Timeline and Training: Phlebotomists typically enter the workforce with a certificate from a program after obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent. Certification programs range from a few weeks to several months and prepare you for certification through classroom instruction and clinical practice. Coursework can include anatomy and physiology, blood collection techniques, safety procedures, and communication skills.
The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) and the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) are among the organizations that accredit phlebotomy education programs. To search for programs within California, visit the EDD and look for education providers here.
After completing education, phlebotomists become certified through a certifying body such as the National Phlebotomy Association (NPA), National Healthcareer Association (NHA), American Medical Technologists (AMT), or National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
Career advancement: Phlebotomists may also choose to advance their careers by gaining further education, specialization, and certification. Specialization can include a focus on pediatrics or donor phlebotomy, and advancing education could result in obtaining an advanced (CPT2) certification in phlebotomy in California. Phlebotomists may advance into leadership roles within the laboratory setting or healthcare administration or become phlebotomy instructors, as well. Some phlebotomists may use the certification to begin training as a nurse assistant and move into nursing. Others may find an affinity for the lab setting and move into laboratory roles such as laboratory technicians (associate’s degree) and even medical laboratory scientists (requiring a bachelor’s degree).
To stay current with trends and important information, phlebotomists may consider joining a professional organization such as the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT), the National Phlebotomy Association (NPA), the American Medical Technologists (AMT), or the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
Outlook: Nationally, the employment of phlebotomists is projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032 [1]. In California, phlebotomist jobs are expected to grow 23.6% between 2020-2030 (an increase of 18,820 jobs). Nationally, the median annual wage for radiologic technologists was $46,130 in May 2023, and in California, the median annual wage in 2022 was $50,190.[2].
