Texas is the #1 state in the nation for phlebotomy employment, according to the Bureau of Labor.
Learn how start a career in healthcare as a phlebotomist and play a crucial role in patient care.
Education & Training
Taking an online certification course, such as the ones below, should be your first step.
How Will You Benefit from the Course?
The course prepares you to take either the CPTS exam through AECA or the CPT exam through the NHA.
More information on these certifications below.
How Long & How Much?
You will have 12 months to complete the course, but you can certainly go faster depending on how much time you dedicated to studying each week. It is self paced since its an online course and you can enroll at anytime.
The cost is $2300, and this price also covers the exam fee.
What Do You Study?
Required coursework and lessons often include:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Medical terminology
- CPR and basic first aid
- Human pathology
- Phlebotomy with advanced classes
- Clinical practices
- Work ethics
- Patient care
- Handling lab and medical equipment
- Disposing of medical waste
Excellent communication skills are required of any phlebotomy technician, so be prepared to take additional courses in speech, patient relationships, and work ethics if they are specific weaknesses for you.
Educational Requirements
To become a phlebotomist in Texas, there are a few educational and training requirements. A high school diploma or GED is the highest degree of education required to begin a phlebotomy program in most states.
By attending this type of program at an accredited institution, students receive their necessary training and on-the-job practice.
Other Local Trade School Programs
- Alvin
- Arlington
- Dallas, Grand Prairie, San Antonio
- El Paso
- Grand Prairie, Houston
- Houston, Missouri City, Stafford
- Arlington
- San Antonio
- Houston
- Denton
- El Paso
- El Paso, Houston, San Antonio
- Forth Worth, Garland, Houston, Webster
- Hutto
- Fort Worth, China Grove
- Arlington
- Weatherford, Bridgeport
Alvin Community College (Rating: 4.3 out 5)
Alvin Community College’s Phlebotomy Technician program is an 80-hour hybrid course that blends classroom instruction with hands-on training in venipuncture, capillary sticks, and specimen collection techniques. Upon successful completion, students are prepared to pursue certification and entry-level employment as phlebotomists in various healthcare settings. The program is open to individuals aged 18 and older, with tuition costing approximately $1,340 to $1,375 depending on residency.
CCI Training Center (Rating: 4.4 out 5)
CCI Training Center’s Certified Phlebotomy Technician Course is a 4-week, hands-on program that prepares students to safely draw blood, perform specimen testing, and follow proper lab protocols. The training includes a certification exam boot camp and meets the requirements to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam. Graduates receive career support and are ready for entry-level positions in hospitals, diagnostic centers, and other healthcare settings.
Concorde Career College (Rating: 4.7 out 5)
Cultural Technical Institute, LLC. (Rating: 4.7 out 5)
Cultural Technical Institute’s Phlebotomy Technician program is an 11‑week course that trains students in blood collection, specimen preparation, and patient care for roles in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. The curriculum emphasizes proper technique, safety, and equipment handling to ensure accurate testing and patient comfort. Graduates gain the skills needed to pursue entry-level phlebotomy positions and prepare for nationally recognized certification exams.
FORTIS College (Rating: 4.3 out 5)
Houston Community College (Rating: 3.8 out 5)
This program offers comprehensive training in various blood collection methods for adults, children, and infants, emphasizing proper techniques, infection control, patient identification, and specimen handling. The curriculum covers professionalism, ethics, medical terminology, and basic anatomy and physiology related to blood analysis. Students develop their skills through both lecture/lab classes and clinical settings, where they perform venipuncture on actual patients. The program aims to prepare students for a national certification exam in Phlebotomy. Upon completion, students will earn a Phlebotomy Certification.
IDTC Career Center (Rating: 4.9 out 5)
The Phlebotomy Technician program at IDTC Career Center can be completed in as little as 2 to 3 months and prepares students for the National Registered Phlebotomy Technician (NRPT) certification exam. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on training in venipuncture, vital signs, antiseptic techniques, and specimen handling while ensuring compliance with HIPAA and professional conduct standards. Graduates are equipped to work in hospitals, diagnostic labs, dialysis centers, and blood donor facilities, with externship opportunities included.
Lamson Institute (Rating: 3.5 out 5)
Lone Star College (Rating: 3.9 out 5)
Certificate program offered at LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, and LSC-Tomball prepares for the National Phlebotomy Exam.
North Central Texas College (Rating: 4.5 out 5)
The Phlebotomy Technician program at North Central Texas College focuses on developing skills for various blood collection methods with proper techniques and standard precautions. Emphasizing infection prevention, patient identification, specimen labeling, quality assurance, and professionalism, this program prepares students thoroughly for the field. Instruction includes 48 hours of lecture and 112 hours of externship under the guidance of a seasoned Medical Laboratory Clinician. Students will learn venipuncture and capillary puncture, along with essential medical terminology.
NOVA Career Institute (Rating: 5 out 5)
NOVA Career Institute’s Phlebotomy Technician diploma program is a fast-track, 3‑week course that provides hands-on training in blood collection, specimen handling, and patient care. The curriculum emphasizes safety protocols and accurate lab practices, preparing students to perform venipunctures and related procedures confidently. Graduates are equipped for entry-level roles in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories where precise blood collection is essential.
Pima Medical Institute (Rating: 4.6 out 5)
This on-campus certificate program, approximately three months in length, equips students with the necessary clinical and professional skills to become competent entry-level phlebotomy technicians. The curriculum includes drawing blood, handling clinical specimens, providing high-quality patient care, and managing patient anxieties during blood draws. Through courses, hands-on training, and lab exercises that simulate real-world settings, students are well-prepared for immediate employment in the field.
Remington College (Rating: 3.1 out 5)
Temple College (Rating: 4.4 out 5)
The Phlebotomy Technician program at Temple College combines 98 hours of classroom instruction with a 120-hour off-site externship, totaling 210 hours of comprehensive learning. This prepares students to take certification exams such as the CPT from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), the PBT from The ASCP Board of Certification, or the RPT from the American Medical Technology (AMT).
Texas School of Phlebotomy (Rating: 4.9 out 5)
The Certified Phlebotomy Training Program at Texas School of Phlebotomy is a hands-on, 6-week course that trains students in essential blood draw techniques under expert supervision, culminating in a Certificate of Completion. Integrated into the program is American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) training, equipping students with CPR, AED, and emergency response skills aligned with the latest ECC guidelines. Upon successful completion, students earn both their phlebotomy certification and a two-year AHA BLS provider card, preparing them for diverse roles in the healthcare field.
University of Texas Continuing Education (Rating: 3.8 out 5)
Weatherford College (Rating: 4.2 out 5)
Weatherford College’s Phlebotomy Technology Certificate is a one-semester, 16-credit program that prepares students for immediate entry into the medical field through accredited, hands-on training and clinical placement. Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification exams (ASCP, NCCT, AMT, or NHA) and consistently achieve 100% pass and graduation rates. With national accreditation by NAACLS and strong job placement outcomes, this program serves as both a career launchpad and a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare roles.
Phlebotomist Salaries in Texas
Here is a look at some average salary numbers from various sources.
- $35,360 – Talent.com
- $36.070 – Careerexplorer.com
- $38,846 – ZipRecruiter
- $41,170 – Bureau of Labor Statistics
- $44,419 – Indeed.com
Regional wage data from the Bureau of Labor is as follows:
| Area | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Abilene | $16.47 | $34,250.00 |
| Amarillo | $17.85 | $37,140.00 |
| Austin-Round Rock | $21.29 | $44,290.00 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur | $19.03 | $39,580.00 |
| Big Thicket | $18.74 | $38,980.00 |
| Border Region | $16.87 | $35,090.00 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen | $17.13 | $35,630.00 |
| Coastal Plains | $17.20 | $35,780.00 |
| College Station-Bryan | $18.67 | $38,840.00 |
| Corpus Christi | $18.49 | $38,450.00 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | $21.22 | $44,140.00 |
| El Paso | $17.13 | $35,630.00 |
| Hill Country | $16.72 | $34,780.00 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land | $20.38 | $42,390.00 |
| Killeen-Temple | $18.25 | $37,950.00 |
| Laredo | $16.67 | $34,680.00 |
| Longview | $18.59 | $38,670.00 |
| Lubbock | $17.98 | $37,400.00 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission | $17.17 | $35,710.00 |
| North Texas | $16.81 | $34,960.00 |
| Odessa | $19.41 | $40,370.00 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | $19.19 | $39,900.00 |
| Sherman-Denison | $16.56 | $34,440.00 |
| Texarkana | $16.62 | $34,560.00 |
| Tyler | $17.83 | $37,090.00 |
| Waco | $18.77 | $39,030.00 |
| West Texas | $16.43 | $34,180.00 |
| Wichita Falls | $18.08 | $37,610.00 |
source: data.bls.gov
Occupation: Phlebotomists (SOC Code319097)
Certifications
All students are expected to pass certification exams before they can graduate. A number of organizations hold acceptable certification exams.
AECA
The American Education Certification Association provides the Certified Phlebotomy Technician Specialist exam.
NHA
The National Healthcare Association administers the Certified Phlebotomy Technician exam.
However, you can obtain a phlebotomy license in Texas through multiple national organizations. These businesses administer the exam either at your college or at a separate location.
The following list includes which organizations proctor exams, along with their costs and qualifications:
- American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians offers phlebotomy technician exams for $65 with an annual membership fee of $35. To qualify, you must have six months to a year of experience working as a phlebotomist, a letter or signature from a supervisor, and successful completion of a training program.
- American Society of Clinical Pathologists allows students with varying levels of experience in the field to take the phlebotomy technician exam for $135. The one-year membership fee is $100. Qualification requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent plus completion of an approved phlebotomy program within the last five years. You may also need evidence of training and classroom time.
- American Medical Technologists has certifications available for any person working in a field involving medical training. The phlebotomy technician certification costs $125 nationally and $155 for international test-takers. The annual renewal fee is $60. You may qualify by completing a phlebotomy program or having sufficient work experience.
- National Phlebotomy Association has an application and certification fee of $170 total. To renew your membership each year costs $100. To take the exam, you must successfully pass a continuing education training program and accumulate enough lecture time and practical experience to meet the NPA curriculum requirements.
Those who attend a phlebotomy technician program may not have to fulfill the qualifications listed above. Instead, there are provisional certificates available through special arrangements with school programs.
You can obtain your certificate and license from as many of these organizations as you wish. Even after receiving your license, you must continue your education through seminars or advanced training to keep your certification.
The college you choose to attend will have a favored organization in most cases.
Education is important and necessary for many jobs. You must successfully complete your phlebotomy education in order to become a phlebotomy technician. Apprenticeships are not an option.
Career Overview
Job Requirements
Hospitals and medical facilities often have their own conditions when looking to hire a phlebotomist.
In addition to the educational requirements, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have the necessary experience.
They must also acquire a certification and/or formal training from an accredited college or post-secondary institution.
- You also must be prepared to pass a typing test (typing speeds of more than twenty-five words per minute are the norm.)
- Additionally, you will need to demonstrate proficiency with Windows, Microsoft Word, and basic computer skills.
- Drug screening is mandatory, so expect to be tested periodically. You also must pass a criminal background check.
- Working with blood can expose you to many diseases (HIV, Hepatitis, etc.) so proof of current health insurance is a requirement.
- You must also have up to date vaccine records (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, and Chicken Pox).
- You must be able to pass a health exam, including a negative test result for tuberculosis.
Job Description
Phlebotomists work in medical settings like hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, blood banks, and diagnostic labs.
Depending on their place of employment, they may draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. Ethical behavior and appropriate treatment of patients are critical since a phlebotomist must be able to draw blood while causing the least amount of discomfort possible.
While playing a crucial role in the medical field, these technicians have fewer requirements than most other medical professions.
Help with Tests
Along with drawing blood, phlebotomists identify what blood tests a patient needs. They run required tests and send the results to whoever requests them. If a patient reacts to having their blood drawn due to weakness, fear of needles, or another cause, a phlebotomist must assist them in recovery.