Essential Information
Arizona-based students have more than a few options when searching for a school that offers a program in phlebotomy. Such programs lead to the award of a certificate in the field and concentrate on the development of the hands-on skills required by the job; no general education classes are included in such programs. However, practicum and clinical experiences are incorporated into the curriculum, providing students the chance to work with real patients in supervised conditions.
Coconino Community College
Located in Flagstaff, Coconino Community College offers a Phlebotomy Certificate program that requires 28 or 29 credit hours of study. Students in this program, which takes approximately 1.5 years to complete, learn about phlebotomy procedures, health care law, human physiology and health care professionalism. The program also includes a practicum.
Gateway Community College - SouthWest Skill Center Campus
The school's SouthWest Skills Center Campus is located in Avondale. Graduates of the 14-week program earn a Certificate of Completion. Classes focus on medical terminology, basic phlebotomy skills, specimen processing, phlebotomy processing techniques and health care delivery fundamentals. The program also includes an introductory computer course and a practicum.
Pima Community College
Located in Tucson, Pima Community College offers a Phlebotomy Certificate program. Students in this program complete a minimum of 12 credit hours of study in phlebotomy topics like safety standards, lab practices and professional practices. The program also includes a clinical internship.
Phoenix College
Located in Phoenix, this community college offers a Certificate of Completion in Phlebotomy. Graduates of this program are eligible to take national certification exams in the field. Students with an associate's degree from an accredited school or one year of work experience as a licensed or certified health care provider complete 4.5 credits of study. Students not meeting either of these requirements complete 8.5 credits of study. Classes common to both programs include basic phlebotomy skills and specimen processing. Both programs also include a practicum.
Yavapai College
Yavapai College is located in Prescott and educates close to 8,000 students. The college offers a Phlebotomy Technician Certificate program that prepares students to earn national certification. The program requires completion of a minimum of nine credits of study, including an internship. Students in the program learn how to collect and process specimens and manage medical records.
Career Requirements
Arizona does not require that phlebotomists be licensed. However, some school phlebotomy programs prepare students to earn national certification. Various certifications are available, such as the Phlebotomy Technician Certification (CPT) offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Of the schools in Arizona offering phlebotomy training programs, six are offered by public or non-profit schools and are profiled below.
School Comparison: At a Glance
| School Name | School Type and Setting | Phlebotomy Programs Offered | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (2018-2019) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coconino Community College | 2-year, public; rural fringe | Phlebotomy Certificate | $111 per credit in-state, $388.50 per credit out-of-state** |
| Gateway Community College - SouthWest Skill Center | Less than 2-year, public; small suburb | Certificate of Completion in Phlebotomy | $1,805** |
| Pima Community College | 2-year, public; large city | Phlebotomy Certificate | $2,142 for in-state students, $7,458 for out-of-state students* |
| Phoenix College | 2-year, public; large city | Certificate of Completion in Phlebotomy | $2,070 in-state, $7,854 out-of-state* |
| Yavapai College | 2-year, public; small city | Phlebotomy Technician Certificate | $2,360 for in-state students, $8,998 for out-of-state students* |
Sources: *College Navigator, National Center for Education Statistics, **Schools' websites
