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What steps should I take to become a phlebotomist after high school
I’m a high school student interested in working in the medical field, and I want to start with phlebotomy. I’m not sure what certifications or training I need. Any advice would help!
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Doc’s Answer
Jocelyn before you can call yourself a phlebotomist in training, there are a few things the State of California and most phlebotomy training programs require. This ensures that you have the necessary foundational skills and qualifications to succeed in the field. They include:
• Minimum age requirement
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Background check and drug test.
MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT — You Must Be at Least 18 Years of Age. To become a phlebotomist in California, you must be at least 18 years old. This is because the minimum age to work as a phlebotomy technician in a licensed healthcare facility in California is 18.
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED — The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) requires you to finish high school or earn an equivalent credential. While you're still in high school, pursue your diploma. It might be helpful to take as many science classes as you can, as areas like biology, chemistry, anatomy and health sciences can be beneficial for aspiring phlebotomists.
BACKGROUND CHECK & DRUG TEST — Most California phlebotomy training programs will require a background check and drug test. Felonies, certain misdemeanors, or a positive drug test will likely jeopardize your eligibility to be placed in an externship and/or to be certified/licensed as a phlebotomist in California.
STEP 1️⃣ PHLEBOTOMY TRAINING
The next step to becoming a phlebotomist in California is to attend a phlebotomy training program from an institution approved by the CDPH. You can find these programs at institutions such as colleges, vocational schools and technical institutes. Phlebotomy training programs in California generally include a mixture of didactic training:
• 70 hours of classroom instruction
• CPR training
• 40 to 100-hour internship
• National Exam
STEP 2️⃣ NATIONAL CERTIFICATION EXAM
After completing your training program, you can test for your national certification. While a national certification is optional in most states, California requires phlebotomists to earn a national certification before pursuing their state credentials. Most training programs include a certification exam. You have several choices for which exam to take.
STEP 3️⃣ PHLEBOTOMY CERTIFICATION
After passing your national certification exam, you can pursue state licensure. California is one of four states in the United States that requires phlebotomists to earn a state license. California requires phlebotomists to renew their state certification every two years by finishing at least six hours of continuing education. Many providers offer qualifying courses that can help you learn about industry developments and review critical phlebotomy skills and terminology.
💰 PHLEBOTOMIST SALARY
Phlebotomist in California earn an average annual salary of $62,500 per year. This is higher than the national average of $54,500 per year. Your individual salary may vary depending on your experience level, location and employer.
Hope this was helpful Jocelyn
• Minimum age requirement
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Background check and drug test.
MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT — You Must Be at Least 18 Years of Age. To become a phlebotomist in California, you must be at least 18 years old. This is because the minimum age to work as a phlebotomy technician in a licensed healthcare facility in California is 18.
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED — The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) requires you to finish high school or earn an equivalent credential. While you're still in high school, pursue your diploma. It might be helpful to take as many science classes as you can, as areas like biology, chemistry, anatomy and health sciences can be beneficial for aspiring phlebotomists.
BACKGROUND CHECK & DRUG TEST — Most California phlebotomy training programs will require a background check and drug test. Felonies, certain misdemeanors, or a positive drug test will likely jeopardize your eligibility to be placed in an externship and/or to be certified/licensed as a phlebotomist in California.
STEP 1️⃣ PHLEBOTOMY TRAINING
The next step to becoming a phlebotomist in California is to attend a phlebotomy training program from an institution approved by the CDPH. You can find these programs at institutions such as colleges, vocational schools and technical institutes. Phlebotomy training programs in California generally include a mixture of didactic training:
• 70 hours of classroom instruction
• CPR training
• 40 to 100-hour internship
• National Exam
STEP 2️⃣ NATIONAL CERTIFICATION EXAM
After completing your training program, you can test for your national certification. While a national certification is optional in most states, California requires phlebotomists to earn a national certification before pursuing their state credentials. Most training programs include a certification exam. You have several choices for which exam to take.
STEP 3️⃣ PHLEBOTOMY CERTIFICATION
After passing your national certification exam, you can pursue state licensure. California is one of four states in the United States that requires phlebotomists to earn a state license. California requires phlebotomists to renew their state certification every two years by finishing at least six hours of continuing education. Many providers offer qualifying courses that can help you learn about industry developments and review critical phlebotomy skills and terminology.
💰 PHLEBOTOMIST SALARY
Phlebotomist in California earn an average annual salary of $62,500 per year. This is higher than the national average of $54,500 per year. Your individual salary may vary depending on your experience level, location and employer.
Hope this was helpful Jocelyn
Updated
Kyla’s Answer
I'm currently a CNA and a nursing student working in the hospital, and i've currently been working towards some training in phlebotomy! After high school, you'll want to look for acccredited phlebotomy training program, community colleges and technical schools usually offer them, and they don't take long to complete. Once you finish the program, you might need to get certified depending on your state (but even if it's not required, it looks really good to employers). Certifications from places like the NHA or ASCP are pretty common. After that, you can start applying for jobs at hospitals, clinics, or labs. It's a hands-on role that gives you great experience with patients and can open doors to other careers if you want to move up later. If you're still in high school, I'd recommend trying to volunteer or shadow at a hospital if you can, it really helps to get a feel for the environment.
I work at the hospital now as a CNA/tech right now, and after a few months I was able to go to a 4 hour training class for phlebotomy to learn the skills, now i just have to do a few training shifts with a phlebotomist at the hospital to "check-off" the skills practiced in the training class. After that, while I technically won't be certified, I will be allowed to do phlebotomy tasks or even work as a phlebotomist in the hospital if I chose to.
Just in case you need more than one possible route to get to your goal!
I work at the hospital now as a CNA/tech right now, and after a few months I was able to go to a 4 hour training class for phlebotomy to learn the skills, now i just have to do a few training shifts with a phlebotomist at the hospital to "check-off" the skills practiced in the training class. After that, while I technically won't be certified, I will be allowed to do phlebotomy tasks or even work as a phlebotomist in the hospital if I chose to.
Just in case you need more than one possible route to get to your goal!