The state of California requires that all Phlebotomy Technicians or Phlebotomists who work in California hold a current California Phlebotomy License. There are various phlebotomy license requirements that must be met before and while holding a license. We shall delve into what is required for different license applications, and how to keep your license valid after successfully achieving certification.
Phlebotomy License Requirements for the 3 License Types
Phlebotomy State Exam
One of the requirements of obtaining a license is that Phlebotomists must take and pass a Phlebotomy state examination from an approved phlebotomy-certification organization. There are three types of Phlebotomy Certifications that you may pursue at such an institution. Let’s discuss the phlebotomy license requirements for each level of certification.
Limited Phlebotomy Technicians are only authorized to collect skin puncture blood samples.You must have a high school diploma, GED, or other similar equivalency. You must have successfully completed at least 20 hours of didactic training through a CDPH-approved program. In clinical training, you must be able to show 25 skin punctures under supervision. Finally, in order to hold a Limited Phlebotomy Technician’s license, you must formally apply to the CDPH for official certification.
The basic requirements to obtain a Phlebotomy Technician I license are identical to those of the Limited Phlebotomy Technician. There are a few more advanced levels of requirements, however. Keep in mind that a Phlebotomy Technician I license grants permission to perform venipunctures as well as skin punctures.
Next Steps for Certification
Next-level phlebotomy license requirements for this certification include completing at least 40 hours of didactic training through a CDPH-approved program. 40 hours must also be completed in supervised practical training—10 skin punctures and 50 venipunctures must be successfully performed under professional supervision in clinical training. If you only have 20 hours of didactic training, you may be able to avoid going through an additional 20 hours. If you have more than 1040 hours of field experience, a CDPH approved practitioner may write a letter including your hours and experience, which would negate the 40-hour didactic training requirement to 20 hours. Finally, you must receive a passing grade on a formal written exam administered by a CDPH-approved certification program.
The basic requirements for a Phlebotomy Technician License are somewhat similar to those of the previously discussed license. Remember that a Phlebotomy Technician II license grants authorization to perform venipuncture, arterial punctures, and skin punctures. The primary difference for this license is that you must already have a current CDPH Phlebotomy Technician I license, along with 1040 hours of field-experience over the past five years. You must also have proof that you have completed 20 arterial punctures. This proof will usually be in the form of a written letter by a CDPH-approved practitioner.
Requirements for Maintaining your Certification
Once you obtain your Phlebotomy license, it is not simply valid forever. You must do a few things in order to keep it current and valid. In the state of California, phlebotomy certifications expire after 2 years. You must complete six hours of “continuing education credits,” or CECs. This can be in the form of a phlebotomy class at a certified institute. There is also a renewal fee that is typically about $30.
There are separate phlebotomy license requirements for the Limited Phlebotomy Technician and Phlebotomy Technician I licenses, as compared to the Phlebotomy Technician II license. The Phlebotomy Technician II license requires that you are documented for your competency on an annual basis. You must also post your CDPH certification in a clear, obvious spot at your workplace. If you are in the ambulatory force, your CDPH identification card should be worn at all times.
Both the Limited Phlebotomy Technician and Phlebotomy Technician I licenses share the same requirements, however, you must also receive monthly reviews of skin puncture practices, by a supervisor. All in all, the trickiest part of maintaining your license is completing 6 hours (3 per year) of CECs—be sure to schedule your program well before your two-year certification period is over.
RELATED: Phlebotomy License Renewal Steps
Pursue your Phlebotomy License at PhlebotomyU
After obtaining your CDPH-approved Phlebotomy certificate at PhlebotomyU, you will be ready to find your dream phlebotomy job. Work as a phlebotomist isn’t easy, but it is rewarding. We offer courses for both California, and out-of-state phlebotomy certification. We help you pass your phlebotomy state exam and can assist with national certification. As a nationally accredited phlebotomy training program, PhlebotomyU prepares its students with the skills they need to succeed afterwards including career services , a phlebotomy internship, and more. Have questions regarding phlebotomy license requirements? Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.
