How to Become a Phlebotomist in California

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Having in mind the fact that job prospects are great and the salary is quite satisfying, more and more young people wish to pursue a career in California as a licensed phlebotomist.

We usually recommend people to pursue this career due to the fact that the state of California offers amazing educational opportunities for these professionals, at more than 30 locations throughout the state.

A California phlebotomist will be responsible for properly taking samples of blood from a patient and carefully handling the blood, so if you believe this is the right career field for you, you should keep on reading and get acquainted with educational and certification requirements in California.

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Phlebotomy Certification Requirements for California

The regulatory body for Phlebotomists – the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) oversees the regulation of certification.

It is worth mentioning that in addition to the certification for aspiring Phlebotomists for the whole state of California, there are special certification requirements for those living in individual cities from San Diego to the Bay Area.

There are three types of Phlebotomy Certifications in California.

Limited Phlebotomy Technician

This person is authorized to do skin puncture blood collection only and so as to get this certificate, you must provide the following:

  • A high school diploma or an accepted equivalency (GED)
  • Completed 20 hours of didactic training by a CDPH approved program.
  • 25 supervised skin punctures in clinical training
  • Application to the CDPH for certification as Limited Phlebotomy Technician

Phlebotomy Technician I

This professional is authorized to do venipunctures and skin punctures.

The certificate is available to people who possess:

  • A high school diploma or an accepted equivalency (GED)
  • Completed 40 hours of didactic training by a CDPH approved program.
  • Completed 40 hours of practical training during which they have done supervision of 10 skin punctures and 50 venipuncture in clinical training.
  • A passing grade on a written exam delivered by a CDPH approved certifying organization, and
  • Application to the CDPH for certification as a Phlebotomy Technician I

Phlebotomy Technician II

These phlebotomists are authorized to do venipuncture, arterial and skin punctures.

To become certified, you must:

  • Be a currently CDPH licensed Phlebotomy Technician I with 1040 hours of experience in the past 5 years.
  • Have completed 20 arterial punctures
  • Possess a written letter by an approved CDPH approved practitioner that 20 arterial punctures have occurred.
  • Apply to the CDPH for certification as a Phlebotomy Technician II

So as to maintain your certification in California which expires after 2 years,  you will have to complete your 6 hours of CECs and pay the renewal fee.

National Certifying Organizations For Phlebotomists

  • American Medical Technologists. There are some requirements that applicants for this certificate must meet prior to applying and those are work experience and an oral or written exam. Once the certificate is achieved, the renewal is required every three years through CEU and re-examination.
  • American Society for Clinical Pathology, These applicants must possess a required training or work experience, as well as an oral or written exam. The certificate has to be renewed every ten years through CEU.
  • American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, This organization offers certificates to applicants who successfully pass a practical exam and written exam. There is a requirement of annual CEUs to maintain certification.
  • National Phlebotomy Association. This certificate can be achieved simply by passing an oral or written exam.

Best Schools Offering Phlebotomy Training in California

Allied Medical and Health Services Inc.

Programs Offered: Limited Phlebotomy/CPT -1 Training Program

School Website: www.amhsinc.com

This phlebotomy training program consists of 98 hours (14.5 days) of training.

So as to enroll in, students must pass an entrance examination for reading comprehension, and a physical exam.

The admission is available only to those applicants who have their high school diploma/GED equivalent and a driver’s license.

The required 98 hours consist of the 40 didactic hours and 58 hours of practical, during which students must complete 25 skin punctures and 50 successful venipunctures.

Allied Professional Institute

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Technician 1 Training Program

School Website: www.alliedprofessionalinstitute.com

This phlebotomy training course consists of 80 hours, that is, 40 didactic and 40 clinical hours, during which students must perform 10 skin punctures and 50 venipunctures.

Angeles College of Nursing

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Technician Certificate Program

School Website: www.angelescollege.edu

Angeles College of Nursing offers a certificate program that includes 40 hours of lecture and 40 hours of clinical.

The program can be finished in a 6 week period.

Furthermore, students can enroll in an advanced phlebotomy program, designed for individuals that have more than 1,040 hours of on-the-job experience and it lasts for 3 weeks.

Bay Area Medical Academy

Programs Offered: Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT1), Limited Phlebotomy Technician (LPT), CPT1 for Experienced Phlebotomist

School Website: www.bamasf.com

Bay Area Medical Academy offers phlebotomy programs both for beginners and experienced phlebotomists.

To reach a degree, students have to pass both a classroom portion which consists of 60 hours, and a clinical externship that is at least 40 hours.

Butte County CTE

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Technician Program

School Website: www.cte.bcoe.org

Butte County CTE offers Phlebotomy Technician Program that is designed to teach students about infection control, anatomy and physiology, skin preparation and punctures to mention a few subjects.

California Institute of Medical Science

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Training Program

School Website: www.cims.edu

At California Institute of Medical Science, students can attend a 5-week course whose curriculum is divided between 75 didactic hours and a 100-hour externship.

In order to be accepted into this program, a high school diploma or a GED equivalent, as well as documentation of various vaccinations and a valid CPR card are obligatory documentation.

California Nurses Educational Institute

Programs Offered: CNEI Phlebotomy Program

School Website: www.cnei.edu

The CNEI Phlebotomy Program consists of 40 hours of classroom theory and 40 hours of clinical training.

What makes it specific is that students are provided the hands-on training by a phlebotomy instructor that has been approved by the Department of Licensing and Certification.

Central Coast College

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Technician Program

School Website: www.centralcoastcollege.edu

Central Coast College offers a 12-week phlebotomy technician program.

Clinical Training Institute

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Technician Program (Certification Requirements)

School Website: www.clinicaltraininginst.com

Clinical Training Institute is one of many educational institutions that offer a phlebotomy program comprising of a minimum of 40 hours of clinical training and 64 hours of didactic training.

Each and every student is required to complete 50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures as well as pass a written certification exam from an organization approved by the California Department of Health to become licensed.

Complete Phlebotomy Training, Inc.

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Training Program

School Website: www.phlebotomytraining.com

It is worth mentioning that this phlebotomy school is approved by the California Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services.

You can easily enroll in its short-term course ideal for medical professionals that can be completed in 80-84 hours.

The classes are available to aspiring students who have either a high school diploma or a GED and are ready to pay the tuition.

The total cost of the basic class, advanced class, and clinical class is $2,025, and there is a non-refundable registration fee of $275.

Computer Institute of Technology

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Technician Training Program

School Website: www.phlebotomycit.com

The Computer Institute of Technology offers a phlebotomy training program comprising of both didactic hours and practical hours and its graduates receive a Certificate of Completion.

Contra Costa Medical Career College

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Technician 1 Training Program

School Website: www.ccmcc.edu

Students will need to complete 40 hours of didactic training, 40 hours of laboratory practice, and 40 hours of clinical practice and be ready to pay the tuition which is $2,300.

In addition, students have to pay a $75.00 registration fee, and $55.00 textbook fees.

Cuesta College

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Training Program

School Website: www.cuesta.edu

Cuesta College offers an 18-week phlebotomy training program which is composed of 2.5-credit classroom lectures and a 1-credit clinical externship.

Crescent College

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Technician Training Program

School Website: www.crescentcollege.net

This phlebotomy training program is designed to prepare students to sit for a national licensure exam.

De Anza College

Programs Offered: Certificate of Achievement – Phlebotomy Technician I

School Website: www.deanza.edu

De Anza College offers a 22-unit program for aspiring phlebotomy technicians.

Diablo Medical Training

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Technician CPT 1 Training Program

School Website: www.diablomedicaltraining.org

Phlebotomy Technician CPT 1 Training Program at Diablo Medical Training consists of 120 hours and is divided into two parts: 40 hours of in-school didactic training (approximately seven weeks), and 80 hours of clinical externship.

Downey Adult School

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Technician 1 Training Program

School Website: www.das.edu

At the Downey Adult School, you can enroll in a 5-week program upon paying $995 tuition.

A curriculum can be completed once you reach 80 hours.

Healthcare Career College

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Technician Training

School Website: www.healthcarecareercollege.edu

Healthcare Career College’s program lasts 6 Saturdays and its graduates will be ready to take the California State Certification Exam for licensure as a Certified Phlebotomy Technician.

Health Career College

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Technician Training

School Website: www.healthcareercollege.com

Phlebotomy Technician Training at this educational institution consists of 10 weeks of didactic and laboratory training, and a 40-hour clinical externship, and in order to graduate, each student must do a minimum of 50 successful venipunctures and 10 dermal skin punctures.

The tuition is $2,500, including the registration fees and STRF Assessment.

Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy CPT 1 Training Program

School Website: www.kpsahs.edu

This is a 320-hour phlebotomy training program that is divided into 80 hours of theory didactic, 80-hour classroom practicum, and 160-hour external clinical experiences.

LA Vocational Institute

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Technician Training Program

School Website: www.lavocational.com

LA Vocational Institute offers a 4-week program for future phlebotomists.

Lake Tahoe Community College

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Training Program

School Website: www.ltcc.edu

Lake Tahoe Community College has a two-course program for phlebotomy technicians.

Liberty Career College

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Technician Training Program

School Website: www.libertycareercollege.com

Liberty Career College‘s phlebotomy technician program teaches students safety and control, blood collection and handling, among many other subjects.

Loma Linda University

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Certificate Program

School Website: www.alliedhealth.llu.edu

This school offers an 11-week course of phlebotomy training for aspiring phlebotomy professionals.

Los Angeles ORT College

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Certificate Program

School Website: www.laort.edu

Phlebotomy Certificate Program at this college is a 175-hour program that is divided into 45 hours of basic didactic instruction, 50 hours of advanced didactic instruction, 35 hours of laboratory training, and 45 hours of externship training.

Mission Career College

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Tech Training Program

School Website: www.missioncareercollege.com

Mission Career College offers an 89-clock-hour program of phlebotomy tech and you can get a degree in 4 weeks’ time.

MTI College

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Certification Program

School Website: www.mticollege.edu

MTI College offers a 2-course program of phlebotomy technician training and students need to reach 40 to 80 hours of externships so as to be allowed to graduate.

National Career Education

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Certification Program

School Website: www.nce.edu

National Career Education offers a program for medical assistant, EKG technician, and phlebotomist training.

National Polytechnic College

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Certification Program

School Website: www.npcollege.edu

National Polytechnic College offers a 130-hour program of phlebotomy technician training which can be completed in seven weeks’ time.

Palo Verde College

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Technician Program

School Website: www.paloverde.edu

At Palo Verde College, students can attend a 2-semester program of phlebotomy training.

QBICS Career College

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Certification Preparation

School Website: www.qbics.us

If you decide to enroll in QBICS Career College, you will attend a 96-hour program of phlebotomy training which is 5 weeks long.

Regan Career Institute

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Training Program

School Website: www.rci.edu

Regan Career Institute is well known for its 80-hour program of phlebotomy technician certification.

The program is divided into 20 hours of basic didactic phlebotomy education, 20 advanced didactic phlebotomy education, and 40 hours of documented clinical externship.

Trinity School of Health and Allied Sciences

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Training Program

School Website: www.tshas.edu

This school offers an 8-week program of phlebotomy training that equips students with the knowledge necessary to pass the California Phlebotomy Technician Certification Examination.

UCLA Center for Prehospital Care

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Course

School Website: www.cpc.mednet.ucla.edu

UCLA Center for Prehospital Care’s phlebotomy program includes 8 weeks of didactic instruction and an externship which can be done at UCLA hospitals or affiliated local community clinics.

Universal Healthcare Careers College

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Course

School Website: www.uhcc.edu

Universal Healthcare Careers College offers an 80-hour program of phlebotomy training composed of 40 hours of classroom training and 40 hours of externship.

University of California-Irvine

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Training Program

School Website: www.pathology.uci.edu

The University of California-Irvine is another educational institution where you can find excellent phlebotomy training which includes 40 hours of didactic education and 100 hours of practical training.

Wagner Training Institute

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Training Course

School Website: www.wti-edu.net

Wagner Training Institute offers a program of phlebotomy training that consists of 20 hours of basic phlebotomy training, 20 hours of advanced phlebotomy training and 40 hours of external clinical practice.

Top 37 Schools in California

School NameAddress
Allied Medical and Health Services Inc.730 S. Central Ave., Ste 208, Glendale CA 91204
Allied Professional Institute5199 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste 401, Long Beach, CA 90804
Angeles College of Nursing3440 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 310, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Bay Area Medical AcademyOne Hallidie Plaza, Suite 406, San Francisco, CA 94102
Butte County CTE 2491 Carmichael Drive, Suite 500, Chico, CA 95928
California Institute of Medical Science 1315 Shaw, Ste. 102, Clovis, CA
California Nurses Educational Institute5200 E. Ramon Road Suite I-1, Palm Springs, Ca 92264
Central Coast College480 S. Main St. Salinas, CA 93901
Clinical Training InstituteCorporate Office-2775 N. Ventura Road Ste. 208, Oxnard, CA 93036 Bakersfield- 1731 Hasti Acres Dr. Ste. B-4, Bakersfield, CA 93309 Lancaster- 43801 15th Street, West Lancaster, CA 93534 Santa Maria- 521 E. Chapel Street Ste. Santa Maria, CA 93454 Woodland Hills- 21018 Victory Blvd. Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Complete Phlebotomy Training, Inc.28125 Bradley Road, Suite #290 Menifee (Sun City), CA 92586
Computer Institute of Technology11631 Victory Blvd. Suite 205 North Hollywood, CA 91606
Contra Costa Medical Career College4051 Lone Tree Way, Suite C Antioch, CA 94531
Cuesta CollegeHighway 1, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403; 2800 Buena Vista Drive, Paso Robles, CA 93446; Arroyo Grande High School Office, Rm 913, Corner of Orchard St. and W. Cherry Ave., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Crescent College5940 Santa Fe Ave. Huntington Park, CA 90255
De Anza College21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014
Diablo Medical Training Office of Admissions, 929 Second Street, Suite 16 Brentwood, CA 94513
Downey Adult School12340 Woodruff Avenue Downey, CA 90241
Healthcare Career College8527 Alondra Blvd, Suite #174, Paramount, CA 90723
Health Career College115 Crescent Drive Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health938 Marina Way South Richmond, CA 94804
LA Vocational Institute3550 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 809, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Lake Tahoe Community College1 College Drive South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Liberty Career College906 19th Street Bakersfield, CA 93301
Loma Linda University 11092 Anderson Street Loma Linda, CA 92354
Los Angeles ORT College6435 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048
Mission Career College9731 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92503; 2211 Hunts Lane, Suite Q & R, San Bernardino, CA 92408
MTI College5221 Madison Avenue Sacramento, CA 95841
National Career Education6249 Sunrise Blvd, Citrus Heights, CA 95610
National Polytechnic College6249 Sunrise Blvd, Citrus Heights, CA 95610
Palo Verde College4105 South Street, Lakewood, CA 90712
QBICS Career College1125 E. 17th St. Suite E120 Santa Ana, California 92701
Regan Career Institute925 S. Atlantic Blvd, Suite 203-B Monterey Park, CA 91754
Trinity School of Health and Allied Sciences1225 West 190th Street, Suite 375, Gardena, California 90248
UCLA Center for Prehospital Care 10990 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 1450 Los Angeles, CA 90024
Universal Healthcare Careers College1625 West Olympic Blvd., Suite 708, Los Angeles, CA 90015
University of California-Irvine UC Irvine Medical Center 101 The City Drive, Rt. 38 Orange, CA 92868
Wagner Training Institute 1740 Plum Lane Suite B Redlands, CA 92374

Job Prospects And Salary Expectations for Phlebotomists in California

According to Salary.com, the average salary for a Phlebotomist in California is $39,140 per year, which is above the national average.

Annual Salary Range:

$35K
$39K
$43K

Average Salary of Phlebotomists in California

City NameSalary
Los Angeles$39,630
San Diego$37,815
San Jose$43,976
San Francisco$43,801
Long Beach$39,070
Fresno$34,858
Sacramento$37,876
Oakland$41,698
Santa Ana$39,105
Anaheim$39,158
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in California

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Bakersfield, CA230$46,960$22.58$59,250$36,140
Chico, CA60$47,480$22.83$55,730$36,890
El Centro, CA100$48,390$23.26$58,270$38,560
Fresno, CA340$47,060$22.62$56,140$38,180
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA4,600$50,900$24.47$61,210$38,840
Madera, CA30$47,740$22.95$58,440$39,320
Merced, CA90$53,520$25.73$69,940$41,440
Modesto, CA170$49,760$23.92$62,820$39,030
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA210$50,720$24.39$59,960$39,710
Redding, CA110$46,860$22.53$58,850$37,710
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA1,360$50,880$24.46$66,690$38,860
Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA790$51,050$24.54$60,330$38,950
Salinas, CA100$55,340$26.61$66,680$44,480
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA1,300$52,850$25.41$71,480$39,060
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA1,350$59,690$28.7$75,460$45,900
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA450$60,600$29.13$73,410$47,200
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA100$49,490$23.79$60,720$38,110
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA50$57,020$27.41$77,450$44,240
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA240$57,500$27.64$66,290$47,570
Santa Rosa, CA100$53,620$25.78$72,330$43,830
Stockton-Lodi, CA160$56,340$27.09$74,860$39,160
Vallejo-Fairfield, CA100$51,050$24.54$65,420$38,240
Visalia-Porterville, CA110$47,820$22.99$56,600$38,520
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Phlebotomists, OCC Code 31-9097, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

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