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The Clinical Training Institute(CTI) phlebotomy program is split into 2 parts: 50% classroom(didactic), and 50 clinical training (This training takes place at labs approved by California for phlebotomy). Students will also perform a minimum of 50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures.
After completion of the program, students will:
The phlebotomy program at High Desert Medical College(HDMC) is 5 weeks long. 4 weeks will be spent on theory and classroom work. During the 5th week, students will perform a 40 hour externship. This externship is where students will work hands-on in taking blood.
The total cost of the phlebotomy program at HDMC is $1,915.
HDMC also offers programs in medical assisting, ultrasound technology, pharmacy tech, vocational nursing, and more.
Liberty Career College's(LCC) phlebotomy program takes 5 weeks to complete. Day and evening classes are abailable.
Their daytime program runs 9:00am to 1:00pm, Monday through Thursday.
Their evening program runs 5:30pm to 9:30pm, Monday through Thursday.
The first 4 weeks of the program are classroom hours. The last week is a 40 hour externship, performed at a local lab or hospital.
The total cost of the program is $2,100, and includes tuiition, lab supplies, and uniform.
LCC also offers a 10 week medical assisting program.
Bakersfield College(BC) has a 7 week phlebotomy certification program. They have new programs starting every month.
The first 48 hours of the program are classroom-based. The last 40 hours are focused on hands-on training at a local lab.
The cost of the program is $2,200, which includes all supplies, uniforms, and exam fees.
Bakersfield College has many healthcare and non-healthcare degree programs. They are best known for their nursing program. They also have degree and non-degree programs like CNA certification, surgical technology, and more.
Phlebotomy Training Specialists(PTS) has 10 locations in California. All locations are licensed to teach phlebotomy certification classes.
Their Bakersfield location has new classes starting every month.
Total cost for the program, including tuition, exam fees, uniforms, and books is $1,995.
Weekday, evening, and weekend classes are available.
Phlebotomy students at CTI learn the skills and knowledge required to draw blood safely and effectively from patients for diagnostic testing, transfusions, or research purposes. Some of the topics that phlebotomy students may study include:
Anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system: Phlebotomy students learn about the different blood vessels in the body, their functions, and how blood flows through them.
Blood collection procedures: Students learn how to properly prepare patients for blood collection, select and prepare the appropriate equipment, and safely draw blood from different types of patients, including adults, children, and infants.
Blood sampling techniques: Students learn different blood sampling techniques, such as venipuncture (drawing blood from veins) and capillary puncture (drawing blood from small vessels in the finger or heel).
Infection control and safety measures: Students learn about the different safety protocols and procedures used to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases during blood collection.
Legal and ethical issues: Phlebotomy students learn about the legal and ethical considerations involved in blood collection, including patient privacy and informed consent.
Medical terminology: Students learn the medical terminology associated with phlebotomy, including the names of different blood components and tests.
Quality control and quality assurance: Phlebotomy students learn about the importance of quality control and quality assurance in blood collection, including the proper handling and storage of blood samples and the importance of accurate documentation.
Communication skills: Phlebotomy students learn how to communicate effectively with patients and healthcare providers, including how to explain the blood collection process, answer questions, and provide support to patients who may be anxious or uncomfortable during the procedure.
Becoming a phlebotomist in California requires 4 steps, as outlined below:
You will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent to become a phlebotomist. Additionally, you will need to complete a phlebotomy training program that is approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
After completing an approved training program, you will need to pass a national certification exam. The most commonly recognized certification for phlebotomists is offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) or the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
Once you have obtained your certification, you can apply for a phlebotomy license from the CDPH. You will need to provide proof of your certification and complete an application, as well as pay a fee.
Phlebotomy licenses in California must be renewed every two years. To renew your license, you will need to complete continuing education credits and pay a renewal fee.
It's also important to note that phlebotomists in California are required to follow specific regulations and guidelines when performing their duties, including maintaining patient confidentiality and using proper safety protocols when handling blood and other specimens.
Phlebotomists are medical professionals who are trained to draw blood from patients for medical testing, transfusions, donations, or research purposes. They work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:
Overall, phlebotomists can work in any setting where blood collection is needed.
The salary of a phlebotomist can vary depending on several factors, such as their education and experience level, geographic location, and the type of healthcare facility they work in. According to the Salary.com, the median annual wage for phlebotomists was $48,016 in February 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,120, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $72,020.
Phlebotomists can enter the profession with a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a phlebotomy certification program, typically lasting less than a year. These programs are available at vocational schools, community colleges, and some hospitals. In California, employers will require state licensure by California's Department of Public Health.
Those with more education or experience may have better job prospects and higher salaries. For example, a phlebotomist who holds a degree in a related field or has several years of experience may be more likely to be promoted to a supervisory or management position, which often comes with a higher salary.
The salary of a phlebotomist can also vary depending on where they work. Salaries are typically higher in areas with a high cost of living, such as metropolitan areas. According to the BLS, the states with the highest median annual wages for phlebotomists in May 2020 were California ($57,050), Alaska ($55,420), and Massachusetts ($54,460).
The type of healthcare facility where a phlebotomist works can also influence their salary. For example, phlebotomists who work in hospitals may earn more than those who work in clinics or other outpatient settings. Hospitals may also offer more opportunities for advancement, such as moving into supervisory roles or working in other departments.
The job prospects for phlebotomists are generally good, as the demand for healthcare services continues to grow. The BLS projects that employment of phlebotomists will grow 17 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to an aging population and an increase in diagnostic and outpatient care.
Phlebotomists may also have opportunities for career advancement by obtaining additional education or certification. For example, some phlebotomists may become certified as a medical assistant or a medical laboratory technician, which can lead to higher salaries and more job opportunities.