So, you’ve decided to become a phlebotomist: Now you need to decide where to get a phlebotomy certification.
You have two basic choices:
- College Courses or Training Classes
- Independent & Accredited Phlebotomy Training Programs
This article does not include online courses. We strongly believe that students need face-to-face learning and hands-on skills training to become serious professionals, and online classes are not sufficient in either regard.
That brings us to some fundamental questions. What makes for a skilled phlebotomist, and when certification is an option instead of a requirement? Do you need a degree for phlebotomy in Texas or just excellent training?
What’s the difference between a great phlebotomist and an average phlebotomist?
A skilled phlebotomist can draw blood quickly and painlessly from patients of all shapes, sizes, and ages.
Phlebotomists support functions across the healthcare landscape, from critical care in hospitals to charitable blood drives.
Certification is not required under Texas law, but employers expect a quality training background.
Neither colleges nor independent programs issue certifications, but they do prepare students to pass certification exams, such as the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam.
To succeed as a phlebotomist, you need to be skilled at what you do. That’s the bottom line. A certification tells employers that you have a strong baseline of skills. Those skills will be tested.
The sooner you learn, the faster you advance. The stronger the skillset, the wider the opportunities. Instructor quality, day-to-day convenience, and testing opportunities are your benchmarks.
How to choose between college courses or accredited certification programs.
Each one has its own set of features, so choose carefully if you want to know where to get a phlebotomy certification and training that’s right for you.
College courses require prerequisites, assessments, immunization and vaccination, and additional certifications.
To complete phlebotomy training at a college, you’ll need to pass many prerequisites:
- A reading and math assessment
- A criminal background check
- CPR certification
Do you need a degree for phlebotomy? The answer is no. Still, some students may benefit from a lengthier stay, a college environment, or even math assessments. But it’s a toss-up whether these additional steps are necessary for the profession.
Training programs like NTX require no college degree, only a high school diploma.
All you need to start is a high school diploma to access a curriculum focused on the practical skills needed to become a phlebotomist. No other certifications or prerequisites are required.
There is value in extended coursework, and if you are financially stable with a surplus of time, consider attending college. It depends on when you want to reach your goals and what’s best for your life and education.
Training programs are generally faster and designed around life, work, and family.
Let’s use NTX as an example: The coursework takes 70 hours in total. That’s one course at one location—70 hours in seven weeks.
College programs are likely to take much longer than that. Expect around 50 hours of classroom instruction, 20 hours of prerequisites, and up to 100 hours of externship time before you pass the course and sit for your certification test.
Is NTX Training Institute the right choice for you?
So, where can you get your certification?
Ask yourself, “Do I enjoy lengthy schooling, studying for non-healthcare-related courses, and passing math exams?”
If the answer is “no,” the right choice is NTX Training Institute or someone like us—programs that focus on practical skills and classroom learning in just seven weeks.
If you’re ready to start, take a look at our convenient day and night classes.
