Are Online Phlebotomy Classes Legit

Research by EduMed shows numerous online phlebotomy classes exist today. However, some never cover the entire syllabus, provide certifications, or equip learners with the skills to work in different healthcare settings. The existence of scam online courses has led many aspiring phlebotomy students to wonder, are online phlebotomy classes legit? This post explains the factors that prove an online phlebotomy class is credible. Our online class helpers also list the accredited phlebotomy classes online worth pursuing in 2023 and beyond.

How to Know If Online Phlebotomy Classes Are Legit

Phlebotomy certification rules vary nationwide. Prospective students should know their state rules before taking online phlebotomy classes. They should also be keen on the following factors as they may help choose a credible phlebotomy online program:

Requirements

Phlebotomy class entry requirements depend on the state rules. A credible online class should stipulate the minimum eligibility conditions required to enroll in the class in that jurisdiction. Some prerequisites prospective students might need to encounter in various online phlebotomy classes include:

Have a GED or high school diploma
Complete a criminal background check
Show immunization records
Present references

Some course also require students to be physically fit to perform on-the-job duties such as kneeling, bending, and lifting objects.

Accreditation

Choosing an accredited phlebotomy online class is crucial to getting the certification to perform on-the-job duties. It also boosts employers’ trust in a candidate when applying for a job. That’s because an accredited program indicates the quality of education provided in an online class meets national standards.

Legitimate phlebotomy course accrediting bodies countrywide include:

The National Phlebotomy Association (NPA)
National Association for Phlebotomy Technician Professionals (NAPTP)
American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)
The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)

A phlebotomy online class accredited by these institutions is worth enrolling in.

Clinical Training

Clinical training is an essential part of phlebotomy. A legit phlebotomy online class should cover the theory and hands-on training sections as both prepare students for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician exam.

Most credible programs attach students to real-life healthcare settings to demonstrate the practical skills needed in the market. If not, they organize in-house practice sessions for students to conduct skin and venipuncture procedures and be evaluated based on their performance.

Doing this equips them with skills not covered in the theory class, such as bedside manners, compassion, empathy, communication, and attention to detail.

Certification

Phlebotomy certifications depend on the education and experience gathered from an online phlebotomy class. Classes cover different content that qualify students for certifications from professional or certifying associations.

Students should be critical of their program choice to ensure they pursue courses that provide them with the certification to perform and demonstrate their knowledge and skills in their area of interest. The most credible certifications provided after completing phlebotomy courses come from:

American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP): It provides U.S. and international phlebotomy certifications to students with work and training experience before the final exam.
American Society for Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT): Certifies students who complete training and have 6 to 12 months of work experience, including five successful skin punctures and 25 venipunctures
National Healthcare Association (NHA): Awards certifications to phlebotomy training graduates with a GED or high school diploma
American Medical Technologies (AMT): Certifies applicants based on education and work experience. Students in training must have completed 120 training hours, while experienced applicants need 1040 work hours in the last three years to receive certification.

Legit Online Phlebotomy Classes

Numerous phlebotomy online classes offer short-term certification instead of full degrees. Finding a legitimate online phlebotomy class can take time that many students may lack due to overwhelming personal and professional responsibilities.

Thus, we compiled a list of the best online phlebotomy classes based on accreditation, certification, graduation, and post-training employment rates. Note that programs are different, so careful consideration is essential to making an informed choice:

American National University (ANU)

ANU offers a diploma in phlebotomy and ECG operation through its online program. Applicants must have associate or undergraduate degrees with a minimum GPA of 2.5. The classes cover both lecture and lab sessions online, and the university organizes externship opportunities in actual healthcare settings to equip learners with the clinical training skills.

U.S. Career Institute

USCI provides phlebotomy classes 100% online. The course equips students with the knowledge and skills to pass the CPT exam, and requires them to complete 10 skin or capillary punctures and 30 venipunctures. It also provides a career coach to help students choose the best career paths.

Phlebotomy Career Training

PCT offers online and hybrid phlebotomy classes that teach students the proper phlebotomy techniques. Courses are self-paced and include the CPT exam and clinical training, where students complete 30 venipunctures before graduating.