Orange County, California, has five prominent phlebotomy program providers, each committed to delivering education and training that meet California’s requirements for phlebotomy training.
Whether you’re considering a fresh start in the healthcare industry or aiming to enhance your existing medical skillset, Orange County’s five reputable phlebotomy programs offer a diverse array of options.
Phlebotomy Training Specialists
In Santa Ana, California, the Phlebotomy Training Specialists program is an option for those seeking to start a career in phlebotomy. They offer a variety of class schedules to accommodate different needs. You can choose from Day10 classes (Monday-Thursday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm), Evening10 classes (Monday-Thursday, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm), Weekend5 classes (Saturday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm), or Accelerated5 classes (Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm).
Graduates of this program are eligible to work in California and other states across the country. The school is approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The total cost, which includes registration, exam, and certification, is $1995. Please note that the $250 deposit is non-refundable after the three-day cancellation period.
The school offers flexible payment options, making it accessible to a wide range of students. You can secure your spot in class by paying the deposit, and full tuition is due by the halfway point of the course. If you plan ahead, you can register up to 3 months in advance and make payments until your class starts. Tuition financing is also an option with a minimum credit score of 550 or a cosigner, allowing you to make monthly payments for up to two years. While government funds are not accepted, they do welcome vouchers from third-party payers.
The class structure consists of 40 hours of in-class phlebotomy training, followed by a National Exam, which can be scheduled at your convenience after completing the course. You’ll also undergo a 40-hour externship at your workplace or one of the school’s 500+ externship sites. This program is open to those 18 years and older, and you don’t need prior experience or specific educational qualifications to enroll.
Phlebotomy Training Specialists offer a range of class times, making it easier to fit the training into your schedule. Whether you prefer daytime, evening, weekend, or accelerated classes, they aim to equip you with the skills and knowledge required to enter the workforce swiftly.
| 1450 N Tustin Ave Suite 202, Santa Ana, CA 92705 | (888) 531-8378 | Website |
American Harbor College
American Harbor College offers a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program with a flexible schedule to accommodate different needs. They have day classes, evening classes, and weekend classes. The day classes run from Monday to Thursday, 9 am to 1 pm, with a total program cost of $2,100. The evening classes are also Monday to Thursday, from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm, with the same program cost. Weekend classes are on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 5 pm, and they also cost $2,100.
The program includes 20 hours of basic didactic classroom instruction, 20 hours of advanced didactic classroom instruction, and practical, hands-on training in venipuncture practices and safety procedures. This hands-on training is further enhanced by additional open lab hours for more practice. After classroom training, students will complete a 40-hour externship, the schedule for which varies based on site-specific requirements.
American Harbor College’s Phlebotomy Program is approved by the California Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services, and offers both Full and Advanced Phlebotomy Technician courses leading to a CPT I license. Additionally, the college is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) specifically for the Phlebotomy Technician I program.
Upon program completion and successful externship, students can take the National Certified Exam (NCE) through the National Healthcare Association (NHA) or National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) to become certified phlebotomists and apply for state licensure as CPT1.
While prior medical experience is not a requirement, American Harbor College does require students to be high school graduates from an accredited U.S. high school or have a GED equivalent. For those with high school diplomas from outside the country, foreign transcripts will need to be evaluated by specific organizations.
The program provides comprehensive training in various aspects of phlebotomy, including blood draws, laboratory safety, patient communication, and clean-up procedures. Externship is a crucial part of the program, offering practical, on-the-job training in settings like hospitals, clinics, or laboratories.
American Harbor College is centrally located in Orange, CA, making it accessible to individuals from Huntington Beach, Irvine, Fullerton, and other major cities in Orange County. They also offer career coaching services, including workshops, interview techniques, resume writing, and job leads and referrals to support students in their career development.
| 2050 W Chapman Ave #108, Orange, CA 92868 | (714) 941-8224 | Website |
Santa Ana College
Santa Ana College offers a basic phlebotomy certificate course through its Medical Assisting Department, known as MA030 Phlebotomy. This program is designed as a one-unit course with a unique hybrid format that combines online learning modules on Canvas with in-person, hands-on class sessions. The on-campus sessions are held on Fridays and/or Saturdays and are taught by instructors who provide practical training.
Students interested in this course should be aware that it is not intended to prepare them for the National Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam. Instead, it offers a Certificate of Achievement in Phlebotomy upon successful completion. It’s important to note that participants in this course must sign a waiver of liability, allowing venipunctures and capillary punctures to be made by peers on themselves for the purpose of learning.
If you’re seeking a program that meets the requirements for the National Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam, Santa Ana College Community Services offers an accredited Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) Program on Saturdays. This program is approved by the Department of Education and provides a more comprehensive preparation for the certification exam.
For enrollment and course availability for the basic phlebotomy certificate course, interested individuals can contact Professor Emley at [email protected]. If you are considering other programs or need more extensive training to become a certified phlebotomist, Santa Ana College Community Services, in partnership with American University of Medical Technology (AUMT), offers an alternative option that may better suit your needs. You can explore this program by visiting the Community Services website.
| 1530 W. 17th Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706 | (714) 564-6000 | Website |
Genesis Medical College
Genesis Medical College offers a Phlebotomy Technician I Program designed to meet California’s requirements for becoming a licensed phlebotomist (CPTI). This program provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the field of phlebotomy, covering both basic and advanced skills in theory and clinical practice. Successful completion of the program prepares students for the national certification examination, which is recognized by certifying organizations approved by the California Department of Public Health.
Phlebotomy involves the critical practice of drawing blood from patients and transporting blood specimens to the laboratory for testing. As a Phlebotomy Technician, you play a crucial role in the clinical laboratory team. The field has experienced increased demand due to advancements in diagnostic techniques and clinical laboratory technology, making it a valuable career path.
Genesis Medical College’s Phlebotomy Technician I program is relatively short, spanning 8 weeks. This condensed timeline allows students to gain the necessary skills and enter the workforce swiftly. It’s essential to note that the program focuses primarily on phlebotomy skills and is not a broader medical assistant program. While it offers a valuable foundation for the field, prospective students should be prepared for the intensive 8-week commitment.
One of the standout features of this program is the inclusion of real-world externships. This hands-on experience is instrumental in honing your skills and building confidence in a clinical setting. However, it’s important to be aware of additional costs that may apply, such as background checks and immunizations, beyond the program fee. We recommend reviewing the full cost breakdown before enrolling.
Students receive a Certificate of Completion after finishing their course requirements, providing an entry point into the field. Genesis Medical College’s program is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a focused, relatively short-term approach to gaining phlebotomy skills and real-world experience. Still, it’s crucial to prepare for the intensive 8-week schedule and account for additional costs during the program.
| 1391 Warner Ave., Suite A, Tustin, CA 92780 | 714-577-0187 | Website |
HealthStaff Training Institute
HealthStaff Training Institute offers a Phlebotomy Technician I program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to perform skin and venipuncture procedures safely in a clinical setting. The course is approved by the California Department of Health Services, Laboratory Field Services Division, ensuring that students receive the necessary training to meet industry standards.
This program spans 6 weeks, totaling 100 clock hours and awarding 4.2 credit hours. It’s designed for individuals who seek a short-term, intensive course that allows them to balance their work, family, and educational commitments effectively. HealthStaff Training Institute aims to provide a curriculum that continuously evolves to meet the current demands of employers, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the workforce.
Graduates of the Phlebotomy Technician program at HealthStaff Training Institute are well-prepared for employment opportunities in various healthcare settings, including Clinical Laboratories, Hospitals, Clinics, Medical Groups, Research Companies, Mobile Insurance Examiners, and Physician’s Offices.
This program not only imparts the necessary skills but also provides students with a 40 to 80-hour externship in an approved facility. Successful completion of the program allows students to take the National Certification Exam, leading to national certification and State of California Certification as a Certified Phlebotomy Technician I.
Students in the Phlebotomy Technician I program will learn a comprehensive set of skills, including basic and advanced phlebotomy techniques, safety precautions, anatomy, medical terminology, patient and specimen identification, and the proper handling of blood collection equipment. The curriculum covers advanced topics such as infection control, anticoagulation theory, and pre-analytical services, ensuring that students are well-versed in all aspects of the field.
| 1970 Old Tustin Road, Suite C, Santa Ana, CA 92705 | (909)-321-5778 | Website |
How Much Do Phlebotomists Make in Orange County?
Phlebotomists in Orange County and California earn notably higher wages compared to the national averages. In Orange County, these healthcare professionals command an average hourly wage of $23.30 and an average annual salary of $48,460. This is significantly above the national average hourly wage of $19.51 and the average annual salary of $40,580 for phlebotomists across the United States.
Phlebotomist in Orange County however do not make as much as other phlebotomists across California with an average hourly wage of $24.27 and an average annual salary of $50,470 for phlebotomists. Regional disparities can be attributed to the higher cost of living in California, particularly in Orange County, where the demand for healthcare services and the robust healthcare industry drive up wages in the field. Aspiring phlebotomists should consider these regional variations when planning their careers and potential relocation.
| Area | # Phlebotomists | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | 137,090 | $19.51 | $40,580 |
| California | 13,870 | $24.27 | $50,470 |
| Orange County | 5,220 | $23.30 | $48,460 |
Are Free CNA Classes Available in Orange County?
Aspiring phlebotomists in California who are looking for scholarships or grants to fund their training have several options to explore. While free phlebotomy training is indeed rare, scholarships and grants can help offset the costs associated with phlebotomy programs. Here are some ways to find opportunities for financial assistance:
- Check with Phlebotomy Training Programs: Some phlebotomy training programs may offer scholarships or financial aid to students. Contact the schools or institutions offering the programs you’re interested in to inquire about any available scholarships.
- Community Colleges: Many community colleges in California offer phlebotomy programs. Check with your local community college’s financial aid office to learn about scholarships, grants, or tuition assistance programs available for students pursuing healthcare careers.
- Government Assistance: Explore government programs that offer financial aid for education and job training. In California, programs like the California College Promise Grant (formerly known as the BOG Fee Waiver) can help cover tuition costs for eligible students at community colleges.
- Private Foundations and Organizations: Some private foundations and healthcare organizations offer scholarships for students pursuing careers in healthcare, including phlebotomy. Research organizations or associations related to the medical field in California to find potential scholarship opportunities.
- Employer Sponsorship: If you’re already employed in a healthcare facility or laboratory, check if your employer offers tuition assistance or reimbursement for phlebotomy training. Some employers invest in the education of their employees.
- Online Scholarship Search Engines: Utilize scholarship search engines like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, or the College Board Scholarship Search to find scholarships specific to your field of study and location. Tailor your search to focus on healthcare or phlebotomy scholarships in California.
- Local Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities: Some hospitals and healthcare facilities in California may offer scholarships or financial support to individuals interested in pursuing careers in healthcare. Contact these institutions or check their websites for scholarship opportunities.
- Professional Associations: Explore professional associations related to phlebotomy or healthcare, such as the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians. These organizations may offer scholarships or information about available funding sources.
- FASFA and Cal Grant: Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can determine your eligibility for federal grants and loans. Additionally, California residents can explore the Cal Grant program for state-based financial assistance for college and vocational training.