How to become a phlebotomist
Most phlebotomy jobs ask for a short training program, and many ask for a national certification. Four states also have a state credential. Here is what the rules say and what employers ask for in real job posts.
1. Check your state
The states with a phlebotomist credential: California, Louisiana, Nevada, Washington. Each page says who needs it and who is exempt.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says: "States may require that phlebotomists complete an accredited training program, have a license or certification, or meet other requirements. For specific requirements, contact your state licensing agency." Source.
Each state page lists only facts we could confirm on an official state page. For other states we found no state credential; employers set their own rules.
2. See what employers ask for
From the 2,429 phlebotomy jobs on this site on Nov 4, 2026 (supervisor jobs left out):
Counted from the words in each post: a requirement listed under a "preferred" heading counts as preferred.
3. National certifications employers name
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) (National Healthcareer Association)
- Phlebotomy Technician, PBT(ASCP) (American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification)
- Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) (American Medical Technologists)
- Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT) (National Center for Competency Testing)
- Phlebotomy Technician Certification (PTC) (American Medical Certification Association)
4. Apply
Every job here links to the employer's own application. There is no sign-up on this site.
See jobs where you can certify after hire See jobs that need no experience