How to Become a Phlebotomist in California

If you want to work in the healthcare industry, you could become a phlebotomist.

But first, check out the requirements and info for this profession in California.

Phlebotomist Employment and Job Duties in California

In California, you can easily find a job in the field, as there are many career opportunities.

There are many facilities hiring phlebotomists, which include:

• Hospital and clinics
• Blood banks
• Labs
• Nursing homes
• Community Health Centers
• Doctor’s Offices
• Other Health Care Facilities

One of the job duties you will have to perform include drawing blood from people.

Furthermore, you will also have to complete other tasks.

Some of these include:

• Venipunctures
• Choosing the correct vials
• Correctly labeling samples
• Organizing and sending off samples to the lab for testing
• Communicating with patients
• Following strict procedures

You should know that some facilities may ask you to work at any hour of the day.

This means that the schedules can be hectic, so keep this in mind before getting hired.

Requirements to Become a Phlebotomist in California

In California, there are no particular requirements you need to fulfill.

This profession is managed by the California Department of Health and Social Services.

However, if you want to find employment fast, you should get a certification.

Generally, for this position you will need to show:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Specialized training
• Strong communication skills
• Good listening skills
• Be detail-oriented

Some of these abilities are needed to explain procedures to patients or to try to calm them down when they show signs of anxiety.

To prevent certain accidents, the phlebotomist should ask the patient about any particular health problem.

Phlebotomist Training in California

To get certified, you will first need to find a training school and enroll in a program.

When looking for a program, choose one that has accreditation from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory.

Programs last for at least 3 weeks but can reach up to 6 months.

After the program is completed, you will be able to get your certification and start practicing.

Keep in mind that the classes will finish with an exam which you need to pass first.

In California, you need to have a clean background record to become certified.

You can check out the schools below when searching for a training program.

Each facility will have its own admission requirements, tuition, and classes.

The training for this profession must be split in two parts:

• Theory classes
• Practice classes

Besides learning how to properly draw blood, you will also learn the following:

• Medical terms
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Safety procedures
• The 40 most common lab tests

During training, you will probably attend more practice hours than theory hours.

In some schools, the tuition also covers:

• Exam fees
• Uniform for the graduation

If you need help with job placement, most schools will be willing to provide this option.

Some of these institutions offer certificates upon completion of the course, while others provide degrees.

Phlebotomist Certification in California

Many clinics, hospitals, and other facilities will only employ certified candidates.

The most convenient certification to get is the national one.

Several institutions are providing this certificate:

• American Medical Technologists
• American Society for Clinical Pathology
• American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians
• National Phlebotomy Association

At the National Phlebotomy Association, you can choose from many courses for more career paths.

No matter where you get the diploma from, you need to take an exam.

The exam is usually split into two sections:

• Practical
• Written or oral

After 1 to 10 years, you will need to get your certification renewed.

The period is chosen based on the entity that issued your diploma.

Before you can renew your certification, you will have to attend some extra schooling hours.

Phlebotomist Salary Information in California

The demand for phlebotomists is high in California.

In California, a phlebotomist earns on average $39,422 per year.

How much you will earn also depends on other factors, such as:

• Experience
• Demand and supply
• Location

The table below shows the average salaries in the state’s largest cities.

Annual Salary Range:* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Phlebotomists, OCC 31-9097, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Additional Information for Phlebotomists in California

Not only do phlebotomists have to learn how to draw blood, but also other health care professionals like nurses.

These are some of the reasons for becoming a phlebotomist:

• Few employees in the facility
• A better salary
• Increased job opportunities

Phlebotomy Schools by City

• Anaheim3 Schools
• Bakersfield1 Schools
• Fresno5 Schools
• Long Beach3 Schools
• Los Angeles4 Schools
• Modesto4 Schools
• Riverside4 Schools
• Sacramento5 Schools
• San Bernardino4 Schools
• San Diego4 Schools
• San Francisco2 Schools
• San Jose2 Schools

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