News & Media

• Certified phlebotomists are trained healthcare professionals who collect blood samples for lab tests, transfusions, and donations.

• Certification proves you’ve completed formal training, met national standards, and are ready to handle the responsibilities of the role.

• Choosing a career as a certified phlebotomist comes with job stability, flexibility, variety, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in healthcare. 

• Many phlebotomists use their experience as a stepping stone to pursue roles like medical laboratory technician, nurse, or other allied health careers.

Thinking about getting into healthcare but not sure where to start? Becoming a certified phlebotomist offers a range of benefits, from short training programs to flexible job opportunities across various healthcare settings. 

If you’re considering pursuing a certification for phlebotomy, understanding the advantages and challenges of phlebotomy can help you decide if it’s the right fit. According to the Bureau of Labor, demand for phlebotomists is projected to grow by 8% between 2022 and 2032, and now is a great time to explore this fast-growing and rewarding career path.

What Is a Certified Phlebotomist?

A certified phlebotomist is a healthcare professional trained to collect blood samples for lab testing, transfusions, or donations. While many people picture someone drawing blood at a blood drive, phlebotomists actually work in a wide range of settings — from hospitals and clinics to diagnostic labs.

Their day-to-day duties include drawing blood, labeling and tracking samples, entering patient information into databases, and keeping their work area clean and sterile. It’s a hands-on role that requires strong attention to detail, good people skills, and the ability to stay organized, especially when seeing dozens of patients a day.

With a fast-paced environment and a rising demand for skilled professionals, phlebotomy is a solid starting point for anyone interested in a healthcare career.

Why Should I Get Certified Instead of Just Trained?

Basic training can teach you how to draw blood — but getting certified takes it a step further. Certification shows employers that you’ve met national standards, completed formal training, and are fully prepared for the responsibilities of a phlebotomist.

Most people start their phlebotomy journey with a high school diploma or GED, followed by a training program at a vocational school, technical institute, or community college. These programs typically take a few weeks to a year to complete.

However, many employers look for candidates who hold certifications from recognized organizations. Getting certified means you’ve completed a phlebotomy training program and passed an exam through an accredited organization like the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Certification programs cover everything from drawing blood and maintaining sterile environments to communicating with patients and following safety procedures. After passing the exam, you can officially call yourself a Certified Phlebotomist  — a title that helps boost your resume and show employers you’re ready for the job.

What Are the Benefits of Becoming a Certified Phlebotomist?

Choosing a career as a certified phlebotomist comes with more than just job stability — it also offers flexibility, variety, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in healthcare. Some of the top benefits and advantages of being a certified phlebotomist include:

Flexible schedules

While phlebotomists may work long shifts, those hours often come with added flexibility. Many work 10- or 12-hour shifts, which means fewer days on the job and more days off each week. This can make it easier to maintain a healthy work-life balance, giving you time to rest, recharge, or spend time with family and friends.

Strong employment outlook

Phlebotomy is a fast-growing field and phlebotomists are always in demand at hospitals, diagnostic labs, blood donor centers, and outpatient clinics. As blood testing remains essential for diagnosis, research, and donation, job security in this field is strong.

A career that makes a difference

Looking for a career where your work truly matters? Phlebotomy is a great way to contribute back to society with their essential healthcare services. Phlebotomists play a vital role in many life-saving processes, including:

• Collecting blood for routine testing
• Providing samples for medical research
• Drawing blood for donations

Routine blood work helps catch health issues early, which is especially important for aging populations. Phlebotomists also support important research that leads to medical breakthroughs and improved treatment options. And by collecting blood donations, they directly contribute to saving lives every day.

Variety of work environments

If you’re someone who often gets fatigued by routine, phlebotomy may be a great opportunity for you to change up your atmosphere. Certified phlebotomists have the opportunity to work in a wide range of settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Diagnostic laboratories
• Infusion centers
• Blood donor centers
• Doctor’s offices
• Urgent care clinics

This variety allows you to choose a work environment that suits your interests—and if you ever want a change, there are plenty of options available within the field.

Can Becoming a Phlebotomist Lead to Other Medical Careers?

Yes! Phlebotomy can be a great starting point for a long-term career in healthcare.

One of the biggest advantages of becoming a phlebotomist is how quickly you can enter the field. Most phlebotomy programs take just four to eight months to complete, allowing you to start working and gaining hands-on experience much faster than in other healthcare roles, like nursing.

Once you’re certified and have some experience under your belt, there are plenty of opportunities to grow with speciality certifications, leadership roles, and even career transitions. 

Many phlebotomists use their experience as a stepping stone to pursue roles like medical laboratory technician, nurse, or other allied health careers. Your background in patient care, specimen handling, and lab protocols provides a solid foundation for further education and training.

Pursue a Stable, Secure Career as a Phlebotomist 

Phlebotomy isn’t just a job — it can be the first step in a rewarding, lifelong career in healthcare. 

At Lackawanna College, we believe in the power of education to shape the future. Since 2016, Lackawanna College CPT students have had a 100% pass rate on their first attempt taking the National Health-Career Association (NHA) Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) National Certification Exam. 

When you’re ready to take the first step toward a rewarding future with our phlebotomy technician programs, we’re here to help you achieve your goals.

Ready to make an impact? Visit our admissions and enrollment page and apply to Lackawanna College today!