offered here, you must attend 100% of the classes
• Myles Institute of Medical Science and Business – 40 hours of the course here happen online

Montana

The national certification in phlebotomy is the best certification to earn in Montana, for this occupation, even if there’s no real need for it.

You can obtain it by enrolling at one of these schools:

• The Helena College University of Montana – the course here lasts for 90 hours
• The Lifelong Learning Center – the training is held in a hospital for the practice aspect
• Montana State University – costing just $895, this is an affordable training option

Nebraska

Even if you don’t need to be certified as a phlebotomist in the state, you can still train at one of these schools:

• Nebraska Methodist College – you have two options: a nine-week course or a fast-track five-week program.
• Bryan College of Health Sciences – a comprehensive course setting phlebotomists up for entry-level roles.

Nevada

The state of Nevada requires phlebotomists to be certified before looking for a job.

You’ll first be classed as a Lab Assistant allowing you to take the ASCP National Phlebotomy Technician Exam.

You can then obtain the Nevada Lab Assistant License, which is a prerequisite.

The following locations offer phlebotomy training programs:

• College of Southern Nevada – the course here is just a semester-long
• Pima Medical Institute – here you can graduate in just 3 months

New Hampshire

To become a phlebotomist in New Hampshire, you need to meet few requirements, but not necessarily to be certified.

One of the requirements is to get trained and some schools offering phlebotomy courses in New Hampshire include:

• River Valley Community College – the course here prepares graduates for the national certification exam
• The White Mountains Community College – here you have a two-semester program in phlebotomy

New Jersey

New Jersey is another state where certification in phlebotomy is not needed by these professionals, though finding employment without one is hard.

To become certified, you can enroll at:

• The American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education – offering a comprehensive 160-hour course
• The Institute for Health Education – the course here prepares you for entry-level work

New Mexico

Individuals who are certified phlebotomists in New Mexico find their job more rewarding than those who aren’t.

By attending classes at these colleges, you can earn this certification:

• Central New Mexico Community College – this college combined three different courses for one comprehensive qualification
• San Juan College – the course is quite affordable

New York

New York is not one of the states where you need certification as a phlebotomist, but like everywhere else, this credential makes all the difference.

You can become certified by graduating from one of these schools:

• ABC Training Center – 2 courses in one: EKG and phlebotomy
• Broome Community College – anyone can enroll here, regardless of their medical expertise

North Carolina

In North Carolina, you only need to become qualified for a phlebotomy position, though certification is highly valued.

You can obtain it by enrolling at:

• Brunswick Community College – you’ll graduate after just one semester
• The College of Albemarle – this course has a duration of 16 weeks

North Dakota

In North Dakota, you only have to complete a training course in the field, but certification will open career doors.

Credentials are available through:

• Bismarck State College – this program is intended for only 10 students
• Turtle Mountain Community College – theory and practical work make up this program

Ohio

In Ohio, you might be able to train on-the-job, but employers prefer you do so before getting hired.

Some good programs with the possibility of earning a diploma can be found at:

• Cincinnati State Technical and Community College – the classes are held 2 times per week, in the evening
• Lincoln College – this program seems to be well seen by employers

Oklahoma

It’s best to become certified in Oklahoma before starting to apply for a job as a phlebotomist, though it’s not mandated by the state.

Certification can be obtained through these schools:

• Great Plains Technology Center – at just $125, this is a very affordable program
• Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology – for entry-level roles, this short program is ideal

Oregon

Oregon doesn’t require future phlebotomists to be licensed or certified.

This is not the case with the majority of employers though.

You can get certified through these schools:

• Abdill Career College, Inc. – the course offered here lasts for 610 hours of training spread over 30 weeks
• Institute of Technology – this course helps you prepare for a certification exam

Pennsylvania

In this state, you have minimal requirements to meet to become a phlebotomist, but certification is not one of them.

Those who want to become certified can do so through:

• Bucks Community College – this training program costs just over $3,000
• McCann School of Business & Technology – a course perfect for entry-level positions

Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, individuals can only get hired as phlebotomists if they’re certified, though there’s no such law in this state.

You can get certified by training at these facilities:

• Cranston Alternate Education Programs – the classes are organized in the evening
• Bastien Academy – prepares students for entry-level positions

South Carolina

While qualification through training is enough to become a phlebotomist in South Carolina, national certification will increase your chances of getting hired.

These institutions offer good training programs for this field:

• Aiken Technical College – has a Phlebotomy Technician Program listed under the Patient Care Technician Program
• Professional Medical Training Center – has several campuses and offers evening classes

South Dakota

National certification in phlebotomy is well seen in South Dakota though not mandatory by law for employment.

In South Dakota you can enroll at these schools to get certified:

• Sanford Health – the program lasts for five weeks, with 40 hours of training per week.
• Western Dakota Tech –the course offered here lasts for nine months.

Tennessee

Graduating from a training program in phlebotomy is enough for anyone to get hired in this field.

To find a phlebotomy program in Tennessee, you can contact:

• American Red Cross – here you have a 2-in-1 course: phlebotomy and EKG training
• Prepare to Care Training Center, LLC – with this 80-hour program you’ll be ready to become nationally certified

Texas

Phlebotomy is an unregulated occupation in the state of Texas.

Like in the other states, getting certified is better for the individuals, and this can be done through:

• Alvin Community College – the training course has clinical, lab, and classroom elements
• Lone Star College System – out of the 216-hour course, 120 hours are for clinical experience

Utah

It will be better for your career and paycheck to become a certified phlebotomist in Utah.

These facilities will help you in this regard:

• Oquirrh Mountain Phlebotomy School LLC – classes are organized often here
• Mountainland Applied Technology College – the phlebotomy technician program is very affordable here

Vermont

Most folks in Vermont choose to earn a certificate in phlebotomy to work in this medical field.

To get started on your phlebotomy journey, contact one of these schools:

• Central Vermont Medical Center – here you’ll pay around $500 for a 13-week long program
• Northwest Technical Center – here you can attend a qualifying course as well as one that will get you certified

Virginia

Even if phlebotomy is an increasingly popular career option in Virginia, you don’t need to be certified for it.

The majority of those interested in this occupation choose to get a national certification through:

• America School of Nursing & Allied Health – this course has classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training
• Sergeant Reynolds Community College – offers a class with plenty of hands-on practice hours

Washington

Washington is the fourth state where all phlebotomists must be licensed and certified.

You must complete the relevant training, AIDS training, verification, and be in good physical and mental health.

Your certification must be renewed every two years on your birthday with some continuing education classes.

Here are some of the best facilities to train at in Washington:

• Green River Community College – offers a good phlebotomy training program
• Seattle Vocational Institute – this program is made of 300-contact hours

West Virginia

In the state of West Virginia, you don’t need credentials for phlebotomy jobs.

The majority of phlebotomists, however, trained through a program accredited by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and became certified.

Such classes can be found at these schools:

• Blue Ridge Community and Technical College – the course here is quite intensive and thus short
• Mountain State University – this course helps you to pass the Registered Phlebotomy Technician exam

Wisconsin

Phlebotomy-certified individuals have better chances of getting hired in Wisconsin, despite no such credential is mandatory in this state.

Consider one of these colleges if you want a career in this field:

• Lakeshore Technical College – offers a joint EKG and phlebotomy training course
• Nicolet College – this course will last one semester

Wyoming

As you guessed, Wyoming residents don’t need to be certified to work in phlebotomy.

They still choose to obtain national certification by enrolling at one of the following institutes:

• Casper College – the class offered here don’t differ from the other ones mentioned in this presentation
• Western Wyoming Community College – the hands-on training of this program takes place in a medical facility

Final Note

This is it!

Now you know in which states you need a phlebotomy certification and where such a diploma will be beneficial for your career.

While you’re free to choose if you get certified or not, there’s no denying that at least your salary will be higher if you do decide in favor of a certificate in phlebotomy.

For further information by state, see our by state guides:

This page is also available in Spanish.