How to Become a Phlebotomist — Salary, Training & Licensing
One of the fastest paths into healthcare — start drawing blood and earning in weeks, not years.
93% High Demand
$35K–$52K+
Salary Range
High
Demand
+10%
Job Growth
℞ Prescribed by data · BLS · WEF · McKinsey
Phlebotomist Apprenticeship & Training in Oregon
Licensing & Requirements
Oregon does not require a state phlebotomy license. National certification (ASCP PBT preferred) strongly valued by employers. Most Oregon health systems prefer or require certification.
Training Programs
Portland Community College, Mt. Hood Community College, and Lane Community College offer phlebotomy certificate programs. Providence and OHSU sometimes provide employer-sponsored training pathways.
Study anatomy of the circulatory system, order of draw, and infection control
3
Earn Your National CertificationAge 18–19
Pass the ASCP PBT (Phlebotomy Technician) exam — the gold standard certification
Alternative certifications: NPA CPT, AMT RPT, or NCA CLPlb
Some states require specific state certification in addition to national certification
Certification significantly increases job opportunities and starting pay
4
Land Your First Phlebotomy PositionAges 19–20
Apply to hospitals, reference labs (Quest, Labcorp), clinics, and blood donation centers
Hospital positions often offer the best pay, benefits, and variety of patients
Blood donation centers (Red Cross, Vitalant) are excellent for building speed and confidence
Mobile phlebotomy and home health positions offer independence and schedule flexibility
5
Build Speed, Confidence, and SpecializationsAges 20–23
Master difficult draws — pediatric, geriatric, oncology, and patients with difficult veins
Learn arterial blood gas (ABG) collection for higher-level positions and pay
Cross-train in specimen processing, EKG, or point-of-care testing to increase your value
Consider specializing in donor phlebotomy, pediatric phlebotomy, or therapeutic phlebotomy
6
Advance Into Leadership or Adjacent CareersAges 23+
Move into phlebotomy supervisor, trainer, or draw site manager roles
Use phlebotomy as a stepping stone into medical laboratory technology, nursing, or physician assistant programs
Start a mobile phlebotomy business serving homebound patients and nursing facilities
Teaching positions at phlebotomy training programs combine clinical experience with education
Major Employers & Training Programs
Quest Diagnostics
One of the largest reference labs in the US. Hires thousands of phlebotomists nationally with internal training programs, advancement to team lead, and benefits.
Labcorp
Major reference laboratory network. Offers phlebotomy positions in patient service centers across the country with training support and career development.
American Red Cross
Blood donation organization. Excellent entry point for phlebotomists — trains in donor phlebotomy with strong emphasis on customer service and collection safety.
HCA Healthcare
Largest for-profit hospital system in the US. Hires phlebotomists across hundreds of hospitals with tuition assistance for career advancement.
Vitalant
One of the nation's largest blood service organizations. Trains phlebotomists in donor collection with opportunities at blood centers and mobile drives nationwide.
Phlebotomy is one of the fastest entry points into healthcare. Many hospitals and labs offer on-the-job training or tuition reimbursement for phlebotomy certification programs.
Supervisor/Mobile Business Owner$48K–$65K+Years 7+
vs. College
You can complete phlebotomy training in 4-8 weeks and start earning immediately. While a nursing degree takes 2-4 years and costs $20K-$80K, phlebotomy certification costs $700-$3,000. Many phlebotomists use the role as a stepping stone into higher-paying healthcare careers while earning and gaining clinical experience.
The Real Talk
The Good
One of the fastest entry points into healthcare — start working in weeks, not years
Low training cost ($700-$3,000) compared to other healthcare certifications
Flexible schedules — hospitals and labs operate 24/7 with multiple shift options
Stepping stone to nursing, medical lab technology, or physician assistant careers
Meaningful patient interaction — you help people during an important moment
Strong job security — blood testing is essential and cannot be automated away
The Hard Parts
Lower starting pay compared to many healthcare roles — ceiling can feel limited without advancement
Exposure to bloodborne pathogens requires strict safety protocols and carries inherent risk
Repetitive work — you perform the same core skill hundreds of times per week
Dealing with anxious, combative, or difficult patients can be emotionally draining
Physical demands — standing all day and performing fine motor work can cause strain
Is It Worth It?
Phlebotomy is the ultimate healthcare on-ramp. For a few weeks of training and minimal cost, you get a foot in the hospital door, earn a paycheck, gain clinical experience, and position yourself for advancement. Many nurses, lab techs, and PAs started as phlebotomists. If you're looking for a fast, affordable way to start a healthcare career and don't mind blood, this is one of the smartest first moves you can make.
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