How to Become a Phlebotomist in California (Schools, Salary, and License Info)

Choosing a career in phlebotomy is an excellent idea because all healthcare facilities across California are in demand for skilled phlebotomists.

California and Louisiana are the only two states in the USA that require phlebotomists to be certified to get employed.

Therefore, if you are interested in building a career in a medical laboratory as a person who draws blood from the patients, you will have to get certified.

However, if you are a professional nurse, doctor, or medical laboratory assistant you don’t have to enroll in the training program for the certification.

Phlebotomists perform a variety of tasks daily, thus, completing adequate training is essential.

Some of the phlebotomists’ tasks are taking blood samples, handling samples, labeling, cataloging, ordering laboratory supplies, taking proper care of laboratory equipment, data entry, infection prevention protocols, and others.

Phlebotomy Certification in California

The state of California recognizes three types of phlebotomy certifications.

Limited Phlebotomy Technician

Those who have a Limited Phlebotomy Technician certification are allowed to do collect blood only by skin puncture.

To earn this certificate you have to submit a high school diploma or GED.

Next, you have to complete only 20 hours of classroom training and perform 25 skin punctures under supervised as part of your clinical training.

The last step is to apply to the CDPH for certification – Limited Phlebotomy Technician.

Phlebotomy Technician I

The second certification is called Phlebotomy Technician I.

These technicians are allowed to collect samples through venipunctures and skin punctures.

The certification requirements include a high school diploma (or GED), 40 hours of classroom instructions, 40 hours of clinical training.

During the training, you will have to perform 10 skin punctures and 50 venipunctures.

Candidates who have less than 1040 hours of experience, can have their mentors write a letter of recommendation.

IF the CDPH approves it, you may only need to complete 40 hours of classroom training.

Next, those who have more than 1040 hours of experience, will have to complete only 20 hours of classroom training.

All candidates are required to pass the written exam conducted by a CDPH approved certifying organization.

After you pass the test, you can be granted with Phlebotomy Technician I certification.

Phlebotomy Technician II

Phlebotomists granted with the highest certification type – Phlebotomy Technician II are allowed to perform venipunctures, arterial, and skin punctures.

Only CDHP licensed Phlebotomy Technicians I who have at least 1040 hours of experience in the last five years are eligible for the highest certification.

They need to complete at least 20 arterial punctures and provide a written letter by mentors upon Phlebotomy TEchnican II certification.

Certification Maintenance

In California, phlebotomists are required to renew their certifications every two years.

The renewal requirements include the completion of six hours of CES and paying the renewal fee.

To renew their certification Limited Phlebotomy Technicians and Phlebotomy Technicians I need to:

• Provide a supervisory review of skin punctures monthly
• Document their competency annually
• Enroll in continuing education – three hours per year, or six hours every two years
• Complete other requirements – wear identification card regularly, visibly post certification in the work setting

Phlebotomy Technicians II are also documented annually for competency, have the same continuing education requirements, and need to have their identifications and certification card visible while they work.

Application Process

In California, the application can be completed online for first-time applicants.

The complete applications include a $100 non-refundable application fee, valid Social Security Number, two photos in passport size, and proper documentation.

The documentation includes transcripts, training and experience documents, examination evidence, etc.

Schools

There are numerous programs for phlebotomists in California.

Programs for Limited Phlebotomy Technicians are available at following schools and institutions:

• Allied Medical and Health Services Inc.
• Bay Area Medical Academy

For example, Phlebotomy Technician 1 Training Programs can be found at some of the best schools across California.

Those are:

• Contra Costa Medical Career College
• Downey Adult School
• Allied Professional Institute
• De Anza College

Other schools offer education for future phlebotomists, and the programs are general and comprehensive.

You can start your education at Trinity School of Health and Allied Sciences where the phlebotomy course includes 40 hours of practical training an internship.

Next, Phlebotomy Certification Program is available at MTI College, National Career Education, National Polytechnic College, Loma Linda University, and plenty of other schools and institutions.

Check the table for more schools and locations.

Salary

The average salary of certified phlebotomists in California is above the national average for the USA.

It is $39.533.

However, salaries vary across the state and depend on multiple factors.

Annual Salary Range:

Regional Salary in California

Phlebotomy Classes by State