Phlebotomy Recertification in Michigan

Michigan does not require phlebotomists to hold a state-issued phlebotomy license or certificate to perform general phlebotomy. Michigan regulates numerous health professions through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), but phlebotomy is not a separately licensed health profession. National phlebotomy certification is therefore not required by Michigan state law, although individual employers may require or strongly prefer certification. Michigan's own state employment classification for phlebotomists, for example, recognizes nationally recognized phlebotomy certification as an alternative to certain experience requirements for some state positions.

This page walks through what it takes to become a certified phlebotomist in Michigan, how to choose a training program and certifying body, and what's required to stay certified once you're working.

Do You Need a License to Be a Phlebotomist in Michigan?

Michigan does not currently issue or require a separate state phlebotomy license or certificate for individuals performing general phlebotomy. Michigan's Bureau of Professional Licensing regulates 28 health professions under the Michigan Public Health Code, but phlebotomy is not included as a separately licensed profession. Michigan also administers the federal CLIA program for clinical laboratories. Importantly, Michigan's Clinical Laboratory Services page states that a CLIA certificate is not required for blood draws or specimen collection.

That means there is:

• No Michigan phlebotomy license application

• No Michigan state phlebotomy licensing examination

• No Michigan state phlebotomy license renewal

• No Michigan state-mandated phlebotomy CE requirement

However, state law and employer requirements are two different things. A hospital, laboratory, physician practice, or other healthcare employer can establish its own qualifications and may require national certification, formal training, documented clinical experience, CPR/BLS certification, or other credentials. Think of phlebotomy certification in Michigan as employer-driven rather than government-mandated.

How to Become a Certified Phlebotomist in Michigan

1. Earn a high school diploma or GED. Michigan does not establish a universal state education requirement for general phlebotomists. However, high school completion or an equivalent credential is commonly required by phlebotomy training programs and national certification organizations.

2. Complete a phlebotomy training program. Choose a program that covers anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, infection control, patient identification, venipuncture, capillary collection, specimen handling, safety, and complications associated with blood collection. Programs may also include supervised clinical experience.

3. Complete the clinical requirements for your chosen certification. National certification organizations establish their own eligibility requirements. Depending on the certification pathway, this may include documented venipunctures, capillary collections, classroom education, and/or clinical experience. Verify the requirements of your chosen certification before enrolling in a program.

4. Choose and pass a national certification examination. Michigan does not administer a state phlebotomy licensing examination. Candidates who want a national credential can select an appropriate certification organization and complete its examination requirements.

5. Meet employer-specific requirements. Employers may require national certification, BLS/CPR certification, immunizations, background screening, drug testing, or additional competency documentation.

6. Apply for phlebotomy positions. Phlebotomists may work in hospitals, physician offices, outpatient laboratories, diagnostic centers, blood collection facilities, and other healthcare settings throughout Michigan.

7. Maintain your national certification. Since Michigan does not issue an individual state phlebotomy credential, your certification renewal and C

Phlebotomy Recertification in Michigan

Michigan does not have a state-specific phlebotomy recertification requirement because the state does not issue a general phlebotomy license or certificate. Instead, renewal requirements apply to the national certification held by the phlebotomist. For example, an NHA-certified phlebotomist and a phlebotomist certified through another national organization may have different renewal cycles, CE requirements, fees, and reinstatement procedures. Those requirements are established by the respective certification organizations rather than the State of Michigan.

To stay current, Michigan phlebotomists should:

• Know which organization issued their national certification.

• Know their certification expiration date.

• Review their certifying organization's current renewal and CE requirements.

• Complete required CE before the credential expires.

• Keep copies of CE certificates and renewal documentation.

• Renew on time to avoid reinstatement requirements.

• Check employer requirements periodically, since employers may change their certification requirements.

Michigan's Clinical Laboratory Services program administers CLIA requirements for laboratories, but Michigan specifically states that a CLIA certificate is not required simply for blood draws or specimen collection.

Visit our Certification Requirements page to find the specific recertification and renewal requirements for your certifying body.

Our Certificate of Completion

When you complete continuing education through PhlebCE, your certificate includes:

• Recipient name

• CE credit hours awarded

• Course title

• Completion date

• License provider information

• Program director signature

This documentation is designed to satisfy the renewal requirements of the major phlebotomy certifying bodies operating in Michigan, so you can submit it directly as proof of continuing education.

[Recertify with PhlebCE ]

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to work as a phlebotomist in Michigan?

No. Michigan does not currently require a separate state-issued phlebotomy license or certificate for general phlebotomy. Michigan regulates licensed health professions through LARA, but phlebotomy is not a separately licensed profession. However, individual employers may require national certification or other qualifications as a condition of employment.

Do I need national certification to work as a phlebotomist in Michigan?

Not under Michigan state law. Michigan does not require general phlebotomists to hold national certification. However, certification may be required or strongly preferred by individual employers. Michigan's own state classification for phlebotomists recognizes certification from a nationally recognized professional organization as an alternative to certain experience requirements for some state positions.

How long does it take to become a certified phlebotomist in Michigan?

There is no state-mandated training length for general phlebotomists in Michigan. The timeline depends on the training program and national certification organization selected. Many entry-level programs can be completed in several weeks to a few months, depending on the program schedule and clinical requirements. Before enrolling, make sure the program meets the eligibility requirements of the certification examination you intend to take.

How much does phlebotomy certification cost in Michigan?

There is no Michigan state phlebotomy license fee because Michigan does not issue a general phlebotomy license.

Your costs may include:

• Phlebotomy training tuition

• National certification examination fee

• Study materials

• CPR/BLS certification, if required

• Background screening or health requirements, if required

Costs vary depending on the training provider and certification organization.

Do I need to renew my phlebotomy certification in Michigan?

Yes, if you hold a national phlebotomy certification. The renewal requirement comes from your national certifying organization, not the State of Michigan. Michigan does not have a state phlebotomy certification renewal cycle.

Does Michigan require continuing education for phlebotomists?

Michigan does not impose a state-specific continuing education requirement for general phlebotomists. However, your national certification organization may require CE to maintain your credential. An employer may also require periodic competency training or continuing education.

Can I complete my phlebotomy CE online in Michigan?

Generally, yes, if your certifying organization accepts online education. Because Michigan does not have a state phlebotomy CE requirement, whether online CE counts toward renewal depends on the requirements of your national certification organization. Before completing CE for renewal, verify the organization's requirements for approved providers, course content, delivery method, and documentation.

What happens if my national phlebotomy certification expires?

The consequences depend on the organization that issued your certification. A certifying organization may permit late renewal, require additional CE and fees for reinstatement, or require you to retake the certification examination after a longer period of expiration. Because Michigan does not issue a state phlebotomy license, there is no separate Michigan phlebotomy license-reinstatement process.

How long is a phlebotomy certification valid in Michigan?

There is no Michigan-established expiration period because Michigan does not issue a general state phlebotomy credential. The expiration date is determined by the national certification organization that issued your credential.

Do I need to renew my NHA certification separately?

Yes. If you hold an NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) certification, your NHA credential has its own renewal requirements independent of Michigan state law. NHA renewal should be completed through NHA according to its current certification cycle, CE requirements, and applicable fees.

Can I work as a phlebotomist in Michigan without national certification?

Potentially, yes. Michigan does not require national phlebotomy certification by state law. However, an employer can make certification a condition of employment. Therefore, someone may be legally permitted to perform phlebotomy without national certification but still be unable to obtain a particular position because the employer requires it.

Does Michigan require a high school diploma or GED to become a phlebotomist?

Michigan does not establish a universal state high school diploma or GED requirement for general phlebotomists. However, individual training programs and national certification organizations may require a high school diploma or equivalent. Check the requirements of your selected program and certification organization before enrolling. For example, Michigan's state classification for entry-level Phlebotomist 6 positions identifies high school completion as the typical education acquired for that state job classification.

Does Michigan require clinical experience to become a phlebotomist?

Michigan does not establish a universal state clinical-hour requirement for general phlebotomists. However, national certification organizations may require documented blood collections, clinical training, or work experience. Training programs may also require supervised clinical practice.

Does Michigan require CPR or BLS certification for phlebotomists?

There is no general Michigan state CPR or BLS requirement specifically for phlebotomists. An employer or training program may nevertheless require CPR or BLS certification.

Who regulates phlebotomy in Michigan?

Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) regulates licensed health professions and administers the state's Clinical Laboratory Services/CLIA program. However, Michigan does not have a separate state licensing program for individual phlebotomists.

Does Michigan have a state phlebotomy license or certification?

No. Michigan does not currently issue a separate state phlebotomy license or certificate for general phlebotomy practice. Michigan does regulate clinical laboratory services, but the state's CLIA program specifically notes that a CLIA certificate is not required for blood draws or specimen collection.

Does Michigan require a CLIA license for phlebotomists?

No. CLIA certification applies to facilities that perform applicable laboratory testing, not to an individual simply because they collect blood specimens. Michigan's Clinical Laboratory Services program specifically lists blood draws and specimen collections among activities for which a CLIA certificate is not required.

Are phlebotomists considered laboratory personnel in Michigan?

Phlebotomists may work within clinical laboratory settings, but performing specimen collection does not by itself make an individual subject to a Michigan state phlebotomy license.  For laboratories performing testing, federal CLIA personnel requirements apply to individuals performing testing activities. Michigan's CLIA program administers these requirements within the state.

Can a medical assistant perform phlebotomy in Michigan?

Potentially, depending on the individual's training and competency, the employment setting, employer policies, and the specific duties being performed. Michigan does not require a separate state phlebotomy license simply to perform routine blood collection. However, an employer may require formal phlebotomy training or national certification.

View Requirements