Best Phlebotomy Schools in Arizona

Updated August 13, 2025

Table of Contents
Disclaimer: This article is for education only, not professional advice. Always verify details with official sources. Some links, forms, or listings are sponsored or paid, which may affect their placement. We may earn from them. Read our full Disclaimer.

Starting a career in phlebotomy is straightforward, but you need the right training to get certified and hired. In Arizona, many trade and vocational schools offer programs that can be completed in a few months. The key is choosing a school that prepares you for national certification and meets employer expectations.

If you're ready to work in a hospital, clinic, or lab taking blood samples and processing specimens, here's what you need to know.

Arizona Phlebotomy Training Requirements

Arizona does not have its own state-specific license for phlebotomists. Most employers require completion of an accredited training program and national certification.

In Arizona, skills training and certification are essential because employers follow national standards, even without a state license.

Common certifications include:

  • Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) - offered by NHA
  • Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) - offered by ASCP
  • Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) - offered by AMT

Steps to Become a Phlebotomist in Arizona

  1. Choose a reputable school that offers accredited phlebotomy training.
  2. Complete classroom and lab hours, learning anatomy, medical terminology, and blood collection techniques.
  3. Finish your clinical externship to gain hands-on experience.
  4. Apply for national certification through an approved organization.
  5. Prepare your resume with your skills, certifications, and externship details.
  6. Apply to healthcare employers such as hospitals, primary care offices, and labs.

Top Phlebotomy Schools in Arizona

These training programs are well-established in the state and prepare you for certification and work in the field.

1. Pima Medical Institute

Locations: Phoenix, Mesa, Tucson
PMI offers a short-term phlebotomy technician certificate program. The program includes hands-on instruction and an externship placement. Graduates are eligible for national certification exams.

Program Length: About 3 months
Website: pmiedu.edu

2. Arizona College of Nursing - Allied Health Programs

Location: Glendale
Offers an accelerated phlebotomy program with daytime and evening schedules. They include certification exam preparation as part of tuition.

Program Length: About 3-4 months
Website: arizonacollege.edu

3. Phoenix College

Location: Phoenix
Part of the Maricopa Community Colleges system, Phoenix College provides a comprehensive phlebotomy program with strong clinical lab training.

Program Length: One semester
Website: phoenixcollege.edu

4. Coconino Community College

Location: Flagstaff
This certificate program emphasizes both technical skills and patient safety. Out-of-town students can complete clinical hours in their local area with approval.

Program Length: 1 semester
Website: coconino.edu

5. Brookline College

Locations: Phoenix, Tempe, Tucson
Brookline's program integrates medical lab assistant skills with phlebotomy training, giving you broader employment options.

Program Length: Around 3 months
Website: brooklinecollege.edu

Phlebotomy Program Comparison Table

School Location(s) Length Certification Prep Included
Pima Medical Institute Phoenix, Mesa, Tucson ~3 months Yes
Arizona College of Nursing Glendale 3-4 months Yes
Phoenix College Phoenix 1 semester Yes
Coconino Community College Flagstaff 1 semester Yes
Brookline College Phoenix, Tempe, Tucson ~3 months Yes

What to Look for in a Phlebotomy Program

When comparing schools, keep these factors in mind:

  • Accreditation - Ensure the program is recognized by a national accrediting agency.
  • Certification exam prep - Saves you time and cost after graduation.
  • Externship opportunities - Hands-on training is critical for skills and employment prospects.
  • Flexible scheduling - Night or weekend classes can help if you work while studying.
  • Job placement support - Some schools partner with local healthcare providers.

Cost and Financial Aid

Phlebotomy training in Arizona typically costs a few thousand dollars. Community colleges can be less expensive than private career schools. Many programs are eligible for federal financial aid or offer in-house payment plans. Check with each school for options.

Job Outlook for Phlebotomists in Arizona

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is expected to see steady job growth in the coming years1. Hospitals, diagnostic labs, and outpatient care centers all need trained professionals to collect and process blood samples.

In Arizona, employers often look for candidates who show both technical skills and strong patient service abilities.

Safety and Professional Standards

Phlebotomists must follow strict infection control protocols set by CDC and OSHA to protect patients and themselves.

Training programs will teach:

  • Proper bloodborne pathogen handling
  • Sterile equipment procedures
  • Patient identification and consent
  • Emergency protocols for adverse reactions

Summary: Your Next Step

If you want a clear path into healthcare and like working directly with patients, phlebotomy can be a great choice. Arizona offers solid options for training, from community colleges to private institutes.

Here's what to do next:

  1. Decide on the school that best fits your location, budget, and schedule.
  2. Enroll and complete your training with a focus on clinical skills.
  3. Sit for your national certification exam.
  4. Apply to healthcare employers right after graduation.

With the right school and certification, you can start working in a few months and build a foundation for further advancement in healthcare.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Phlebotomists ↩

Explore Related Topics:

Notice an update we should make?
We strive for accuracy. Contact us here if you see incorrect or outdated info on this page.