If you’re considering a career in healthcare and want to get started quickly, phlebotomy is one of the most accessible entry points. In California, however, becoming a certified phlebotomist involves a few more steps than in most other states. This guide will walk you through exactly how to become a certified phlebotomist in California, from choosing a training program to receiving your CPT I license.
Why Become a Phlebotomist in California?
Phlebotomists are essential members of healthcare teams. They collect blood specimens for testing, transfusions, research, and donations. With healthcare jobs on the rise, the demand for trained phlebotomists continues to grow — especially in California, which requires stricter certification compared to other states.
Step 1: Understand the Types of Phlebotomy Certifications
Before jumping into training, it’s important to understand that California recognizes three levels of phlebotomy certification:
- Limited Phlebotomy Technician (LPT): Can perform skin punctures only.
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT I): Can perform skin and venipunctures (the most common level).
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician II (CPT II): Can perform arterial punctures as well (requires more experience and additional training).
Most students pursue CPT I, as it qualifies you to work in hospitals, labs, clinics, and other medical settings.
Step 2: Enroll in a California-Approved Phlebotomy Training Program
To become certified, you must complete a training program that’s approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
Your program should include:
- 40–60 hours of classroom instruction on topics like anatomy, infection control, and legal issues.
- 40–60 hours of practical training, including at least:
- 50 successful venipunctures
- 10 successful skin punctures
Training programs can typically be completed in 3 to 6 months, depending on the school and schedule (full-time vs. part-time). Schools like PhlebotomyU in San Diego offer CDPH-approved programs with externship placement support.
Step 3: Complete a Clinical Externship
Most phlebotomy programs include a built-in externship at a hospital, clinic, or laboratory. This hands-on experience is where you’ll perform real blood draws under supervision.
The externship is not only required for certification but is also key for gaining confidence, building skills, and networking with potential employers.
Step 4: Pass a National Phlebotomy Certification Exam
After completing your training and externship, you’ll need to pass a national certification exam from an organization approved by the state of California. These include:
- NCCT (National Center for Competency Testing)
- NHA (National Healthcareer Association)
- ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology)
- AMT (American Medical Technologists)
- ACA (American Certification Agency)
The exam typically covers:
- Anatomy & physiology
- Safety & infection control
- Specimen handling
- Venipuncture procedures
Be sure to choose a test that’s accepted by California and prepare thoroughly using study guides or practice exams.
Step 5: Apply for California State Certification
Once you pass your exam, the next step is to apply for your Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT I) license from the California Department of Public Health – Laboratory Field Services (CDPH-LFS).
You’ll need to submit:
- Proof of training program completion
- National certification results
- Externship verification
- Official transcripts
- A background check
- Application fee (around $100)
You can apply online through the CDPH’s official website.
Processing times vary, but once approved, you’ll be issued your CPT I license — making you legally eligible to work as a phlebotomist in California.
Step 6: Maintain Your Certification
To keep your CPT I license valid, you must:
- Renew every two years
- Complete six hours of continuing education (CE)
- Maintain national certification (in most cases)
Make sure to stay updated with both state and national certifying body requirements.
Becoming a certified phlebotomist in California involves more steps than in other states, but the structured process ensures you’re fully prepared for a successful healthcare career. Whether you’re looking to enter the medical field quickly or plan to grow into roles like medical assisting or nursing, phlebotomy is a smart and rewarding first step.
Ready to start your journey? Enroll in a CDPH-approved training program like PhlebotomyU to begin your path to certification today.
GET STARTED WITH PHLEBOTOMYU
PhlebotomyU, San Diego’s oldest phlebotomy school, is approved to operate by the BPPE. Its CDPH-approved courses successfully prepare students for a career in phlebotomy as evidenced by its strong Yelp and Google reviews. PhlebotomyU’s Phlebotomy Full Course consists of 90-100 classroom hours, successfully preparing students to pass the NCCT exam (97.8% pass rate) and complete an internship with a leading clinic or hospital lab. In fact, PhlebotomyU has secured partnerships with many leading hospitals and clinics and boasts more internship opportunities than any other phlebotomy school in San Diego. The phlebotomy field is in high demand and is only expected to grow stronger. If you are interested in pursuing a phlebotomy career, contact us today.
