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Phlebotomy Classes Near You in California

Curious about becoming a phlebotomist? This guide includes everything you need to know to become a certified phlebotomist technician (CPT) in California. We’ve got a list of some of the best-accredited schools in the state and other helpful information. You can learn about what phlebotomists do, what to expect from training, and explore career path options.

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What do phlebotomists do?

Phlebotomists draw blood by venipuncture (through a vein) or dermal puncture (through the skin). Your primary duties as a phlebotomist technician are collecting blood samples and preparing them for lab analysis for the purpose of diagnostics.

Some of your duties include preparing the collection site, ensuring that patients are calm and understand the risks of the blood drawing procedure, handling and transporting samples to the lab in a timely manner, and performing basic lab and quality control tests.

Some good personal qualities to have in order to successfully and safely collect samples include empathy, interpersonal skills, and hand-eye coordination. Other duties you’ll perform include taking vital signs or collecting non-blood samples.

Phlebotomy schools in California offer some of the best training in the nation. Browse through our list to see what they have to offer and consider your options. If you’re interested in a school, we encourage you to contact it for questions you can’t find answers to on its website.

California phlebotomy program requirements

California is one of the few states that require certification to practice phlebotomy. Before you can enroll in classes, you must meet the following criteria:

  • GED or high school diploma or equivalent
  • Pass background check
  • Have current immunization records
  • Negative tests for blood-borne pathogens 

To remain certified, you need to renew your license every two years. Accreditation agencies are responsible for overseeing certification and renewals. They also provide tests and continuing education units (CEUs). A few of them are the American medical certification association (AMCA), American society of clinical pathology (ASPC), and the national credentialing agency for laboratory personnel (NCA).

What to expect from phlebotomy classes

Well, it’s not too difficult to become a phlebotomy technician but it does take a lot of practice and study. Before you can perform blood draws, you’ll need to demonstrate a number of soft skills and technical skills. Phlebotomy technician classes cover:

  • Modern blood drawing procedures
  • How to properly sterilize equipment 
  • The anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system
  • How to identify different blood disorders
  • How to deal with common patient complications
  • Basic first aid and CPR principles
  • Ethics and patient confidentiality

Before you can practice independently in a clinical setting, you’ll need 20 hours of classwork and 20 hours of hands-on training. Classes last anywhere from 3 to 8 months. Level one certification programs require at least 40 hours of training in a clinical setting and 40 hours of class work. After your initial training, you may become certified by one or more of the national certification agencies listed at the end of this article.

To maintain your certification, you’ll need to complete a certain number of continuing education hours every two years. You can attend workshops as well as online classes to obtain your CEUs. The purpose of continuing education is to refresh skills that you don’t often use and keep you updated on the latest techniques and developments in phlebotomy.

Where can I work as a phlebotomist in California?

There are many settings in which you can in. You’ll find that the majority of opportunities exist in the healthcare industry. Inpatient and outpatient centers are two of the most popular places of employment. Inpatient centers are places that offer extended stays. Outpatient centers are facilities where patients walk in and walk out on the same day.

Your duties will vary based on the place of your employment. If you work in a laboratory, you may take on a more technical role. If you work in a hospital, you will be working in a fast-paced environment with lots of patients. This requires the ability to handle stress and strong organizational skills. Much of your day may be spent working with patients and coworkers, so strong people skills will come in handy.

Best California Cities for Phlebotomy Classes

Phlebotomy jobs in California

As of May 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there were approximately 132,660 phlebotomists in the United States and 12,690 in California. Most phlebotomy work takes place in a clinical setting, such as a doctor’s office or hospital. In these settings, you will be working with patients one on one.

Where Phlebotomists Work% of Jobs
Hospitals36%
Laboratories35%
Other ambulatory healthcare services14%
Physician offices8%
Outpatient care centers1%

Phlebotomist career path

Phlebotomy is a great career path for those interested in the medical field. It offers opportunities to advance and provides job security. Some roles that you can transfer into include:

  • Nurse
  • Medical Assistant
  • Medical Laboratory Technician
  • Clinical Laboratory Scientist
  • Product Specialist

How much does a phlebotomist get paid in California?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for phlebotomists is $50,470 per year, which comes out to $24.27 per hour. The top 10% of earners make more than $61,060 per year. The average pay varies quite a bit by metro area throughout California as well.

Metro AreaPhlebotomists EmployedAvg. Hourly WageAvg. Annual Wage
Bakersfield, CA          190 $   21.71 $ 45,160
Chico, CA            40 $   22.32 $ 46,420
El Centro, CA          100 $   20.92 $ 43,500
Fresno, CA          360 $   22.26 $ 46,300
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA       5,220 $   23.30 $ 48,460
Madera, CA            40 $   21.10 $ 43,880
Merced, CA            80 $   24.40 $ 50,750
Modesto, CA          130 $   24.85 $ 51,690
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA          220 $   23.85 $ 49,610
Redding, CA            90 $   26.22 $ 54,530
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA       1,510 $   23.62 $ 49,120
Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA          650 $   24.64 $ 51,250
Salinas, CA          100 $   25.69 $ 53,440
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA       1,360 $   24.55 $ 51,060
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA       1,420 $   27.44 $ 57,070
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA          610 $   28.41 $ 59,090
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA          100 $   23.33 $ 48,530
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA          220 $   26.27 $ 54,650
Santa Rosa, CA            80 $   24.82 $ 51,620
Stockton-Lodi, CA          150 $   26.49 $ 55,100
Vallejo-Fairfield, CA          100 $   25.13 $ 52,270
Visalia-Porterville, CA          120 $   22.10 $ 45,980

Useful links

Learn more about starting a career in phlebotomy by visiting the websites below.