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Phlebotomy Certification California

Phlebotomy Certification in California:

California has their own way of doing things, and Phlebotomy certification is no exception. The steps needed to become a fully-certified Phlebotomist are unique to this State. And since California is the world’s 8th largest economy, there is a huge demand for Phlebotomists in this state. According to Salary.com, the median salary for a Phlebotomist in Los Angeles is $34,128/year, which is above the national average. There are also far more schools that offer phlebotomy certification courses in California than any other state.

Sunny California boasts a population of approximately 38.5 million in the state. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) oversees the regulation of certification and requirements for training and certification of Phlebotomists.

What City Do You Live In?

In addition to this certification guide for aspiring Phlebotomists for the whole state of California, we have created more focused guides for those living in individual cities from San Diego to the Bay Area. These guides are a little more focused and include listings of schools in those particular areas. Feel free to check them out once you’re through here:

There are three types of Phlebotomy Certifications:

1. Limited Phlebotomy Technician (authorized to do skin puncture blood collection only)

a. A high school diploma or an accepted equivalency (GED) is required
b. You must have completed 20 hours of didactic training (theory) by a CDPH approved program.
c. You must show 25 supervised skin punctures in clinical training
d. Apply to the CDPH for certification as Limited Phlebotomy Technician

2. Phlebotomy Technician I (authorized to do venipunctures and skin punctures)

a. A high school diploma or an accepted equivalency (GED) is required
b. You must have completed 40 hours of didactic training (theory) by a CDPH approved program.
c. You must have completed 40 hours of practical training in which you show supervision of 10 skin punctures and 50 venipuncture in clinical training.
* If you have less than 1040 hours of field experience, you may have a CDPH approved practitioner write a letter stating your hours and experience, and you would require only the 40 hours of didactic training.
** If you have more than 1040 hours of field experience, you may have a CDPH approved practitioner write a letter stating your hours and experience, and you would require only 20 hours of didactic training.
d. You have received a passing grade on a written exam delivered by a CDPH approved certifying organization, and
e. Apply to the CDPH for certification as a Phlebotomy Technician I

3. Phlebotomy Technician II (authorized to do venipuncture, arterial and skin punctures)

a. You must be a currently CDPH licensed Phlebotomy Technician I with 1040 hours experience in the past 5 years.
b. You must have completed 20 arterial punctures, and a written letter by an approved CDPH approved practitioner that this has occurred.
c. Apply to the CDPH for certification as a Phlebotomy Technician II

Maintaining your certification also has requirements:

Certification in California expires after 2 years. As long as you have completed your 6 hours of CECs and pay the renewal fee, the state will send you a new certificate. Note that California does NOT require you to be nationally certified.

1. Limited Phlebotomy Technician and Phlebotomy Technician I

a. Supervisory review of skin punctures occur monthly,
b. You will be documented annually for your competency,
c. Continuing education training equaling 3 hours per year or 6 hours every 2 years.
d. Make sure that your CDPH certification is posted clearly, where you work, or if you are ambulatory, wear your CDPH valid identification card in a visible place.

2. Phlebotomy Technician II

a. You will be documented annually for your competency,
b. Continuing education training equaling 3 hours per year or 6 hours every 2 years
c. Make sure that your CDPH certification is posted clearly, where you work, or if you are ambulatory, wear your CDPH valid identification card in a visible place.