The California Department of Public Health requires that all phlebotomists renew their certification every two years. As professionals, it is also important to keep abreast of current trends in the field. Phlebotomy is a burgeoning field and those wanting to work in the field must continue to learn and adapt to the demands of the profession. The renewal process ensures that applicants are keeping updated on their profession. Luckily, the process is more streamlined than ever, but there are certain requirements that applicants must meet:
Receive Phlebotomy Certification
Applicants must already hold a phlebotomy certificate as either a Limited Phlebotomist Technician or Certified Phlebotomy Technician. They must have passed a phlebotomy state exam. For those who already have on-the-job experience as phlebotomists can qualify for an abbreviated class and begin working in the field as soon as possible. Make sure to meet the deadlines offered by the academic institutions providing phlebotomy certification.
When to Renew
The California Department of Public Health requires phlebotomist renewal certification every two years. If you are in the process of working through a certification program, the department will require renewal of your license two years after your initial certification. Renewal notices are sent 75 days prior to date of license expiration. Phlebotomist renewal certification can be completed up to 60 days prior to the date of expiration and must be completed at least 30 days before the expiration date given by the department to avoid any delay.
Contact Hours
California requires that all phlebotomists (Limited Phlebotomist Technicians and Certified Phlebotomy Technicians) complete six contact hours of continuing education with an accredited institution or an accrediting agency approved by the California Department of Public Health. These contact hours must be completed before applying for renewal and must be completed in the two years prior to the license expiration date. Either copies of certificates or copies of unofficial transcripts must be submitted with the application as proof of continuing education.
Keep Your Information Up to Date
Ensure that your mailing address is current and update any name changes that may have occurred since you received your certification or completed your most recent California phlebotomy license renewal. Your license/certificate number will also be necessary for the online application; if you have lost or forgotten your license/certificate number for any reason, you can use the Laboratory Personnel License Search provided by the California Department of Public Health to find your number.
Online Application
California phlebotomy license renewal can be completed through the CDPH Certificates, Licenses, Permits and Registrations Portal. Paper applications will not be accepted. If the applicant has never used the application system before—all applicants who are renewing their phlebotomy credentials for the first time will fall in this category— they can use the site to link their account with their license/certificate numbers. From there, applicants can begin their application for their phlebotomist renewal certification. Again, applicants must provide proof of continuing education or copies of unofficial transcripts to complete renewal. Any questions about the online application can be directed to the LFS Personnel Licensing through their contact page.
Renewal Fee
Phlebotomists renewing their phlebotomy credentials must pay a $100 renewal fee as well as an initial fee of $100 when completing their application. There is no difference for Limited Phlebotomy Technicians or Certified Phlebotomy Technicians concerning these fees.
Approval
Applicants can check the status of their application through the Laboratory Field Services by searching by name or license number. The site updates every two days, and once certification is complete, applicants can print their notice of approval as temporary proof of certification. If doing so, applicants must attach this temporary proof to their existing license or certificate.
Obtain Personnel License
Once the application process has been completed, applicants can now print their personnel licenses, as Personnel Licensing will no longer mail hard copies of licenses to applicants directly. Applicants can view and print their licenses or certificates through their account with Laboratory Field Services. A PDF reader is required to do so. As of June 18, 2019, hard copies will no longer be mailed to applicants. Applicants may print their certificates as many times as they may need once their certification has been approved.
RELATED: State of California Phlebotomy License Requirements
License Expiration
Applicants whose license has expired will have to pay the renewal fee and initial fee as normal. Neither Limited Phlebotomy Technicians nor Certified Phlebotomy Technicians are required to pay any additional fee if their licenses are expired. The required six contact hours of continuing education are still necessary for license renewal, within the two years prior to license expiration. Phlebotomists cannot work without a valid license and should renew their expired license before seeking employment.
Interested in Becoming Certified to Practice Phlebotomy?
There is much more to learn about the Phlebotomy career path. If you are interested in learning more about the basic initial requirements to becoming a phlebotomist, or how to successfully renew your license, PhlebotomyU is here to help. If you think you would like to learn how to do this important job, contact us today!
