In a city renowned for its diverse opportunities, aspiring phlebotomists have a variety of pathways to choose from. Pursuing a career in phlebotomy provides:
- Stability: Phlebotomy offers a stable career path within the healthcare industry, with a consistent demand for trained professionals to collect and handle blood specimens for medical testing.
- Patient Impact: As a phlebotomist, you have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives by ensuring accurate and painless blood collection, contributing to their diagnosis and treatment.
- Career Advancement: Phlebotomy programs in Bakersfield prepare you for certification, opening doors to further career advancement within healthcare and the potential to specialize in various medical fields.
Online and cost-free phlebotomy programs have also gained prominence, offering flexibility and accessibility to those eager to enter this vital medical field. Becoming a certified phlebotomist in Bakersfield involves completing specialized training, and these programs play a pivotal role in preparing individuals for the certification process. With differing program types, levels of education, class formats, and other distinctions, it’s crucial to understand the unique offerings of each program. Whether you are drawn to phlebotomy for its stability, the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives, or the potential for career advancement, this page will illuminate the compelling reasons to pursue a career in phlebotomy in Bakersfield.
Bakersfield College
Bakersfield College offers a Phlebotomy Training Program at its Panorama Campus in Bakersfield, California. The program aims to prepare students to become Certified Phlebotomy Technician I, meeting California’s certification requirements. To achieve this certification, students must successfully complete an approved national written examination, which is administered at local campuses.
The program is structured with a “Basic” and an “Advanced” option. The “Basic” program includes 48 hours of classroom lectures conducted at the local campus and 40 hours of practical training at nearby clinical sites. Students are required to complete a specific number of venipunctures, capillary punctures, and observe arterial punctures as part of their training. The “Advanced” program, on the other hand, consists of three weeks of lecture without an externship component.
The “Basic” Phlebotomy section covers essential topics such as the laboratory environment, anatomy, safety, infection control, phlebotomy equipment, and the phlebotomy procedure. In contrast, the “Advanced” Phlebotomy section delves into variations affecting blood collection, alternative procedures for complications, sources of preanalytical errors, communication concepts, and legal considerations. The program also includes a Phlebotomy Externship, providing students with the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge and skills on actual patients, as well as gain experience with the documentation and record-keeping practices of their clinical facility.
Bakersfield College collaborates with the AUMT Institute to offer the Certified Phlebotomy Technician Course (CPT1). This comprehensive course comprises 48 hours of classroom instruction and a 40-hour hands-on externship, equipping students with the knowledge and practical skills required to pass the National Certification exam and become a California Certified Phlebotomy Technician 1 (CPT1). Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a certificate of completion.
To be eligible for this program, applicants must be 18 years or older and possess a High School diploma, HiSET, or Equivalency. It’s essential to have a clean criminal history, as any misdemeanors may impact the licensing application. Students are also required to undergo a mandatory orientation, which includes a background check, drug screening, and immunization records. Current CPR certification from the American Heart Association for Health Care Providers is necessary and can be obtained during the program. Additionally, there are COVID vaccine requirements.
The program’s tuition is $1,950, which covers books, supplies, study guides, all class materials, exam preparation, and the externship. Payment agreements are arranged once a seat in the program is secured. There are also additional fees for scrub uniforms, the California State CPT1 License fee ($100.00), and the National Certification exam fee ($117.00). Mandatory information sessions are held for program eligibility, and it’s advisable to check for upcoming sessions if interested.
Bakersfield College’s Phlebotomy Training Program provides students with a comprehensive and practical education to become Certified Phlebotomy Technician I, a profession in high demand within the healthcare sector. The collaboration with the AUMT Institute ensures students receive a well-rounded learning experience that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training. The program’s structure, fees, and eligibility criteria are essential considerations for prospective students.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $1,950 |
| Program Duration | Varies (Basic and Advanced options) |
| Class Schedules | Not specified |
| Prerequisites | 18 years or older High School diploma Clean criminal history Mandatory orientation Current CPR certification COVID vaccine requirements |
| Certification Eligibility | California Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT1) upon successful completion of the program and national certification exam |
| Location | 1801 Panorama Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93305 |
| Phone | (661) 395-4011 |
| Website | Bakersfield College Phlebotomy Program |
| Job Placement | No |
| Online Classes? | No |
| Free Classes? | No |
Phlebotomy Training Specialists
Phlebotomy Training Specialists (PTS) in Bakersfield offers a comprehensive phlebotomy program for aspiring phlebotomists. The program is structured to provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the workforce quickly. Let’s dive into the key details.
Tuition and Fees: The total cost for tuition and the national exam fee is $1995. A $250 deposit is required to secure your spot in the class, but please note that this deposit is non-refundable after the three-day cancellation period. The remaining tuition and fees are due halfway through your class. PTS also offers flexible payment options if you need more time to pay.
Class Schedules: PTS offers various class schedules to accommodate different preferences. They have a National AM Class, National PM Class, and National WKD Class, with each class lasting for 3 weeks, held on Monday-Thursday for AM and PM classes, and on Saturdays for WKD class. Additionally, they offer an ECG Class, which is less expensive than phlebotomy, allowing you to become dual certified.
Requirements: To enroll, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Previous experience is not necessary.
Phlebotomy Clinical Externship: In California, becoming a licensed CPT1 Phlebotomist requires a 40-hour volunteer externship at a state-licensed and LFS approved facility. PTS has partnerships with numerous approved sites throughout California to meet this requirement. The externship includes various experiences like venipunctures, skin punctures, and observation of arterial punctures.
Course Times: PTS offers day, evening, and weekend courses to fit your schedule. Day courses run from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, evening courses from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and weekend courses from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Meet Glenda Lugo, CPA/BLS: Glenda Lugo, an experienced professional in the healthcare field, is part of the PTS team. She brings her expertise and passion for phlebotomy to the program. Glenda has a background in Certified Nurse Assisting and Phlebotomy, with extensive experience in various healthcare settings.
Location: The Bakersfield location of PTS is situated at 4560 California Ave, Suite 205, Bakersfield, CA 93309.
Phlebotomy Training Specialists in Bakersfield offers a well-structured phlebotomy program with flexible payment options, diverse class schedules, and a dedicated team of professionals, including Glenda Lugo, to guide you on your phlebotomy journey. If you’re interested in becoming a phlebotomist in California, PTS provides the necessary training and resources to help you achieve your goals.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $1995 |
| Program Duration | Varies (3 weeks for most classes) |
| Class Schedules | Day, Evening, Weekend courses available |
| Prerequisites | Must be 18 years old or older, High School graduate or equivalent, no previous experience required |
| Certification Eligibility | Yes |
| Location | 4560 California Ave, Suite 205, Bakersfield, CA 93309 |
| Phone | 701-404-9434 |
| Website | PTS Bakersfield |
| Job Placement | No |
| Online Classes? | No |
| Free Classes? | No |
How to Find Free Phlebotomy Training in Bakersfield
Inquiring about free phlebotomy classes or financial aid from an educational provider requires a thoughtful and respectful approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Research the Educational Provider: Start by researching the educational provider thoroughly. Visit their website, read about their programs, and gather information about the phlebotomy course you’re interested in. Understand the program’s structure, prerequisites, and any associated costs.
- Contact the Admissions or Financial Aid Office: Find the contact information for the admissions or financial aid office of the educational provider. This information is typically available on their website. You can also call the main office and ask to be directed to the relevant department.
- Prepare Your Questions: Before reaching out, prepare a list of specific questions you have regarding financial aid or free classes. Be clear about your goals and needs. Some questions you might ask include:
- Are there any scholarships or grants available for the phlebotomy program?
- Do you offer financial assistance for students with demonstrated need?
- Are there any work-study opportunities related to phlebotomy training?
- Do you have information on free or reduced-cost phlebotomy classes?
- Contact the Office: Reach out to the admissions or financial aid office via phone or email, depending on the contact information provided. When contacting them:
- Be polite and professional in your communication.
- Introduce yourself and express your interest in their phlebotomy program.
- Clearly state your questions regarding financial aid or free classes.
- Provide any relevant information about your financial situation if asked.
Phlebotomy Salary in Bakersfield, CA
Phlebotomy salaries in Bakersfield, California, fall between the national average and the state average, making it a competitive option for phlebotomists. In Bakersfield, phlebotomists earn an hourly wage of $21.71, resulting in an annual salary of approximately $45,160.
Comparatively, California offers a higher average wage for phlebotomists than the national average, with an hourly wage of $24.27 and an annual income of about $50,470. While Bakersfield’s salary level is slightly lower than the statewide average, it still presents a viable option for those pursuing a phlebotomy career in California.
On the national scale, the average phlebotomy wage stands at $19.51 per hour, resulting in an annual salary of $40,580. This data underscores the competitive salary opportunities for phlebotomists in Bakersfield compared to the national average, positioning it as an appealing location within the field of phlebotomy.
| # of Phlebotomists | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary | |
| United States | 135,500 | $ 19.51 | $ 40,580 |
| California | 13,870 | $ 24.27 | $ 50,470 |
| Bakersfield | 190 | $ 21.71 | $ 45,160 |