Phlebotomy Schools in California

There is an excellent job outlook for phlebotomy program graduates in California, where residents enjoy the warm weather and fantastic scenic views. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that there is an anticipated 17 percent job growth for phlebotomists, which is "much faster than average" job growth. California is expected to experience the greatest job growth in phlebotomists over the next several years.

How Can I Find the Best Phlebotomy Training Program Near Me?

There are several options available for phlebotomy training programs in California. Students have the opportunity to complete a program near their California home, or in the area where they intend to work as a phlebotomist.

There are many options for phlebotomy students at the entry-level, and for experienced healthcare professionals that want to complete an advanced phlebotomy program. Students that enroll in an advanced level program may have the opportunity to complete the required courses online. There are distinct differences between the entry-level programs and the advanced programs in California.

The Los Angeles (Culver City) Phlebotomy School offers flexible class schedules, with daytime, nighttime, and weekend classes available for students studying for an entry-level Phlebotomist Technician position. The program prepares students to sit for the National Phlebotomy Exam. The school indicates that their phlebotomy program will help students get their phlebotomy certification to obtain full-time employment as a phlebotomist.

The Contra Costa Medical Career College states that their online Advanced Phlebotomy program, and their online Comprehensive Basic and Advanced Phlebotomy Combo program are offered only to certain individuals that already work in the healthcare field. The school explains that students with no experience, or whose experience was more than five years ago should not enroll in these programs.

Another requirement that differentiates the requirements between entry-level and advanced and online phlebotomy programs is that the school requires that students have performed a minimum of 50 venipunctures and at least 10 skin punctures on actual patients within the five years prior to enrolling in one of the school's phlebotomy programs.

These programs are typical of what students should expect when searching for their ideal phlebotomy program in California.

What is the Phlebotomy Certification/Licensing Process in California?

California has a number of requirements for certification and licensure to work as a phlebotomist. The California Department of Public Health explains that students that are interested in obtaining a Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT I) must comply with the Laboratory Field Services requirements to submit documentation of their academic coursework along with their clinical training or work experience to qualify for state licensure.

Graduates of phlebotomy programs in California may apply for one of the three levels of phlebotomy certification, based on their education, training, and experience. The scope of practice options are the Limited Phlebotomy Technician (LPT), the Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT I), and the Certified Phlebotomy Technician II (CPT II). Phlebotomists must renew their California Phlebotomy Certification every two years, and must complete an additional six hours of continuing education during each two-year period.

Where Can I Find a Job as a Phlebotomist in California?

Phlebotomists have several employment options in the state. Examples of where phlebotomists find jobs in California include:

• General medical or surgical hospitals
• Medical and diagnostic laboratories
• Other ambulatory healthcare service settings
• Physicians’ offices
• Outpatient care centers
• Employment services

It may be surprising to see "employment services" listed as a work setting for phlebotomists. This type of setting is for phlebotomists that draw blood for drug test purposes for prospective job candidates.

What Is the Salary for a Phlebotomist in California?

California is among the states where phlebotomists earn the highest salary in the country. The 2020 annual median pay for phlebotomists, according to the BLS, was $36,320, or $17.46 per hour.

The California median salary for phlebotomists as of May 2021 was $39,772, with 90 percent of phlebotomists earning a $48,658 median salary. The salary varies on factors such as experience and the specific city. 

Phlebotomy Schools By City