Phlebotomy Certification California:

Did you know that Phlebotomy certification California is a requirement? California is one of the toughest states to receive phlebotomy certification and licensing. However we have all the information here that you will need, so no need to fret!

California requires phlebotomist to :

1. Be trained in a program approved by California state or hands on experience,
2. Receive national certification
3. To have a GED or diploma
4. To apply for a license.

Once you did that you can work on your certification.  The certificates are good for only two years and then they need to be renewed. Renewal is for your and your patients good for it ensures you are up to date withe the newest research.

Schools in California that offer phlebotomy training.

Before you begin working on your certification you will need to be trained in a phlebotomy school or completed hands on training from your job that was approved by the State of California.

There are numerous schools available and therefore you should choose what is best for you. Research the school and see what they have to offer. Ask them questions regarding the length of their program, the cost of their program and if they fully prepare you to sit for the national certification exam. In addition, you will also want to ask them which license you will be approved for once you complete their training.
Take a look at the schools approved by the California Board of Health: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/lfs/Documents/Approved-California-Phlebotomy-Training-Schools.pdf

In addition, take a look below to find additional schools that can help you with your phlebotomy training and degree.

California approved agencies for certification:

Now that you attended phlebotomy training ( or have trained in an approved site ) you can move forward! You must take a certification exam in order to qualify for a  California license for phlebotomist.

Take a look below  to find the agencies that California allows you to receive certification from. Contact them for further information regarding certification to help you come to a decision on which exam you should take. They all have different requirements, so therefore choose the one that best fits your needs.

American Certification Agency (ACA)
American Medical Technologists (AMT)

National Healthcare Association (NHA)
American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT/MMCI)
National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA) -certification for phlebotomist from this agency is approved by the Department for phlebotomy certification  from February 4, 2005 until October 23, 2009.

Phlebotomy Licensing California:

Now you are ready to work towards getting your phlebotomy license in California. California has 3 different levels for phlebotomist, and they all require different amount of training.

1. Limited phlebotomy technician
2. Certified phlebotomy technician I
3. Certified phlebotomy technician II

1. Limited Phlebotomy Technician:

A limited phlebotomy technician does not need prior training or experience. They will however need a diploma or GED. If you are looking for the shortest and easiest route to become a phlebotomist, you can choose to become a limited phlebotomy technician, for they only need 20 hours of training and to complete 25 skin punctures. However this limits you to just being able to do skin punctures and no other blood drawing procedures.

2.Certified Phlebotomy Technician I – CPT I:

If you are looking to be able to perform more than just skin punctures, a certified phlebotomy technician I might just be what you are looking for.

There are 3 ways you can earn your CPT I  license:

Option A.                Options B.              Option C.

Job Experience:	no	less than 1040 hours	more than 1040 hours
Exam Required:	yes	yes	yes
Clinical training- hands on:	40 hours	40 hours	n/a
Classroom Training:	40 hours	40 hours	20 hours
Skin punctures:	10 successful ones from training	10 documented ones  from work	10 documented ones
Veni-punctures	50 successful ones	50 documented ones	50 documented ones
Arterial punctures:	no	no	no

In short, for a certified phlebotomy technician you will need to take the certification exam, receive phlebotomy training either from an approved phlebotomy training or it can be from your job and perform numerous skin and veni-punctures. If you choose not to attend a school and to receive your training form your job you will need a signed letter from your laboratory director indicating that you completed the required amounts of punctures and hours. Also, for your benefit make sure with the certification agency that you will like to take the exam from does not require phlebotomy schooling and approves on the job training.

Note that a certified phlebotomy technician I cannot perform arterial punctures.

3.Certified Phlebotomist II- CPT II:

If you want to be able to perform arterial punctures you will need to be certified as a CPT II.

To become a CPT II you will need 1040 plus hours of  hands on experience, 20 hours of training and pass your certification exam. Also you will  also need to be able to perform skin and veni- punctures as well as proof of having performed 20 arterial punctures.

Once you have proof of all your training and met all training requirements you can apply online at https://healthappportal.cdph.ca.gov/osphld/perl.  You will also submit your paperwork to:

Laboratory Field Services – Phlebotomy Program
850 Marina Bay Parkway, Bldg. P 1st Floor
Richmond, CA 94804

Phlebotomy Jobs in California:

Jobs for phlebotomist are expected to grow at 25% which means there will be a need for more and more phlebotomist. This rate of growth is also  much higher than average jobs, say as an accountant, which is a good thing for those looking to work in phlebotomy.

In addition, California is one of the states with the highest level of phlebotomy jobs, another good thing to note!

Need help with job hunting? Take a look at the most recent jobs available!

Phlebotomist Salary in California:

Phlebotomist in California receive one of the highest salaries in all of the states. According to the Department of Labor Statistics the average salary for a phlebotomist in California is $38,960.00. Furthermore the salary can be even more depending on your job, experience and certification.

 It might seem that California state requirements for a phlebotomist is a lot, however most of the time the schools or training program you attend will help you meet all the requirements. Phlebotomy certification California is a wonderful way to lead you to a successful career to become a phlebotomist in California!