Are you interested in becoming a phlebotomist? In California, there are specific steps to becoming a certified phlebotomist. Here we look at the education and training requirements for eligibility to take the licensing exam. Phlebotomists draw blood from patients using venipuncture to collect blood for testing, donation, or diagnosis purposes.
What Is a Phlebotomist?
Phlebotomists draw blood from patients for testing, so the blood can be analyzed in a medical laboratory. A phlebotomist may also prepare blood for transfusions or collect blood for donations to a blood bank.
Typically, phlebotomy technicians collect blood via venipuncture, but may also use finger pricks, or if they work in pediatric medicine with infants, heel pricks.
Usually, phlebotomists work in hospitals, medical offices, clinics, diagnostic labs, or blood donation centers. Phlebotomy technicians are heavily trained in maintaining sterile environments, avoiding cross-contamination, upholding healthcare law, and preserving medical privacy.
Here are the steps to becoming a phlebotomist in California.
1. Earn a High School Diploma or Equivalent
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) requires students earn a high school diploma or equivalent before enrolling in a phlebotomy training program.
These academic requirements are all accepted:
· High school diploma
· General Education Diploma (GED)
· California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE)
· High School Equivalency (HiSET)
· Official transcript of general education credits from an accredited college or university
2. Complete an Approved Phlebotomy Training Program
Enroll in a phlebotomy training program approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Once you complete the training program, you can apply to take the certification exam to become a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT1).
Be sure to only enroll in programs that also include an externship. California state law requires that all students enrolled in a phlebotomist program complete a 40-80 hour laboratory externship along with the classroom courses. The externship at the Phlebotomy program offered by Campus is unpaid but is at no additional cost.
Here is what you will learn in the Phlebotomy program at Campus:
- Medical terminology for technicians.
- Basic human anatomy and physiology.
- Specimen, equipment, and collection tray identification.
- Site selection and preparation.
- Collection equipment.
- Venipuncture, skin puncture, and post-puncture care.
- Lab safety
- Clinical and Hospital safety.
- Potential error, risk, and risk prevention.
3. Take the Certification Exam
Campus students take the National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT) exam administered at our Sacramento college campus. Passing this exam, along with successful program completion, will make the student eligible to receive their state license as a certified phlebotomist.
Campus students successfully complete this exam with a 92% success rate (2020 Test Plan).
4. Start Your Career as a Certified Phlebotomist
Congratulations, you’ve earned your CPT I Certification! Now you can apply to phlebotomy jobs in California. Many place look for phlebotomy candidates, such as hospitals, medical offices, blood donation centers, plasma donation centers, and medical laboratories.
5. Maintain Your Phlebotomy Certification
In California, you must renew your phlebotomy license every two years. You must complete 6 hours of Continuing Education Credits (CEC). These can be completed through a certified educational institute or approved phlebotomy class. There will be a renewal fee to the State iof California, and then your license is renewed for another two years.
How Much do Phlebotomists Typically Earn in California?
According to Career Explorer, in the State of California, a phlebotomist can earn a salary between $36,780 and $61,060 per year. The same report says the typical hourly salary can range from $17.68 to $29.36 per hour. [1]
On Indeed.com, the average hourly salary of a phlebotomist in California is $25.16, though there are hourly jobs listed ranging from 18.43 to $34.36 an hour. [1]
Salary.com shows the median salary for a phlebotomist in California is $43,891, with the typical yearly salary ranging from $39.534 to $49,023. [1]
Become a Phlebotomist in About 16 Weeks at Campus
The Phlebotomy Certification training program in Sacramento prepares students to receive their state license as a certified phlebotomist. Students will learn general phlebotomy techniques, infection control and safety, and communication. By the end of the program, students will be prepared to take the National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT) exam. This, along with successful program completion, will make the student eligible to receive their state license as a certified phlebotomist. This exam is administered at Campus in Sacramento.
For more information on our Phlebotomy training program or any of our other healthcare training programs, contact our Admissions department.
[1] Accessed on April 30, 2024