Best Phlebotomy Schools in Alabama

If you want to work in healthcare without spending years in school, phlebotomy is a good starting point. In Alabama, you can find accredited training programs that prepare you for certification and employment. The best schools combine classroom instruction with hands-on lab practice so you’re ready to work safely and confidently.

Getting trained in the right program is important. Employers will look at where you went to school and whether you meet certification standards. Here’s what you need to know about finding the best phlebotomy schools in Alabama.

What a Phlebotomist Does

A phlebotomist is trained to draw blood from patients for tests, transfusions, research, or donations. They also handle and label samples, enter patient information, and follow strict safety procedures.

OSHA requires phlebotomists to follow bloodborne pathogen protocols to prevent the spread of disease. This includes using gloves, proper sharps disposal, and sanitizing work areas. 1

Basic requirements in Alabama

Alabama does not have a state license requirement for phlebotomists. However, most employers want you to have completed a recognized training program and earned a national certification.

Common steps to qualify include:

  1. Complete an accredited phlebotomy program - Usually 4 to 16 weeks.
  2. Pass a national certification exam - Options include NHA (National Healthcareer Association) or ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology).
  3. Maintain CPR and first aid training - Most job postings require current certifications.
  4. Follow continuing education guidelines - Some certifying bodies require periodic updates.

Things to look for in a Phlebotomy school

When comparing programs, focus on:

  • Accreditation. Look for programs approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or recognized by certifying organizations.
  • Program length and schedule. Choose one that fits your timeline and availability.
  • Clinical externship opportunities Working directly with patients before graduation helps in career services.
  • Certification exam prep The school should prepare you for a recognized national exam.
  • Location and costs Factor in travel and tuition.

Top Phlebotomy schools in Alabama

The schools below have solid reputations and offer structured training that meets industry standards. Contact each school for the latest tuition, schedules, and enrollment requirements.

SchoolLocationProgram LengthCertification Prep
Wallace State Community CollegeHanceville1 semesterYes - ASCP exam
Lawson State Community CollegeBirmingham/Bessemer1 semesterYes - NHA exam
Calhoun Community CollegeTanner/Huntsville1 semesterYes - National exams
Wallace Community CollegeDothan1 semesterYes - Certifying bodies vary
Jefferson State Community CollegeMultiple campuses1 semesterYes - NHA or AMT
#1

Lawson State Community College

Birmingham, AL In-state option

Located in Birmingham, AL Lawson State Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#2

Jefferson State Community College

Birmingham, AL In-state option

Located in Birmingham, AL Jefferson State Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Accounting Technology, Bookkeeper, and Construction Management.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

Program Length and Format

Most Alabama phlebotomy programs take 12 to 16 weeks if you attend full-time. Some community colleges offer part-time or evening programs for working students.

A typical program is split into:

  • Classroom instruction Anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, infection control.
  • Lab. Practice Venipuncture, capillary puncture, specimen handling.
  • Clinical externship Real-world experience under supervision in a hospital or clinic.

National certification options

The most common national certifications for phlebotomists include:

  • Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) Offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
  • Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) Offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
  • Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) Offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT)

Tip: Employers may prefer one certification over another. Ask your local hospitals or clinics which credential they recognize.

How to get started

If you’re to get started, follow this process:

  1. List schools near you - Use community college directories for Alabama.
  2. Check admission requirements - Some require a high school diploma or GED.
  3. Ask about clinical partnerships - Hospitals or labs linked to the school can help with career services.
  4. Schedule a campus visit - See the facilities and meet instructors.
  5. Apply early - Classes often fill quickly.

Summary and Next Step

Phlebotomy is a fast-entry healthcare career that can open doors to other medical roles. The best schools in Alabama offer accredited training, exam prep, and real-world practice.

Your next step is to contact two or three of the schools listed above, ask about their next start dates, and see which program fits your schedule and budget.

  1. OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention ↩︎

Learn more about this career, including national salary data and certification paths, in our How to Become a Phlebotomist career guide.