Trade Schools
If you want to start a rewarding career in healthcare without spending five or six years in higher education, California Phlebotomy schools provide training programs that can be completed in only a few months and prepare students for careers in clinics, hospitals, blood banks, and many other healthcare settings.
Most programs combine classroom training and hands-on practice with an externship that allows students to apply the skills learned during class in a real-world setting.
A 40-hour volunteer externship at a state-licensed and LFS-approved facility is required from every person who wants to become a licensed CPT1 Phlebotomist in the State of California.
Costs vary depending on the school, the duration of the program, and the credential it leads to, among other factors.
To help you choose the program that best meets your budget, career aspirations, and learning style, on this page we have compiled information about the top phlebotomy schools in California and the programs they offer.
1California Phlebotomy School
About the School
California Phlebotomy School helps students prepare for a career in the phlebotomy field.
The program costs $1,895 which, according to the school’s website, is the lowest price in Riverside County.
Students have access to hands-on learning with some of the most experienced instructors in the area.
During the program, students complete 40 hours of required classwork in preparation for the National Exam.
The school also provides placement in a 40-hour externship
Students have the opportunity to do six practice tests before taking the National Exam.
California Phlebotomy School has been licensed and has been authorized to operate in the state of California by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.
Courses Offered
The curriculum includes classes on:
- Patient Rights
- Venipuncture with Vacutainers
- Venipuncture with Butterflies
- Special Procedures
- Reactions
- Difficult Draw
- Blood and its Components
- Test Tubes
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 26413 Jefferson Ave, Ste. G Murrieta, CA 92562
- Phone: 951-326-9992
- Website: https://caliphlebotomy.com
2PhlebotomyU
About the School
PhlebotomyU provides phlebotomy education for students who want to start a career in the field.
Classes begin every month and the school provides different schedule formats, including:
Five weeks- Monday to Friday classes that take place during daytime
A 10-week Saturday and Sunday weekend phlebotomy classes
A five-week Monday to Friday evening class
Each class consists of 40 hours of didactic phlebotomy training and 40-60 hours of hands-on practical training.
The course also includes the national phlebotomy exam and 40-120 hours of clinical phlebotomy externship at one of the school’s affiliated hospitals or clinics.
Clinical externships typically consist of 8-hour shifts, Monday to Friday, during normal business hours and give students the opportunity to practice the skills learned in class.
Classes typically include between 10 and 16 students.
The full course price for CPT I is $2,900 and includes $2,650 for tuition and a $250 registration fee.
Contact Information
- Address: 2535 Camino Del Rio S. Suite: #300, San Diego, CA 92108
- Phone: (619) 294-2192
- Website: https://phlebotomyu.com
3Phlebotomy Training Specialists
About the School
Phlebotomy Training Specialists offer phlebotomy training classes at several locations in California, including Riverside, Sacramento, and Orange County.
Day, evening and weekend classes are available monthly to fit different schedules.
The curriculum is designed to help students pass the National CPT Exam.
The program includes 40 hours of didactic in-class phlebotomist training and a 40-hour externship scheduled after the students get their National Exam results.
The school’s instructors are highly competent, state-approved, and experienced.
After graduation, students can find employment opportunities in a variety of other healthcare settings, including plasma donation centers, medical clinics, blood banks, health fairs, dialysis clinics, hospitals, and laboratories.
Costs vary depending on the location.
The total cost for the program available in Riverside is $1,995 and includes a $1,840 tuition, a $130 national exam fee, and $25 for insurance.
Students pay a $100 deposit to guarantee their seat in the class of their choice.
The national a.m. class takes place Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the evening class takes place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, while the weekend class takes place on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
On the last day of class, students can choose to take the National Exam.
If they pass the exam, students will be certified to work anywhere in the country.
To qualify for admission into this program, applicants must complete the following requirements:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be a high school graduate or equivalent
Previous experience is not required.
Contact Information
- Address: 3610 Central Avenue, Ste. 201, Riverside, CA 92506
- Phone: 844-739-9042
- Website: https://www.phlebotomyusa.com/california/riverside-phlebotomy-courses
4Wagner Training Institute, Inc.
About the School
Wagner Training Institute, Inc. offers professional training in the medical community for over 20 years.
Those who want to earn a Phlebotomy License have to complete the following steps:
- Step 1: Complete 20 hours of basic training- this part costs $605
- Step 2: Complete Advanced Training for 20 hours- this costs $600
- Step 3: Complete 40 hours of Clinical Externship- for $700
- Step 4: Take the National Exam- the fee for this is $125; the sitting fee is $50
- Step 5: Apply for State License- this costs $100.
All these steps bring the total cost to $2,180.
Day and evening classes are available every month at the school’s Redlands classroom.
Additional off-site locations are available in Moreno Valley, Redlands, and San Bernardino.
Courses Offered
The basic and advanced courses include classes such as:
- Basic venous anatomy
- Introduction and demonstration of evacuated collection system, syringe, butterfly, and capillary punctures
- Contemporary sterilization procedures and protocol
- Instruction in blood-borne pathogen control
- Introduction to the Safety Needle Act mandated by OSHA
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1040 Nevada Street, Suites 305, Redlands, CA 92374
- Phone: (800) 845-8353
- Website: https://wti-edu.net
5SoCal Phlebotomy Institute
About the School
SoCal Phlebotomy Institute prepares students for careers in the medical field by providing phlebotomy training courses.
Classes are available in Los Angeles, West Hills, and Reseda.
The school is operated by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.
Courses Offered
The Phlebotomy Technician I Program includes 88 hours of training in total.
The class schedule includes an in-class lecture and a clinical externship (hands-on experience) part.
Weekday in-class lectures will be four hours and take place Monday to Thursday for three weeks followed by a 40-hour clinical externship.
Saturday in-class lectures will be eight hours, for six Saturdays followed by a 40-hour clinical externship.
Classes start every month.
You must be 18 or older with a high school diploma or GED equivalent in order to qualify for this program.
Contact Information
- Address: 855 N. Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029
- Phone: 747-300-5592
- Website: https://socalphlebotomy.com
6AUMT Institute -The Phlebotomy School
About the School
AUMT Institute -The Phlebotomy School offers training programs for aspiring healthcare professionals in California.
Students have access to flexible, cost-effective learning opportunities that help them start a new career in this field.
The school provides a Medical Assistant, EKG, and Phlebotomy Package for $5,000.
The Phlebotomy program covers the collection of blood specimens using standard phlebotomy techniques.
Students also learn about record checks, record keeping, verification of patient identification, specimen processing, and how to instruct patients on how to collect urine, stool, and sputum.
The program is approved in California and includes 48 hours of lectures at the school’s local campuses and 40 hours of practical experience at the students’ nearby clinical training sites.
Students are required to complete 50 venipunctures, 10 capillary punctures, and observation of two arterial punctures.
Applicants must have a high school diploma, GED, or foreign transcript.
Prospective students also meet with the school’s admissions representatives who assess the students’ qualifications and conduct a physical tour of the facilities.
Contact Information
- Address: 43300 Business Park Dr #201, Temecula, CA 92590
- Phone: 951-695-5045
- Website: https://www.aumtinstitute.org
7Regan Career Institute
About the School
Regan Career Institute provides several programs that prepare students for a career in the medical field.
The institute provides short courses on EKG Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant Program, and Phlebotomy Training and long courses such as Medical Lab Technician Programs and Medical Assistant Programs.
Regan Career Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.
Courses Offered
The Phlebotomy Technician program includes 80 hours of training and covers seven lessons.
Students spend more than 40 hours in class and 40 hours in an externship.
The externship is scheduled after classroom training is completed.
Daytime and weekend schedules are available.
Course curriculum includes:
- Introduction to Medical Assisting & Medical Terminology
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Administrative Duties
- Clinical Responsibilities
- Healthcare & Administrative
- Pharmacology
- Externship
Contact Information
- Address: 3144 Santa Anita Ave. 2nd Floor El Monte CA 91733
- Phone: (213) 398-8838
- Website: https://rci.edu
8Clinical Training Institute
About the School
Clinical Training Institute provides comprehensive training programs that prepare students for careers in phlebotomy and medical coding.
The institute has several campuses in California, including Oxnard, Bakersfield, Lancaster, Santa Maria, Fresno, and Visalia.
Before being allowed to draw blood, you have to fulfill the following requirements:
- Pass a written certification exam
- Complete Skin punctures
- Complete Venipunctures
- Clinical training at a state-approved lab
- Didactic training
Courses Offered
The Phlebotomy Technician program includes 50 percent theory and 50 percent hands-on training.
After completing the program, students are equipped with a variety of skills, including:
- The commonly used medical terminology related to phlebotomy
- How to obtain blood through various blood collection procedures
- Be familiar with complications and procedural errors
- Be familiar with blood collection equipment and procedures
- The anatomy and physiology of the circulation system
- Be aware of the legal issues related to blood collection procedures and patient care
- The procedure for arterial blood collection
- Infection control, safety, and first aid
Contact Information
- Address: 2775 N Ventura Road, # 213, Oxnard CA 93036
- Phone: 888-335-0965
- Website: https://ctivoc.com
9American Harbor College
About the School
American Harbor College offers a Phlebotomy Technician Program that prepares students for careers as licensed phlebotomists.
Courses Offered
The Phlebotomy Technician Training Program is designed to help students acquire the practical knowledge and hands-on skills they need to draw blood from patients as entry-level phlebotomists.
The following flexible schedules are available:
- Day classes- that include ten classroom days plus open lab hours and an externship; students attend classes from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Thursday
- Evening classes- students attend classes from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday
- Weekend classes- this program includes six classroom days, an open lab, and an externship; students attend classes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Tuition for this program is $2,155.
Basic and Advanced Didactic Classroom instruction includes 20 hours of basic classroom instruction and 20 hours of advanced didactic classroom instruction.
This part includes practical, hands-on training in venipuncture practices and safety procedures.
The 40-hour externship has different schedules, depending upon each site’s specific requirements.
Contact Information
- Address: 2050 W. Chapman Ave, #108, Orange, CA 92868
- Phone: (714) 941-8224
- Website: https://ahc.edu
10Cal Regional Career Accelerated Learning
About the School
Cal Regional Career Accelerated Learning provides vocational training programs that prepare students for employment in some of the most in-demand job sectors.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the school:
- Phlebotomy Technician Program
- Medical Assistant Program
- Pharmacy Technician Program
- Emergency Medical Technician Program
- Online Medical Billing & Coding Specialist
- Online EKG Technician Program
The Phlebotomy Technician program helps students master the skills of blood and specimen collection in just three weeks and helps them begin an exciting career in phlebotomy.
Classes are available in El Centro and Fresno.
The program can be completed in three to 12 weeks.
The course is held in person and consists of 50 percent lectures and 50 percent labs.
The Phlebotomy program is authorized by the California Department of Public Health.
After graduation, students will be prepared to take the national exam for Phlebotomy Technician Certification through the American Medical Certification Association.
Contact Information
- Address: 4820 Business Center Drive, Suite 100 Fairfield, CA 94534
- Phone: (800) 927-5159
- Website: https://calregional.com
Regional Salary in California
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA | 230 | $46,960 | $22.58 | $59,250 | $36,140 |
| Chico, CA | 60 | $47,480 | $22.83 | $55,730 | $36,890 |
| El Centro, CA | 100 | $48,390 | $23.26 | $58,270 | $38,560 |
| Fresno, CA | 340 | $47,060 | $22.62 | $56,140 | $38,180 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 4,600 | $50,900 | $24.47 | $61,210 | $38,840 |
| Madera, CA | 30 | $47,740 | $22.95 | $58,440 | $39,320 |
| Merced, CA | 90 | $53,520 | $25.73 | $69,940 | $41,440 |
| Modesto, CA | 170 | $49,760 | $23.92 | $62,820 | $39,030 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 210 | $50,720 | $24.39 | $59,960 | $39,710 |
| Redding, CA | 110 | $46,860 | $22.53 | $58,850 | $37,710 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 1,360 | $50,880 | $24.46 | $66,690 | $38,860 |
| Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA | 790 | $51,050 | $24.54 | $60,330 | $38,950 |
| Salinas, CA | 100 | $55,340 | $26.61 | $66,680 | $44,480 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | 1,300 | $52,850 | $25.41 | $71,480 | $39,060 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | 1,350 | $59,690 | $28.7 | $75,460 | $45,900 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 450 | $60,600 | $29.13 | $73,410 | $47,200 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA | 100 | $49,490 | $23.79 | $60,720 | $38,110 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | 50 | $57,020 | $27.41 | $77,450 | $44,240 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | 240 | $57,500 | $27.64 | $66,290 | $47,570 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | 100 | $53,620 | $25.78 | $72,330 | $43,830 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | 160 | $56,340 | $27.09 | $74,860 | $39,160 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | 100 | $51,050 | $24.54 | $65,420 | $38,240 |
| Visalia-Porterville, CA | 110 | $47,820 | $22.99 | $56,600 | $38,520 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our list of the best phlebotomy schools in California, it’s time to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your needs.
This is an important step, so make sure you gather information about all the relevant factors before deciding where to enroll.
