How to Become a Phlebotomist in San Diego
According to state of California law, all persons performing phlebotomy work must be certified to perform a blood draw, unless they are a doctor, nurse, clinical lab scientist or a licensed person whose work scope includes blood draws, such as a BDP, EMT or MA. You can be trained and certified to work in the field of phlebotomy in just a few months. With a phlebotomy certification, candidates may perform skin puncture and venipuncture blood draws.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Non-refundable application fee of $100 (as of April, 2010)
- Documentation of test, training and clinic results
- GED or high school diploma and transcripts
Instructions
-
-
1
Attend and successfully complete an approved training program. Requirements include 40 hours of classroom training with an additional clinical lab training that includes a required minimum quantity of blood draws--50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures. There are several course providers in San Diego county. In the city of San Diego proper, there are three approved course providers:
Family Health Services 619-294-2192
Health Career Specialist 800-818-2408
U.S. Colleges Universal Schools 800-405-4872 -
2
Take the state-approved examination, which can be arranged by telephone through one of six approved test providers following your training:
ACA 574-277-4538
AMT 800-275-1268
ASCP 312-738-1336
NCCT/MMCI 800-875-4404
NCA 913-438-5110
NHA 800-499-9092 -
-
3
Submit your application online. Should you prefer to submit a paper application via mail, call the California Department of Health at 510-620-3800 to request an application packet to be sent to you by mail. Once completed, it should be mailed to:
Attn: Phlebotomy Program
CPS Human Resource Services
241 Lathrop Way
Sacramento, CA 95815 -
4
Mail the required support documents, which include sealed official transcripts from your high school or GED provider, written log of your lab training from your training clinic or medical director, certificate of training course completion, two passport-sized photographs and a copy of your state-approved examination results to:
Attn: Phlebotomy Program
CDPH - Laboratory Field Services
850 Marina Bay Parkway
Building P, 1st Floor
Richmond, CA 94804
-
1
Tips & Warnings
You should receive your certification approximately 90 days after the department receives your application.
Candidates with six months (at least 1,040 hours) of documented on-the-job phlebotomy experience within the past five years are eligible for a shorter training program which includes just 20 hours of classroom instruction.
Your certification is valid for two years, after which a renewal is required. Six hours of continuing education must be taken during your two-year certification period to submit with your renewal application.
