How to Become a Phlebotomist in Orlando in 6 Steps (2026)

Updated October 2026. Pay data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025.

Starting a career in phlebotomy is one of the fastest ways into health care. Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, research and donations, and most training programs take months, not years.

This guide walks through six steps to become a phlebotomist in Orlando, what Florida requires, what the national certification asks for, and what local phlebotomists earn.

Quick answer: To become a phlebotomist in Orlando, finish high school or a GED, complete a phlebotomy training program with supervised blood draws, pass a national certification exam such as the NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam, and apply to hospitals, labs and clinics. Florida does not license phlebotomists, but many employers prefer certification.

Table of Contents

• Step 1: Meet the basic requirements
• Step 2: Choose a phlebotomy training program
• Step 3: Complete supervised blood draws
• Step 4: Pass the national certification exam
• Do you need a license to be a phlebotomist in Florida?
• Step 5: Apply for phlebotomy jobs in Orlando
• Step 6: Keep growing after certification
• Phlebotomist pay in Orlando (BLS)
• How to become a phlebotomist: FAQs (Orlando 2026)

Step 1: Meet the basic requirements

You need a high school diploma or GED (or equivalent) to sit for the NHA CPT exam; NHA also accepts candidates who are scheduled to earn one within 18 months. At FHCA you must also be at least 18 and have a valid photo ID and Social Security number to enroll. For the full list, see phlebotomist education requirements.

Step 2: Choose a phlebotomy training program

To qualify for the NHA CPT exam through training, you complete a phlebotomy technician program within the last five years. Look for a program that includes hands-on practice, not only classes. FHCA’s phlebotomy program in Orlando is a six-week hybrid program (online classes plus in-person training in Orlando) with a program cost of $1,300 that includes books, lab supplies and the 4-hour HIV certification. See how much phlebotomist classes cost to compare options.

Step 3: Complete supervised blood draws

NHA asks for evidence that you have performed at least 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary (finger) sticks on live individuals. Good programs build this practice into the course. FHCA’s program includes 30+ supervised draws and collections. If you are looking for more practice, see how to get phlebotomy experience.

Step 4: Pass the national certification exam

The NHA CPT exam takes two hours and can be taken at your school, at a PSI testing center or online with live remote proctoring. NHA posts online results to your account within two days of scoring. At FHCA, the NHA CPT exam fee ($134) is the only cost not included in the program. For the full process, read how to get a phlebotomy certification and how to pass the phlebotomy exam.

What makes it faster or slower

• Program format. Accelerated and online programs are shorter than a community college semester. Online programs still require in-person practice blood draws.

• Schedule. A weekday track finishes sooner than a weekend-only track that covers the same hours.

• Clinical practice. Finding time and sites for your 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks can add weeks if the program does not schedule them for you.

• Exam timing. Scheduling your exam as soon as you finish keeps you inside NHA’s five-year window for program completion.

Phlebotomy certification options and exams

After completing training you can sit for a certification examination. Common choices include the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) from the National Healthcareer Association, the Phlebotomy Technician certification (PBT) from ASCP, the Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) from American Medical Technologists, and the National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT) from the National Center for Competency Testing. Each organization sets its own certification requirements, which usually combine completed training, documented blood draws and a passing score, so check the current rules before you apply.

Do you need a license to be a phlebotomist in Florida?

Florida’s clinical laboratory law (Chapter 483, Part III, Florida Statutes) licenses laboratory personnel, but section 483.803 excludes phlebotomists from its definition of clinical laboratory personnel. That means the state does not license phlebotomists as lab staff. Employers still set their own requirements, and NHA reports that many employers require or encourage certification. BLS also notes that employers may prefer candidates with professional certification.

Step 5: Apply for phlebotomy jobs in Orlando

Phlebotomists work in hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, blood donor centers and doctors’ offices (BLS). Update your resume with your training hours, the number of draws you completed and your certification, then apply to local hospital systems, labs and clinics. See where a phlebotomist can work and whether phlebotomists are in high demand.

Step 6: Keep growing after certification

After you are certified, you can specialize or move into other roles. Read what to do after phlebotomy certification, review the phlebotomist job description and keep your credentials current with how to renew your phlebotomy license or certification.

Phlebotomist pay in Orlando (BLS)

BLS reports the following for phlebotomists (May 2025):

BLS projects phlebotomist employment to grow 7% from 2025 to 2035 (Occupational Outlook Handbook). Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (SOC 31-9097) and BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Phlebotomists. For more, see phlebotomist salary in Florida.

How long does it take at FHCA?

FHCA’s phlebotomy program in Orlando is a hybrid program of 170 clock hours. You can choose a 6-week weekday track or a 12-week Saturday track. A typical weekday week blends live online classes, in-person training in Orlando and a self-paced day. You take the NHA CPT exam on site at FHCA.

How to become a phlebotomist: FAQs (Orlando 2026)

How long does it take to become a phlebotomist?

It depends on the program. FHCA’s program takes six weeks. Then you take the certification exam.

How much does it cost to become a phlebotomist?

FHCA’s program costs $1,300 plus the NHA CPT exam fee of $134. Prices at other schools vary, so compare them: phlebotomist classes cost.

Do I need experience to become a phlebotomist?

No. You qualify for the NHA CPT exam with a completed training program (with 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks) or with one to two years of supervised work experience. BLS lists no work experience requirement for the job.

Is phlebotomy hard?

See how hard it is to be a phlebotomist.

Is phlebotomy better than CNA?

See phlebotomy vs CNA.

Do I need a license in Florida?

No state license for phlebotomists (see above), but many employers prefer certification.

Ready to start your phlebotomy career at FHCA Orlando

Begin your journey toward a healthcare career with the Phlebotomy program Orlando at Florida Health Care Academy. You’ll gain hands-on training, clinical support, and expert instruction to prepare for certification and real-world practice.

From enrollment to employment, FHCA is by your side. Complete your application through Enrollment and take your first step toward a rewarding future in healthcare.