Phlebotomy License Explained
Want to get hired quickly and earn more as a phlebotomist? You should get a license or certification.
A license is especially necessary in California, Louisiana, Nevada, and Washington where all persons who draw blood but are not nurses, doctors, or clinical lab scientists, are required to be licensed.
Different states have different licensing requirements. Make sure to do your research or inquire at certifying bodies and agencies.
How to get your phlebotomy license
Once you’ve completed phlebotomy training programs, you must have at least a year of work experience. At a time of your application for a license, you must also hold a position where phlebotomy is part of the job.
Then, confirm your eligibility by sending your transcripts for verification. You must have taken the required coursework, a combination of 200 hours of practical experience and 160 contact hours of instruction.
In some cases, formal education is waived if a phlebotomist has significant on-the-job experience.
The next step is to take and pass the phlebotomy certification exam. You must hit the required score of 70% to pass.
In the state of California, obtaining a phlebotomy license requires an applicant to take and pass the certification examination from an approved phlebotomy-certification organization. To be safe, follow the same idea when obtaining a license in another state.
Once you pass the test, you will then receive your license. To maintain your certification, you must be ready to take continuing education.
Different certification level, different license requirements in California
Limited Phlebotomy Technician License
- High school diploma, GED, or another equivalent
- At least 20 hours of didactic training program approved by CDPH
- Show 25 skin punctures under supervision in clinical training
- Formally apply for official certification at the CDPH
Phlebotomy Technician I License
- High school diploma, GED, or another equivalent
- 40 hours of deductive training through a program approved by CDPH
- 40 hours of supervised practical training
- In clinical training, must successfully perform 10 skin punctures and 50 venipunctures
- Formally apply for official certification at the CDPH
Phlebotomy Technician II License
- High school diploma, GED, or another equivalent
- Current CDPH phlebotomy technician I license
- 1040 hours of field experience for the past 5 years
- Proof of completion of 20 arterial puncture in the form of a letter written by a practitioner approved by CDPH
Requirements for each level of license vary because of the type of work involved.
Limited Phlebotomy Technicians, for instance, are authorized to collect skin puncture blood samples and nothing else. Thus, the shorter list of requirements.
The other two licenses, however, have a few more advanced levels because of the procedures the licensed phlebotomist will perform.
A licensed Phlebotomy Technician I will grant permission to perform venipunctures and skin punctures, while a licensed Phlebotomy Technician II will authorize someone to perform arterial puncture, skin puncture, and venipuncture.
Where to get your phlebotomy certification
There are 5 national agencies accredited to provide phlebotomy certification. You can visit any one of these:
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
- National Phlebotomy Association (NPA)
- American Society of Phlebotomy Technician (ASPT)
- National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
- National Health Career Association (NHA)
These agencies have a list of requirements you must meet to be eligible to take the phlebotomy technician exam. We also recommend checking out our FREE school matching form on the sidebar. It is completely free and will match you with programs in your area.
ASCP provides you with seven routes for certification, one of which is a high school diploma and completion of a phlebotomy program approved by NAACLS. The program must be completed within the last five years.
ASPT, on the other hand, requires that you are a current member of the organization if you have no prior work experience.
Make sure to research state requirements before you apply for a phlebotomy license.
