Phlebotomist in Virginia

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for VA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$45,720

trending_up +4.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Virginia.

engineering

3,300

Jobs (VA)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

schedule

4 months to 1 year (program dependent)

Time to complete

route How to become a phlebotomist in Virginia

To become a Phlebotomist in Virginia, a state license is not required. However, most employers strongly prefer candidates to hold a national certification from an accredited organization such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), or American Medical Technologists (AMT). Key steps include completing a state-approved phlebotomy training program, which typically requires a high school diploma or GED and includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice, and then passing a national certification exam. Certification generally needs to be renewed every two years with continuing education.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,070

25th percentile $38,680

50th (median) $45,720

75th percentile $47,800

90th (experienced) $53,810

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Virginia. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Virginia requirements

Licensing body	No state licensing body; national certification is preferred by employers
State license	Not required
Education	High school diploma or GED and completion of a state-approved phlebotomy training program (typically 80-150 hours, including classroom and clinical practice with a minimum number of successful venipunctures and capillary sticks)
Exam	National certification exams such as NHA CPT, ASCP PBT, or AMT RPT
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	25.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Virginia does not require a state license for phlebotomists, but national certification is strongly preferred by employers. Most programs require applicants to be at least 18 years old and pass a background check and drug screen. Some programs require proof of immunizations and a physical exam.

Source: No state licensing body; national certification is preferred by employers

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+5.6%

Faster than average

Annual openings

18,400

Nationwide per year

Total employment

139,700

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.28/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a phlebotomist career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a phlebotomist in Virginia? expand_more

In Virginia, becoming a phlebotomist requires you to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED and completion of a state-approved phlebotomy training program (typically 80-150 hours, including classroom and clinical practice with a minimum number of successful venipunctures and capillary sticks)), and pass the National certification exams such as NHA CPT, ASCP PBT, or AMT RPT.

Is a state license required for phlebotomists in Virginia? expand_more

Virginia does not require a state license for phlebotomists. Note: Virginia does not require a state license for phlebotomists, but national certification is strongly preferred by employers. Most programs require applicants to be at least 18 years old and pass a background check and drug screen. Some programs require proof of immunizations and a physical exam.

What is the average phlebotomist salary in Virginia? expand_more

In Virginia, the median pay for phlebotomists comes to $45,720/year. That's roughly in line with the $43,660 national median. The range spans from $37,070 at the entry level to $53,810 for top earners.

How long does it take to become a phlebotomist in Virginia? expand_more

Most candidates in Virginia complete the process in 4 months to 1 year (program dependent), from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

Does Virginia require continuing education for phlebotomists? expand_more

Yes — phlebotomists in Virginia must complete 25.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.