This website will help you find the information you need to become a certified phlebotomist technician (CBT). We’ve gathered comprehensive information to help you understand how to earn your phlebotomy certification in Alabama. We’ve assembled a list of schools and compiled information on what you can expect during training.
A phlebotomist is a healthcare worker that draws blood from patients and then sends the blood to a lab for analysis. Phlebotomy technicians are critical members of a healthcare team. They typically need to explain the blood-drawing procedure to patients and help them feel more comfortable. The position requires a mix of soft and hard skills, as you’ll be interacting with patients, while also being required to manage equipment and samples, and know how to perform a variety of medical tests.
We’ve assembled a comprehensive list of phlebotomy programs in Alabama. For details on cost, class schedules, and requirements please contact these schools directly. You may want to talk to a few different programs before you select one as pricing, class size, and class length can vary greatly from vocational schools to other job training programs. You’ll want to do some due diligence to make sure you choose the best program for you.
One of the reasons becoming a phlebotomist is so attractive to people is that you can earn your certification relatively quickly. While Alabama doesn’t require a certification to work as a phlebotomist, it is highly recommended as it can improve your job prospects dramatically.
If you choose to get your certification Alabama does require that you meet some requirements before you can be considered for a phlebotomy program. Common prerequisites for many phlebotomy technician certification programs include:
GED or high school diploma
18+ years of age
Passing a background check
Immunization records
Negative tests for pathogens like hepatitis and tuberculosis
Once you’ve successfully completed your phlebotomist course the final step to earn your certification will be to pass an accredited phlebotomy exam. A common one used by many programs is the National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT) Exam. The exam is three hours long and consists of 125 questions. If your school is affiliated with this provider, you can register online on their website.
What to expect from phlebotomy classes
Most phlebotomy certifications can be completed in one or two semesters or about four to eight months. This can vary a bit from program to program as the classroom and clinical hours can differ from one program to the next. Some programs offer hybrid programs so you can take your classroom credits covering topics like anatomy and physiology from home while you’ll need to show up in person for training on things like:
Drawing blood
Communicating with patients
Learning proper procedures for handling samples
Equipment sterilization
Updating patient records
Measuring vital signs
During your coursework, you’ll get a healthy mix of theoretical knowledge and practical phlebotomy skills that you’ll use on a day-to-day basis. It can be a lot to take in, so be prepared for significant amounts of studying as you’ll need to memorize many processes. Utilizing flashcards is a popular studying option for many aspiring phlebotomists.
Where can I work as a phlebotomist in Alabama?
Phlebotomists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, blood banks, and research laboratories. They may also travel to patients’ homes to collect samples. Phlebotomists typically work during daytime hours, but some positions may require evening or weekend shifts.
There is usually significant interaction with patients, so phlebotomists must be able to maintain a professional and compassionate demeanor. Those who work in blood banks or research laboratories may have less patient contact and more opportunity to focus on technical aspects of phlebotomy. In all settings, phlebotomists must follow strict safety protocols to protect themselves and their patients.
Phlebotomy jobs in Alabama
Phlebotomists can work in a number of different environments but the most common two are hospitals and laboratories which make up 71% of all phlebotomy jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Alabama employed over 2,500 phlebotomists in 2021. Nationwide, the BLS predicts 10% growth in phlebotomy jobs over the next decade.
Where Phlebotomists Work
% of Jobs
Hospitals
36%
Laboratories
35%
Other ambulatory healthcare services
14%
Physician offices
8%
Outpatient care centers
1%
Phlebotomist career path
Working as a phlebotomist opens up a whole host of employment opportunities in the healthcare field. For phlebotomists that work in a laboratory, a common next step is a move to a supervisor or management role. Another option is to get an associate’s degree or professional certification and become a lab technician that analyzes the samples that phlebotomy technicians collect.
There are certainly opportunities outside of phlebotomy that offer higher pay and more responsibilities as well. Many phlebotomists transition into other healthcare roles such as:
Travel-certified nursing assistant
Licensed practical nurse
Registered nurse
Physician assistant
How much does a phlebotomist get paid in Alabama?
According to the most recent 2022 numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a phlebotomist in Alabama makes an average wage of $16.11 per hour. That comes out to an average annual salary of $33,520.
The pay for phlebotomists varies throughout the state as well.
Metro Area
Phlebotomists Employed
Avg. Hourly Wage
Avg. Annual Wage
Birmingham-Hoover, AL
870
$ 16.68
$ 34,690
Columbus, GA-AL
180
$ 16.95
$ 35,260
Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL
90
$ 18.20
$ 37,860
Decatur, AL
60
$ 16.65
$ 34,630
Dothan, AL
120
$ 14.87
$ 30,930
Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL
70
$ 15.50
$ 32,230
Gadsden, AL
40
$ 14.67
$ 30,510
Huntsville, AL
330
$ 16.82
$ 34,990
Mobile, AL
340
$ 16.99
$ 35,330
Montgomery, AL
260
$ 15.37
$ 31,970
Tuscaloosa, AL
50
$ 15.15
$ 31,510
Useful links
The following information may prove helpful as you begin your journey to become a phlebotomy technician:
