Phlebotomy is a fundamental skill in healthcare. It requires a lot of precision and attention to detail; some veins will be more difficult to draw from and require different needles, such as the butterfly needle. To perfect this skillset, future phlebotomists should attend postsecondary education to learn essential phlebotomy concepts and techniques. But how much is phlebotomy school in California? Let’s take a look.
What is Phlebotomy
Phlebotomy is the medical practice that consists of venipuncture and blood withdrawals, in which the blood samples are sent to laboratories for diagnostic testing. Phlebotomy is often required to diagnose and track diseases, illnesses, or conditions, such as cancer, vitamin deficiencies, or autoimmune disorders.
Everyone has interacted with phlebotomists. It could have been at an annual physical and bloodwork or for testing for specific conditions. Phlebotomy is a critical skill that many medical professionals have – from doctors to nurses to physician assistants (PAs).
Why Become a Phlebotomist
With its demand in the healthcare industry, phlebotomists have stable careers. There will always be a need for phlebotomists and this career can expose you to a broad range of environments: emergency rooms, urgent care, typical doctor visits, and mobile care. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that phlebotomist careers will increase by at least 20% by 2028.
Compared to doctors, nurses, and PAs, phlebotomy school takes up minimal time for a successful entry-level medical career. Phlebotomy school programs can take four to nine weeks, whereas other professions can take months or years.
Phlebotomists gain a wide range of medical experience and learn how to be adaptable and provide care. Attending phlebotomy school does not restrict your career to only this niche. Many phlebotomists eventually become medical assistants or research assistants. Phlebotomy allows you to grow professionally or enhance your medical school application.
Average Cost of a Phlebotomy School
On average, phlebotomy schools cost significantly less than medical school. Phlebotomists can spend a few thousand dollars on courses, whereas other programs can cost several thousands in student loans. It is typical to spend anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 for a CDPH-approved phlebotomy education.
PhlebotomyU’s Programs and Costs
PhlebotomyU offers programs year-round. With the courses lasting approximately four to nine weeks, a high-quality education is available when you want it. PhlebotomyU has designed three courses for aspiring phlebotomists: CPT I License (No Experience), CPT I License (Experienced), and an out-of-state option for current phlebotomists moving to California. Here are the costs of each course:
- CPT I License (No Experience) – The CPT 1 Full Course costs $2,900 which includes almost everything you need in order to get nationally certified and become eligible to apply for a California CPT I license.
- CPT I License (Experienced) and Out-of-State – The cost of these courses is $700. Upon enrollment there is a $250.00 non-refundable registration fee that must be paid in advance to guarantee your seat in the class. This will be deducted from the total course cost leaving you a remaining balance of $450 which is due on the first day of class.
These courses, along with our non-licensing classes, have been accredited and approved by the California Department of Public Health and Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
Why Choose PhlebotomyU
In the state of California, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) requires that accredited phlebotomy schools offer the following at a minimum:
- 20 hours of basic didactic training
- 20 hours of advanced didactic training
- 40 hours of an internship
Rather than meeting the bare minimum, PhlebotomyU exceeds the CDPH’s expectations. PhlebotomyU guides their students through:
- 20 hours of basic didactic training
- 20 hours of advanced didactic training
- 50-60 hours of in-classroom practical training
- 40-120 hours of an externship with clinical sites throughout southern California
Although the 80 hours required by the CDPH can theoretically be split into two 40-hour weeks, PhlebotomyU adjusts their course schedules to last anywhere between four to nine weeks for several reasons. First, spreading the course over a few weeks instead of condensing promotes long term memory. Teaching overtime allows students to process the information and retain it better than those who have less time to engage with the material. Second, the four-to-nine-week course options better accommodate student schedules. Currently, PhlebotomyU offers Monday-Friday day classes, weekend classes, and Monday-Friday evening classes. We also include the NCCT certification examination in the courses, which is the federal exam that all phlebotomists must pass. Most programs do not cover this exam in their course agenda. With our longer class periods, PhlebotomyU students has an 18% higher passing rate than the national average.
How To Register for a Phlebotomy Course
Each course has different prerequisites; some require previous experience and others ask for additional paperwork. If you are unsure which course is right for you, use this PhlebotomyU course selector.
To register for a phlebotomy course, you must have a high school diploma or GED and government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. If you are interested in enrolling in PhlebotomyU’s courses, contact us today.
