Interested in becoming a certified phlebotomist? There are various requirements, depending on the state you plan on practicing in. This article will focus on the state of California. Let’s take a look at phlebotomist certification, training and certifying programs, and requirements for all three license types.
About Phlebotomist Certification
Phlebotomy certification is a state required standard—it is not on a single national scale. In order to become a phlebotomist in California, it is highly recommended that you fulfill CA phlebotomist certification requirements. What does this mean? Essentially, you must complete a phlebotomy training program, and then pass a phlebotomy exam.
Phlebotomy Training Programs and Requirements
There are usually program requisites for phlebotomy schools. Most phlebotomy programs require that you have a copy of your high school diploma or General Education Diploma. Background checks are a common requirement to be accepted as a phlebotomy student. Here is a list of further general requirements:
- Students must be a minimum of 18 years old
- Students must hold a current American Heart Association BLS CPR card
- Students must have proof of a negative Tuberculosis skin test or negative chest x-ray administered within three months prior to the first class
- Students must have proof of a current Mumps, Measles, & Rubella (MMR) and Varicella immunization
- Students must have proof of a Hepatitis B vaccination
- Students must have access to a background report and professional liability insurance
- Students must bring a physical exam, showing that the student is fit enough to work
- Students are required to possess two official sealed transcripts for admission
Once accepted, students will typically receive classroom lectures, lab training, and hands-on clinical experience. Subjects covered will range from basic anatomy, to advanced venipuncture. Non-medical techniques are also worked on in these training programs. This could include psychology, communication skills, and technology optimization. Many institutes have a phlebotomist certification requirement of participating in an externship or practicum, with an emphasis on supervised field experience.
Certifying Organizations
Completing your phlebotomy course does not mean you’ve checked off all of the certification boxes. It is still a requirement to take the National Phlebotomy Certification Examination (conducted by the NCCT). Many Phlebotomy training programs allow you to take the exam on-site. Training programs are usually not technically required to take a competency exam; however, there is typically a minimum experience level for these said test-takers. All in all, taking a phlebotomy class is the most recommended course of action for those seeking to take the NCCT National Phlebotomy Certification Exam.
The various NCCT exam fees can be found here:
Phlebotomy Certification Requirements for the 3 License Types
How do you know which license certification to pursue? Limited Phlebotomy Technicians are only authorized to collect skin puncture blood samples. A Phlebotomy Technician I license grants permission to perform venipunctures as well as skin punctures. A Phlebotomy Technician II license grants authorization to perform venipuncture, arterial punctures, and skin punctures.
Phlebotomy Technician 1 licenses have several requirements, which are essentially identical to the Limited Phlebotomy Technician license requirements. (A few extra requirements are necessary) Phlebotomy license requirements for this certification include the completion of at least 40 hours of didactic training through a CDPH-approved program. 40 hours must also be completed in a supervised practical training—10 skin punctures and 50 venipunctures are also required to be performed under professional supervision in clinical training.
Regarding the Phlebotomy Technician II license, the main difference is that you must already have a current CDPH Phlebotomy Technician I license, along with 1040 hours of field-experience throughout the past five years. You must have completed 20 arterial punctures, as well. a CDPH-approved practitioner to write a letter for you, containing proof of these punctures.
Fulfill Phlebotomist Certification Requirements at PhlebotomyU
Your dream phlebotomy career is ready for you. After attending PhlebotomyU, you can achieve your CDPH-approved Phlebotomy certificate. PhlebotomyU prides itself in training and preparing students with the necessary skills required to succeed throughout their Phlebotomy career. Valuable assets offered include readily available career services, and a hands-on phlebotomy internship. Have questions regarding phlebotomy license requirements? Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.
