Key Takeaways
- Classes last only 2 or 3 days for 9-10 total hours
- Students will be eligible to become phlebotomy certified after completing the program
- A clinical externship is not provided
- IV training is also offered, focusing on IV catheter placement
| Pros | Cons |
| Very short program duration (1-3 days) that meets requirements of several phlebotomy certification agencies | Curriculum covers the very basics of phlebotomy and may not be as comprehensive as other programs |
| Relatively inexpensive compared to similar programs | Clinical experience is not offered |
| Generally positive online reviews | In-person classes only (no online classes) |
Class Schedule and Duration
Most Northwest Phlebotomy School locations offer classes at least once per week and it is typically not difficult to register for classes that are taking place within a few days. Classes last either 3 days for three 3-hours each (9 total hours) or two days for 5-hours each (10 total hours). Most courses take place on weekdays, but some weekend options are available, typically for 2-day classes. The school welcomes students of all ages and educational backgrounds, requiring students to be 18 or older to attend class.
Certification and Exams
Upon completing the course, students are eligible to take national phlebotomy exams for certification. The school mentions eligibility for the National Registry of Allied Health Professionals (NRAHP), National Healthcareer Association (NHA), and others. Both the NRAHP and NHA are widely recognized phlebotomy certifications, but be sure to check eligibility if there is a particular phlebotomy certification you wish to pursue.
The national certification is optional, and the school conducts in-class practical exams to assess students’ readiness. Because students will have better job prospects with a phlebotomy certification, as well as future opportunities for career advancement, we would highly recommend students pursue phlebotomy certification after completing the program.
Depending on the location, students may need to pursue phlebotomy certification outside of the Northwest Phlebotomy School. The staff can help answer questions about the certification process, requirements for passing the test, how to renew your certification, and other FAQs you may have.
Courses and Curriculum
Northwest Phlebotomy School provides two course offerings for students: Phlebotomy training and IV training. Both are offered in-person and online classes are not offered. We will briefly cover IV training but will focus primarily on their phlebotomy classes.
IV Training
The IV training class is a one-day, four-hour workshop that covers various techniques and materials involved in IV catheter placement. It is designed for both skilled medical professionals and those beginning their healthcare careers. Prerequisites include previous medical education or completion of the phlebotomy certification course.
Phlebotomy Course
The in-person phlebotomy training course is a two or three day program that covers safety practices, exposure to diverse patient demographics, and one-on-one coaching in a small group setting. The curriculum includes topics such as blood collection, anatomy and physiology, safety in the field, and practical exams.
Most phlebotomy programs last a minimum of 4 weeks and consist of 40 hours of training, however some programs consist of 100 hours of training and can last 3 months or longer. Because of the short duration and accelerated pace of the Northwest Phlebotomy program, the curriculum will exclude several areas that other phlebotomy programs cover. Phlebotomy classes through Northwest may exclude or cover in less detail topics like:
- Phlebotomy techniques other than antecubital and hand draws
- Phlebotomy equipment and supplies
- Medical Laboratory Terminology
- Patient Rights and HIPAA
- Test tubes and order of draw
- Heel and finger sticks
- Workplace professionalism
Additionally, students will receive limited amount of time to practice phlebotomy techniques or to review key concepts at home between classes. Based on reviews, most students find the program to still be quite comprehensive, and the program meets the requirements of many common phlebotomy certifications. The program also focuses specifically on mastering the essentials, which is what most phlebotomists will spend the vast majority of their time in the field performing.
Clinical Experience
One notable aspect where the Northwest Phlebotomy program differs from some other phlebotomy programs is the absence of a dedicated clinical experience component. Clinical experience is a highly-touted element in many healthcare training programs, providing students with the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings under supervised conditions.
In contrast to programs that include clinical experience, Northwest Phlebotomy’s curriculum is designed to be more streamlined and focused on essential skills within a shorter timeframe. While this approach offers benefits such as a quicker path to certification and entry into the workforce, it does come with the trade-off of not providing students with hands-on experience in a clinical setting.
Phlebotomy programs that incorporate clinical experience typically arrange for students to work in hospitals, clinics, or laboratories under the guidance of experienced professionals. This hands-on exposure allows students to interact with patients, practice blood collection techniques, and navigate the day-to-day challenges of working in a healthcare environment. Additionally, it provides a valuable opportunity for students to develop crucial soft skills, such as effective communication, patient interaction, and teamwork.
The absence of clinical experience in the Northwest Phlebotomy program means that graduates may enter the workforce with a strong theoretical foundation but without the practical experience gained through working with real patients. While the program’s emphasis on small-group coaching and focused training is beneficial for mastering essential phlebotomy techniques, the lack of clinical exposure might be a consideration for individuals seeking a more immersive learning experience.
Cost
Tuition for phlebotomy classes varies from location to location, but will cost between $675 – $825. We have found that the cost is typically less than what you would pay for other phlebotomy programs in the same region.
Prospective students can enroll in Northwest Phlebotomy School by choosing to pay a $150 deposit to secure a place in an upcoming class or paying the full tuition. Payment plans are available through PayPal. The balance, if choosing the deposit option, is due on the first day of class.
When students are enrolling in the phlebotomy course, they should consider whether they will need to take both the phlebotomy and IV courses for their careers. The cost for IV training is $250, and from what we can tell students do not get a discount for enrolling in both.
Online Student Reviews
The following are Google reviews left by past students of various Northwest Phlebotomy School locations. There were a total of 2,103 reviews and the average rating was 4.98 out of 5.
Because each location has different instructors and training facilities, it’s a good idea to read reviews for your specific location of interest.
| Location | Average Rating | # Reviews | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | 5.0 | 23 | Reviews |
| Birmingham | 5.0 | 9 | Reviews |
| Tucson | 5.0 | 57 | Reviews |
| Phoenix | 4.9 | 87 | Reviews |
| Washington DC | 5.0 | 124 | Reviews |
| Wilmington | 5.0 | 11 | Reviews |
| Jacksonville | 5.0 | 47 | Reviews |
| Orlando | 5.0 | 193 | Reviews |
| Fort Lauderdale | 5.0 | 29 | Reviews |
| Miami | 5.0 | 187 | Reviews |
| Boise | 5.0 | 33 | Reviews |
| Chicago | 5.0 | 28 | Reviews |
| Kansas City | 5.0 | 28 | Reviews |
| Lexington | 5.0 | 15 | Reviews |
| Cambridge | 5.0 | 30 | Reviews |
| Detroit | 5.0 | 15 | Reviews |
| Charlotte | 5.0 | 94 | Reviews |
| Omaha | 5.0 | 8 | Reviews |
| Jersey City | 5.0 | 8 | Reviews |
| Brooklyn | NA | NA | Reviews |
| Oklahoma City | 5.0 | 64 | Reviews |
| Tulsa | 5.0 | 23 | Reviews |
| Portland | 4.7 | 72 | Reviews |
| Philadelphia | 5.0 | 131 | Reviews |
| Providence | 5.0 | 39 | Reviews |
| Nashville | 5.0 | 143 | Reviews |
| Dallas | 5.0 | 114 | Reviews |
| Norfolk | 5.0 | 22 | Reviews |
| Tacoma | 5.0 | 107 | Reviews |
| Spokane | 5.0 | 82 | Reviews |
| Seattle | 5.0 | 263 | Reviews |
| Milwaukee | 5.0 | 17 | Reviews |
Conclusion
Northwest Phlebotomy School stands out for its hands-on training approach, small class sizes, and commitment to providing a fun and comfortable learning environment. The school’s curriculum prepares students for national phlebotomy exams, enhancing their employability in the healthcare sector. While the absence of clinical externships should be a consideration, the positive reviews and emphasis on practical skills make Northwest Phlebotomy School an option worth considering for those pursuing a career in phlebotomy. Prospective students should explore specific details about their chosen location, including reviews, costs, and scheduling options, to make an informed decision.