Phlebotomy Training In Bakersfield Ca

Kern County Phlebotomy Training Opportunities

Phlebotomists in Kern County complete either on-the-job training, cross-train from another health care profession that require blood drawing skills, or formal phlebotomy training in Bakersfield Ca. However, new regulations in the State of California were adopted and signed into law stating that all prospective phlebotomists must:

• Either possess a GED or High School Diploma
• Complete 40 hours of didactic instruction
• Log 40 hours of clinical work
• Successfully perform 10 skin punctures and 50 venipunctures 

Work Environment

Typical work environments for phlebotomists include home health services, individual patient's homes, public health clinics, pharmaceutical companies, blood banks, for-profit laboratories, research institutions, physician's offices, hospitals, prisons, and assisted living facilities. Phlebotomists routinely work with nurses and physicians, lab technicians, and ancillary staff members. They deal with doctors and nurses, laboratory technicians, and support workers in various locations. Needless to say, on their rounds they will deal with both sick and healthy patients, from newborns to senior citizens.

Work Hours

Phlebotomists usually work regular office hours (Mo-Fr 8 AM to 5 PM). Sometimes they may have to work on weekends. Phlebotomists need to have an up-to-date First Aid Certificate, and they need to have a driver's licence if they are required to travel to collect samples.

Salary

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, research indicates that salaries reports that earnings are wildly varied, and levels of pay are mainly governed by qualifications and experience. Once established, competent phlebotomists who have maintained a stellar reputation are able to stay at the top of the pay scale. Currently the average salary is $32,000 - $46,000 for phlebotomists.

Educational Requirements

Students with an interest in attending a vocational program specializing in phlebotomy certification typically will need to have their GED, H.S. Diploma, or the equivalent. Although many phlebotomists are trained on the job or transition over from other health careers, in Kern County, there are 5 approved programs at technical/vocational schools that can be completed in less than one year.

Bakersfield Community College offers a One Semester phlebotomy certification program.

Skills Refinement

As with so many jobs learning does not end upon graduation. Since this is a hands-on profession, skills that were taught in the classroom are refined on the job. As the number of blood draws increases, the more confidence is gained, and the better the blood drawing techniques become.

Professional Continuing Education

In addition to taking continuing education courses through web sites or professional magazines phlebotomists can attend professional continuing education courses and participate in workshops often offered at local hospitals to keep their knowledge up to date and maintain their credentials.