How to Become a Phlebotomist in California – BAMA Institute

If you’re wondering how to become a phlebotomist in California, you’ll need to obtain a Certified Phlebotomy Technician 1 (CPT 1) license if you want to become a phlebotomist in California. There are a few different paths you can follow—depending on your own experience and goals. 

How to Become a Phlebotomist In California: 3 Steps to Success 

California phlebotomists must be licensed by the state. All trainees will follow a three-step process to obtain their CPT I. 

1. Attend an accredited program 

California maintains a list of accredited training programs. These programs are proven to meet or exceed the set requirements for training. For someone with no on-the-job phlebotomy experience, the program must include:

• 40 hours of classroom training on basic and advanced phlebotomy 
• 40 hours of phlebotomy clinical practice, including at least 50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures and observation of arterial punctures 

BAMA Institute offers accredited training programs which not only meet California licensing standards but exceed them. That’s because our detailed curriculum is focused on building confident phlebotomists who are ready to move into jobs as soon as they pass the next stages of certification and licensure. 

2. Take your examination

The state requires that you take and pass a California Department of Health-approved examination. Exams from six organizations are currently approved: 

• American Certification Agency (ACA) 
• American Medical Technologists (AMT) 
• American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) 
• National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT/MMCI) 
• National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA) 
• National Healthcareer Association 

Our program at BAMA Institute is approved through the National Center for Competency Testing. At BAMA Institute, we thoroughly prepare students for their exams so they can begin their careers as soon as possible.

3. Apply for your license 

Once you’ve completed your education, clinical training, and examination, you can apply for your CPT-I license. This will authorize you to do venipuncture and skin puncture blood collection. The California Department of Public Health offers an online application portal where phlebotomists can submit their applications as well as check and submit their prerequisites, such as education transcripts, experience details, and other certifications, for consideration. There will also be a $100 license fee for your application and biennial renewals.  

Choosing the Path That’s Right for You

Some applicants have on-the-job training they can use to supplement the education requirement listed in step one. If you’re a previously certified phlebotomist or medical professional, you may be eligible for training through a refresher program as opposed to a full course. We can use BAMA Institute’s curriculum paths below as examples.   

At BAMA Institute, we know you’re excited and eager to start a new career. When it comes to classroom training hours, we offer programs that are as short as two weeks. Meanwhile, we offer a broad range of clinical externships, which are available at more than 50 different facilities. Many of our students receive job offers due to the high quality of our training. That’s why for most, the best path to becoming a phlebotomist in California is to work with a structured, accredited, and highly respected program.

A longer, structured program is often the best option for fully preparing you to work in the field. Shorter programs are available, but they may not be as comprehensive or cover all the basics.

How BAMA Prepares You for a Successful Phlebotomy Career

BAMA Institute graduates gain a competitive advantage in their fields. Our program is respected, and many of our graduates work at the top healthcare facilities in the area. That is because we thoroughly prepare all of our graduates for both the certification exam and the clinical experience of working in the field so they can start their phlebotomy careers with confidence.

Don’t waste any more time wondering how to become a phlebotomist in California. BAMA Institute can help you do it in as little as two months. To learn how, contact an admissions representative today.