Discover How To Choose The Best Phlebotomy Training Classes in 2025

The demand for phlebotomists in the UK is at an all-time high. With the NHS and private healthcare sectors facing staff shortages, there has never been a better time to become a phlebotomist.

According to the NHS England Workforce Statistics for January 2025, the NHS hospital and community health service workforce grew by 2.6% compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, a recent 2025 survey of healthcare employers found that 70% require formal certification to become a phlebotomy technician.

This is why choosing the right phlebotomy training classes is crucial. In this guide, we will explain everything about phlebotomy certifications and training, the skills to be gained, selecting the right accredited course, and the steps to become a qualified phlebotomist.

Phlebotomy Training Classes Explained

Before we talk about the classes, let us first understand what phlebotomy means. Phlebotomy is the practice of obtaining venous blood (i.e. from a vein) samples from patients. You may also hear it referred to as ‘venepuncture’.

Phlebotomy is a routine task in hospitals, GP surgeries, out-patient clinics and other healthcare settings. When obtained, blood samples are sent to a laboratory for testing and analysis.

The training classes in phlebotomy are designed to teach learners how to draw blood from patients for medical testing, transfusions and donations.

A skilled phlebotomist does the following:

• Ensuring blood samples are collected and rightly labelled
• Ensure patient safety
• Comfort patients and make them feel at ease when drawing blood
• Maintain workplace hygiene standards.

When you enrol in a phlebotomy training class, expect to learn the following:

• Phlebotomy Training Online Classes Or Classroom: At first, you’ll learn the fundamental concepts of phlebotomy, including topics such as human anatomy, infection control, and medical ethics.
• Practical Hands-On Training: Once you gain theoretical knowledge, you will be practising venipuncture techniques on training dummies. Eventually, you’ll be practising phlebotomy on real patients under supervision to build confidence and precision.
• Certification: Upon completion of your training, you will receive an accredited certificate with which you can start working in the healthcare sector. Look for NHS phlebotomist jobs or other esteemed private hospitals in the UK.

How to Qualify as a Phlebotomist: Essential Requirements

While there are no formal mandatory qualifications required to become a phlebotomist, here are some basic requirements:

• You need to be at least 18 years of age to work as a phlebotomist.
• It is preferable to have at least 2 GCSEs (or equivalent), especially in English and Maths.
• Prior working experience in a healthcare setting or healthcare training courses is highly valuable.
• Having an accredited phlebotomy training certificate is strongly recommended by employers.
• Possessing a first aid certificate, BTEC or NVQ qualifications in health or social care is considered advantageous.

How to Choose the Best Phlebotomy Training Programme in the UK

Consider the following factors discussed in the table below when looking for the right phlebotomy training course:

When choosing phlebotomy training classes, it’s important to look for a course that offers both strong theoretical foundations and real-world clinical experience.

For example, Lead Academy’s CPD-accredited phlebotomy training courses offer both. We provide a 1-day basic phlebotomy training course for beginners in five locations across the UK: London, Swindon, Birmingham, Bristol, and Cardiff.

We also offer a 3-day advanced phlebotomy training programme in the same 5 locations, which includes supervised live blood draw sessions.

These types of structured, hands-on learning experiences can make a real difference when transitioning into NHS or private healthcare roles.

Top Skills You’ll Master in Phlebotomy Training

You’ll learn 3 core skillsets after your phlebotomy training classes. These include technical, safety & ethics, and communication skills. Let’s go through each one briefly.

Technical Skills

The technical skills you will gain are as follows:

• Venipuncture and Skin Puncture Techniques: You will learn how to collect blood samples through venipuncture (drawing blood from a vein) and skin punctures (drawing blood from the fingertip or heel).
• Equipment Handling: You will become familiar with various blood-collecting equipment such as needles, tubes and vacuum devices.
• Specimen Handling and Processing: You will learn how to label, transport and process blood samples to ensure the testing is done accurately.
• Anatomy and Physiology: You will understand the human circulatory system, veins, and anatomy.

Safety And Ethics Skills

The safety and ethics skills are as follows:

• Infection Control: You will learn the protocols of controlling infection, learn how to use the personal protective equipment and safe disposal of sharps.
• Legal And Ethical Considerations: You will gain an understanding of patient rights, consent procedures, and principles of ethics in the healthcare sector.
• Bloodborne Pathogen Training: You will learn about various bloodborne pathogens such as HIV and Hepatitis B and ways to prevent their transmission.

Communication Skills

These are the communication skills you will develop after the training:

• Patient Interaction: You will learn how to effectively communicate with your patients, explain procedures, address concerns and build rapport.
• Empathy and Compassion: You will develop the soft skills to make patients comfortable during the blood draws, especially fearful patients.
• Documentation and Record Keeping: You will learn how to accurately document procedures, record observations, and maintain patient confidentiality.

How to Prepare for Phlebotomy Training: Key Steps

If you are ready to pursue a career in phlebotomy, these are key steps you need to follow:

1. Although not mandatory, obtain a GCSE (2 subjects) qualification or equivalent, such as the Functional Skills qualification.
2. Enroll in a phlebotomy training programme to receive an accredited certificate.
3. Once you have your phlebotomy certification, look for work in hospitals, private practices, blood donation centres, laboratories, or any other facility across the UK where blood samples are drawn.

FAQ

Here’s what people usually ask about when picking phlebotomy training.

1. How Do I Know If A Phlebotomy Programme Is Accredited?

To verify if a phlebotomy programme in the UK is accredited, look for certifications from reputable bodies like NCFE (Northern Council for Further Education), OCN Credit for Learning, or CPD UK (CPD Certification Service). Also, ensure the programme is registered with the UK Register of Training Providers (UKPRN). Additionally, check if the programme meets National Occupational Standards for Obtaining Venous Blood Samples.

2. Do Phlebotomy Classes Include Hands-On Training?

Yes, phlebotomy training classes definitely include hands-on training. Phlebotomy is a practical skill, so training programmes focus on real-world experience through supervised practice. Students typically practice venipuncture and capillary sticks on each other, on dummies, and eventually on real patients under supervision.

3. What Skills Are Taught In Phlebotomy Training?

The training typically covers both theoretical and practical aspects, including anatomy, physiology, infection control, venipuncture techniques, and patient interaction.

4. Can I Get A Job After Phlebotomy Training?

Yes, obtaining phlebotomy training in the UK can lead to job opportunities. Phlebotomy employment opportunities are plenty after you complete your training programme.

5. Are There Online Phlebotomy Training Classes?

Yes, there are online phlebotomy training classes available. Many learning providers, such as the Lead Academy, offer coursework online, allowing students to study at their own pace and on their own schedule.

6. Do I Need English/Maths Skills For Phlebotomy Training?

While not strictly required, possessing good English and Maths skills is recommended for the phlebotomy training and job itself.

7. How Long Does It Take To Become A Phlebotomist?

It depends on how you train. Some courses are only a couple of days, but these only offer basic training. Usually, it takes around one to two years to become fully qualified as a phlebotomist.

As the majority of phlebotomists train on the job, you’ll usually be working alongside your training.

8. How Much Do Phlebotomists Get Paid?

In 2025, a phlebotomist salary in the UK would range from £24,000 for starters to £30,000 for experienced professionals, with a national average of around £24,965 per year.

Conclusion

When choosing a phlebotomy training course or class, it is crucial that you check if the course is accredited by UK awarding bodies. Accredited phlebotomy certifications such as CPD or NCFE are considered credible and valuable by employers.

The phlebotomy classes constitute both theoretical and practical training. Eventually, you will know the technical skills, safety & ethical practices, and soft skills such as communication and empathy.

With a certificate, you can look for phlebotomy jobs in the UK, especially in the NHS or other private hospitals.

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