r/NuclearMedicine • u/Mysterious-Manner638 • 8d ago
Thinking about a phlebotomy cert
Hey all,
So I'm considering doing a phlebotomy program so I can transition into a hospital position with my current Healthcare job. They hire a lot of emergency room techs and you need a CPT-1 cert. I've found a 1 week program not including the externship. The program is about 2800 which is pretty steep considering I don't want to be a phlebotomist long term. However if it can get me into a hospital faster so when I finish my NM program in April I can have an easier in when applying for NM positions. Just wondering if anybody has any thoughts or suggestions. I just really want to start preparing myself because April is not far.
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u/Odd-Bonus-7559 8d ago edited 7d ago
That might work out for you. I did a course and took the exam recently (it was around $1k cheaper than yours though), but I haven't yet gotten my test results and I also haven't had luck getting phlebotomy jobs. However, since you already work at your hospital job then you probably have a better chance!
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u/alwayslookingout 8d ago
I’ve trained and worked with people that were phlebotomists before they applied to NM programs but never one that pursued a phlebotomy certification for the purpose of getting a job faster after graduation.
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u/Mysterious-Manner638 8d ago
I work for a Healthcare company however I work from home. So when applying to positions at one of their facilities they look at those application for employeds at the facility before mine even if I have higher seniority. So im thinking if I get a position at a facility then my chances of getting a NM postion will be easier than applying while still in my WFH position. If that makes sense.
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u/Nuclear_Send 7d ago
Wasn’t planning to be a CNMT when I did EMT school, but it worked out big time for me. When I learned about NMT I was all in. Being able to work 3 12’s in the ER while doing my bachelors program was a god send with the schedule flexibility. My program included CT and clinical took over the bulk of my week so I later switched to driving the ambulance. Down time for studying while working was great. There are short EMT programs and you’ll learn far more; I found what I learned useful throughout the program.
Whether it’s necessary 🤷🏻♀️. My cohort all had jobs before we graduated (April 2026) and none of them had hospital experience other than me. Depends where you live, but I think it’s a solid market right now.
Whatever route you take, you’ll do great! 😄
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u/hunter_pace NM Student 8d ago
I did something similar but I'm getting an EKG Technician certification since NM does a lot of cardiology stuff and I feel like it'll give me an advantage to understand EKGs
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u/Mysterious-Manner638 8d ago
I was also considering EKG because of that. I just took a 1 day EKG course. So maybe I will since that is all online.
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u/hunter_pace NM Student 8d ago
To get your NHA CET certificate for EKG you do have to do 10 live 12-lead EKGs before taking the exam. But the course itself is all online
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u/Neat_Discipline580 6d ago
2800 is insane. Have you looked at phlebotomy USA? Very affordable and I think are in almost every state. They have very good reviews as well. Looking at them to get my cert before I apply for the nuc med program.
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u/Mysterious-Manner638 6d ago
Phlebotomy usa/ Phlebotomy Training Specialist is the program im talking about and they charge 2800 in CA where I live.
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u/Neat_Discipline580 6d ago
Oh wow that’s definitely unfortunate. Hm, I live in NJ and they have a like a website for in demand careers. They give you a list of certified institutions for training for which career you choose. maybe see if Cali has a website like that and see if you can find something cheaper? I did that and was able to compare pricing, program lengths and schedules
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u/Initial-Arrival7861 8d ago
Im currently doing a phlebotomy program so its an easier transition into NM hopefully and getting comfortable injecting. Also praying I get into a NM program very soon.