We reviewed the top online phlebotomy programs available. Each of these offers an excellent learning experience, covering a broad range of topics and providing certification at the successful completion of the program.
All of the programs listed below are 100% online classes – there are no hybrid options where you take some classes online but also need to complete in-person requirements.
If you are interested in hybrid online and in-person programs, refer to our Phlebotomy Classes page for listings of all phlebotomy programs in each state.
Delgado Community College
We like Delgado’s program because it offers great flexibility – The course totals 200 hours of online learning, however it can be completed at your own pace. If you devote 8 hours a day for 5 days a week, the course can be completed in 5 weeks.
This 100% online course covers topics such as phlebotomy procedures, human anatomy, medical terminology, and legal issues in healthcare. The course requires a High School Diploma or equivalent, an entrance test, or previous healthcare experience.
This online phlebotomy course includes training on basic point-of-care testing, maintaining medical equipment, and simulation experience through lab kits and practice videos. It offers comprehensive training and a voucher for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) certification exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) upon eligibility.
Additionally, the course provides an opportunity for an optional unpaid clinical experience, but there is no guarantee of placement. Students must first successfully complete the course and have up-to-date account balances to qualify for the clinical experience application process.
Website: https://www.dcc.edu/workforce-development/continuing-education/online-courses/certified-phlebotomy-technician.aspx
Cost: $2,295
Duration: 200 hours at your own pace, must be completed within 12 months
Certification: National Healthcareer Association – Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT-NHA)
American National University
The American National University offers a phlebotomy and EKG diploma program, which is ideal for individuals who need both certifications as a part of their career path.
The program’s lecture and laboratory courses are fully online and feature advanced electronic simulators for phlebotomy and ECG. Because there is a EKG component, hands-on learning must be completed through an externship at a nearby doctor’s office or clinic. As a part of that, you will be able to meet the requirements necessary for the PTC-AMCA certification, which has higher standards than the CPT-NHA.
Students entering the diploma program must have completed an academic associate degree or a bachelor’s degree. The program prepares students to sit for Phlebotomy Technician Certification (PTC) and EKG Technician Certification (ETC) and provides hands-on experience in labs and externships. Students learn basic phlebotomy procedures, perform ECG and interpret cardiac rhythms, and adhere to safety standards and ethical practices as a Phlebotomist in a healthcare facility.
The total cost of the program is significantly higher than others on this list. However, the better certification and comprehensive curriculum make yourself eligible for higher-level positions in the field of phlebotomy.
Website: https://go.an.edu/health-programs/phlebotomy-ecg-technician/
Cost: $12,600
Duration: 36 credit hours
Certification: American Medical Certification Association – Phlebotomy Technician Certification (PTC-AMCA) plus a Phlebotomy & ECG diploma through ANU
MedCerts
Through the MedCerts online phlebotomy program, you will acquaint yourself with healthcare facilities and the role of phlebotomy technicians, learn the patient care and safety responsibilities involved in preparing for and collecting specimens and dealing with complications, and learn the importance of HIPAA, OSHA, COLA, and CLIA-waived testing in this field. Aim for certification as a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT).
The program prepares students to take the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) phlebotomy certification, which is one of the most widely recognized certifications for phlebotomists in the industry.
Unfortunately, this program is ineligible for enrollment by residents of the State of Georgia as it is not recognized by the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC). Additionally, it does not meet state licensing or regulatory requirements for Phlebotomy Technicians in California and Washington.
Website: https://medcerts.com/programs/healthcare/phlebotomy-technician
Cost: $2,000
Duration: 12 weeks
Certification: National Healthcareer Association – Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT-NHA)
The University of Tennessee Knoxville
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville offers 100% online phlebotomy classes, which teach students how to collect blood specimens for laboratory analysis safely and thoroughly.
Topics covered include medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, blood collection procedures, and collection procedures for other types of specimens within the phlebotomist’s scope of practice.
Upon completion, students will be able to explain the steps involved in specimen collection, identify the necessary supplies and equipment, describe safety procedures, understand special precautions for certain patient populations, and communicate effectively with others in the healthcare setting. Students will also learn about legal, ethical, and regulatory issues in this field. Certification exams are available for those seeking entry-level employment.
Students who take this program are eligible to receive for volunteer externship opportunities, where the University of Tennessee helps place you with a provider in your area. This is completely optional and is not required to complete the program. However, it is an excellent way to gain some hands-on experience.
Website: https://utk.edu2.com/product/989/phlebotomy-technician
Cost: $1,799
Duration: 2-4 months
Certification: National Healthcareer Association – Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT-NHA)
U.S. Career Institute
There’s a lot to like about the U.S. Career Institute’s phlebotomy program:
- Students can to study at their own pace, anytime and anywhere.
- The CPT exam fee is included in the tuition
- The program also includes access to a Career Coach Program providing one-on-one access to a Career Advisor.
- The cost of the program is the lowest on this list
- Flexible payment options are available
The only downside of the U.S. Career Institute’s program is that it takes a minimum of 4 months to complete the program, but most individuals take about 6 months to complete the program. For many people that’s too long, and there are many other programs on this list that can be completed in a shorter period of time. But for those who want to work while completing online phlebotomy classes, this may be the best option.
The phlebotomy course consists of four instruction packs. The first pack introduces students to the healthcare field, including medical insurance, records, and terminology. The second pack covers anatomy, pathology, ethics, and interpersonal skills. The third pack focuses on first aid, vital signs, patient preparation, and laboratory equipment. The fourth pack delves into blood testing, how to draw blood, laboratory tests, specimen processing, and special collections. The course also includes a real-world practicum.
Website: https://www.uscareerinstitute.edu/online-phlebotomy-school
Cost: $979 when paid in full or $69 per month totaling $1,279
Duration: 4 – 6 months
Certification: National Healthcareer Association – Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT-NHA)
Preppy
Preppy offers an online Phlebotomy Tech certification program that can be completed in as little as two months. The program is offered in partnership with Auburn University, and teaches students about anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology associated with phlebotomy, precise specimen and blood collection procedures, and safety procedures in the medical setting. After completing the program, students have the opportunity to take the National Healthcareer Association CPT certification exam.
Preppy also helps place students in externship opportunities to gain hands-on experience. During their externship, students will have the opportunity to draw blood from patients and practice proper laboratory specimen handling procedures under direct supervision of healthcare professionals. They will also learn about patient assessment, infection control, recordkeeping, and more. The externship is not mandatory for taking the certification exam, but it is recommended.
Books and learning materials are provided free of charge, and students have online access to academic advisors and other support staff.
Website: https://preppy.org/phlebotomy-certification
Cost: $1,599 OR 6 monthly payments of $299 ($1,794 in total)
Duration: Minimum of 2 months, must be completed within 1 year
Certification: National Healthcareer Association – Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT-NHA)
MSU Texas
The MSU Texas online phlebotomy course will teach you how to become a phlebotomy technician and prepare you for the provisional Certified Phlebotomy Technician Specialist (CPTS) exam offered by the American Education Certification Association (AECA). Upon passing the exam, you will have six months to complete clinical skills requirements and become fully certified.
The online course aims to train students to become Phlebotomy Technicians and work in healthcare. It prepares students to take the Certified Phlebotomy Technician Specialist (CPTS) exam offered by AECA, which require in-person clinical hours. Or students can opt to take the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam offered by NHA. The course has no specific prerequisites, but a high school diploma or equivalent is required for certification.
Website: https://msutexas.edu/distance/in-demand-courses/certified-phlebotomy-technician-voucher-lab-included.php
Cost: $2,295
Duration: 200 course hours
Certification: American Medical Certification Association – Phlebotomy Technician Certification (PTC-AMCA) OR National Healthcareer Association – Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT-NHA)
Alison – Free Online Course
Alison offers a free online course for those interested in becoming a phlebotomist or who are looking for a refresher course. The course covers the basics of phlebotomy in both text and video formats.
The contents of the course are 100% free and can easily be accessed online. The catch is that if you want the “online diploma certificate” provided by Alison, you must pay a $30 fee, which can also be accessed at a 20% discount rate of $23.20. Additionally, the certificate is not the same as a nationally recognized phlebotomy certification. So you may be able to put it on your resume, but it may not meet the requirements of many employers.
This free course covers the knowledge, skills, and guidelines required to work as a healthcare technician specializing in phlebotomy. Students will learn the primary job responsibilities of a certified phlebotomist, including venipuncture techniques, medical terminology related to blood drawing and lab testing, infection control and safety standards, and precautions for patients with special needs. They will also gain an understanding of modern diagnostic methods and lab technology, and appropriate communication with patients. The course aims to equip students with the basic necessary knowledge required in the phlebotomy field.
Website: https://alison.com/course/phlebotomist-training-course
Cost: Free – cost for an “online diploma” is $23.20
Duration: 1.5 – 3.0 hours
Certification: None – online diploma certificate available to purchase through Alison, however most employers will not recognize this as a phlebotomy certification