--- title: Phlebotomy Technician Program FAQs | UMSL Online description: Get answers about UMSL's affordable online Phlebotomy Certification Training, including enrollment, timelines, and program requirements. image: https://info.preppy.org/hubfs/UMSL%20Assets/UMSL-SocialPreview.png --- [![StraighterLine](https://info.preppy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/LOGO_StraighterLine_black-Jul-19-2023-02-37-12-8796-AM.png?width=350&height=100&name=LOGO_StraighterLine_black-Jul-19-2023-02-37-12-8796-AM.png "StraighterLine")](https://preppy.org/) [Get Started](https://info.preppy.org/phlebotomy-technician-program-faqs-umsl-online#link) [![UMSL Advanced Workforce Center](https://info.preppy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo_UMSL-AdvancedWorkforceCenter_Full%20Color%203.png?width=220&height=59&name=Logo_UMSL-AdvancedWorkforceCenter_Full%20Color%203.png "UMSL Advanced Workforce Center")](https://info.preppy.org/umsl/) [Enroll Today](https://info.preppy.org/umsl/phlebotomy-technician/) [All Programs](https://info.preppy.org/umsl/)  ❯  [Phlebotomy Technician](https://info.preppy.org/umsl/medical-assistant/)  ❯  FAQs # PHLEBOTOMY TECHNICIAN PROGRAM FAQS Learn what to expect throughout your phlebotomy technician journey with UMSL — from enrollment and online learning to certification and career preparation. ![](https://info.preppy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/UMSL-ColorBorder-LandingPage.png?width=5000&height=28&name=UMSL-ColorBorder-LandingPage.png) HOW IT WORKS ## Flexible, Affordable Learning at Your Pace #### Will I receive a Certificate of Completion from an accredited university? When you complete the program, you’ll earn a Certificate of Completion from UMSL. The Phlebotomy technician curriculum is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect current healthcare industry standards, helping you build the blood collection, specimen handling, infection control, and patient-care skills employers value while preparing for the CPT exam. #### How long does the Phlebotomy Technician program take to complete? The Phlebotomy Technician program is 100% self-paced, so you can progress on your own schedule. While completion times vary, many students finish within 2–4 months. You’ll have up to 12 months to complete the program. #### What makes UMSL’s Phlebotomy Technician program different? UMSL offers a flexible way to prepare for a phlebotomy career without putting your life on hold. The online Phlebotomy Technician program combines the credibility of a regionally accredited university with the flexibility of self-paced learning. You’ll build the blood collection, specimen handling, infection control, and patient-care skills employers value, prepare for the CPT exam, receive career and externship placement support, and earn a Certificate of Completion from UMSL — all on a timeline that works for you. #### Do I need any prior experience in this field to get started? Our Phlebotomy Technician program is designed for beginners, so you don’t need previous healthcare experience to get started. The curriculum is designed to help you develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to prepare for your next career opportunity. #### What are the requirements for enrolling in the Phlebotomy Technician program? The Phlebotomy Technician program is designed for beginners and does not require prior healthcare experience. There are no prerequisites or application requirements to enroll. Students should be prepared to complete coursework online and review any program-specific requirements before enrolling. #### Are course materials included, or will I need to purchase textbooks or supplies? All required digital course materials are included with your tuition at no additional cost. You’ll have access to online lessons, learning resources, quizzes, and other materials needed to complete the program and prepare for the certification exam. Your textbook, *Phlebotomy Handbook: Blood Specimen Collection from Basic to Advanced*, is provided digitally through VitalSource Bookshelf, so there are no required textbooks to purchase. #### Will this prepare me for the CPT certification exam — even if I’m new to healthcare? Yes! UMSL’s Phlebotomy Technician program is designed to help you build the knowledge and practical skills needed to prepare for the CPT exam — even if you’re just starting your healthcare journey. - **Beginner-friendly:** No prior healthcare experience required - **Career-focused:** Learn blood collection, specimen handling, safety, and patient-care skills - **Step by step:** Build your knowledge and confidence through guided online coursework - **Practice along the way:** Reinforce learning through interactive activities, checkpoints, and assessments - **Certification preparation:** Complete a curriculum designed to prepare you for the CPT certification exam Our goal is to help you feel confident, prepared for certification, and ready to begin your career as a phlebotomy technician. #### What are the virtual clinical simulations, and how do they work? Virtual clinical simulations are interactive learning experiences that let you practice essential phlebotomy workflows and procedures in a realistic, low-risk environment. Rather than only reading about blood collection, specimen handling, and patient preparation, you’ll complete guided exercises that reinforce the knowledge and skills used in the field.   Throughout the simulations, you’ll practice key phlebotomy procedures, build familiarity with proper collection and safety protocols, and complete competency-based activities designed to strengthen confidence and retention. You’ll receive performance feedback along the way and can repeat simulations as often as needed to master each skill. #### Are certification exam vouchers included in the cost of the program? Yes, your voucher for the CPT exam is included with tuition at no additional cost. That means that, should you choose to pursue Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) certification, you won’t have to pay extra for the exam needed to earn your credential — you can focus on completing your training and preparing for certification. If you choose to pursue an additional certification, you’ll be responsible for any associated exam fees. Exam preparation materials are available and provided for the CPT exam only.     #### What additional clinical requirements do I need to meet before I can sit for the phlebotomy certification exam? In addition to completing the program requirements, you must complete at least 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary finger sticks on live individuals to be eligible to sit for the certification exam. These hands-on procedures help ensure you have the practical experience needed to move forward confidently.   #### What’s the difference between this program and the CPT certification? The Phlebotomy Technician program provides the education and training, while the CPT is a nationally recognized certification credential awarded after you pass the exam. --- ### Have more questions? View [all FAQs](https://info.preppy.org/faq) or [connect with an enrollment advisor](https://info.preppy.org/umsl/info-request).  --- ![Brandon-SterileGuy-Circle](https://info.preppy.org/hubfs/Brandon-SterileGuy-Circle.png) ### “If anyone asks me where to start, UMSL is the one program I’ll always vouch for. It’s the fastest and most affordable way to get your foot in the door.” – Brandon Huffman, CST, Surgical Tech Expert ![](https://info.preppy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/UMSL-ColorBorder-LandingPage.png?width=5000&height=28&name=UMSL-ColorBorder-LandingPage.png) ### Healthcare needs phlebotomy technicians like you. Train online with UMSL and take the first step toward certification and a rewarding career in healthcare. 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