Do you need phlebotomy certification in California? Yes, it's mandatory for those not already licensed in other medical professions. In fact, California is one of four US states that require a healthcare worker earn a phlebotomy certification to draw blood. (Washington, Louisiana, and Nevada are the other three.)
Effective April 9, 2003, all persons performing phlebotomy who are not California licensed physicians, nurses, clinical lab scientists, or other licensed professionals where phlebotomy is not in their scope of practice, must be certified as a phlebotomist before they can draw blood. Practicing phlebotomists under the old law were grandfathered in until December 31, 2006. All phlebotomists in California today must be certified by a recognized certifying body. This requirement aligns with the phlebotomist requirements in California, ensuring all practitioners meet the necessary professional standards.
Many other states do require that phlebotomists take a training course. However, the specific phlebotomist requirements in California are more stringent compared to many other regions. Some healthcare workers outside California choose to become nationally certified to improve their chances of employment.
Levels of Phlebotomy Certification
California has three level of phlebotomy certification:
- Limited Phlebotomy Technician (LPT)
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician 1 (CPT1)
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician 2 (CPT2)
Under the phlebotomist requirements in California, a CPT1 can perform both venipuncture and skin puncture.
Limited Phlebotomy Technician
The lowest level of authorized phlebotomist, they can perform skin puncture blood collection only.
Certified Phlebotomy Technician 1
The CPT1 phlebotomist can do venipuncture and skin puncture blood collection.
Certified Phlebotomy Technician 2
CPT2 phlebotomists are allowed to do arterial puncture, venipuncture, and skin puncture for blood collection. You must complete 1040 hours of phlebotomy experience to become a CPT2.
Becoming a Certified Phlebotomist
Phlebotomy programs typically are less than one year long, and include classroom training and hands-on clinical training. The Phlebotomy certification program at Campus, formerly MTI College, is 16 weeks long for qualified applicants.
At Campus, at completion of the Phlebotomy program, students are prepared to take the National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT) exam.
To become a certified phlebotomist in California, follow these steps:
- First, confirm if you need phlebotomy certification as per your professional scope before starting the certification process.
- Enroll in and complete a phlebotomy training and certification program at an accredited college or vocational school approved by the California Department of Public Health, that includes both classroom training and a hands-on externship.
- Successfully pass the Phlebotomy Technician certification exam and receive your certification.
- Apply to the State of California for your Certified Phlebotomy Technician Certificate (CPT I).
Earn Your Phlebotomy Certificate in Northern California
Campus has two programs that allow students to earn their CPT1 Phlebotomy certification at our Sacramento campus.
Our Phlebotomy program is a 16-week course that gives you the necessary training to become a certified CPT1 phlebotomist in California.
For students who plan on becoming a medical assistant, our Medical Assistant with Phlebotomy Certification program is a 54-week certification training program that will prepare students for medical assistant certification and phlebotomy certification. This comprehensive training addresses all the essential phlebotomist requirements in California and will help you launch a career in healthcare.
If you would like more information about either program, fill out the contact form on our site, or call (916) 339-1500 to speak with our Admissions team.