Continuing Education Requirements for Phlebotomists

Phlebotomists, vital members of the healthcare team, are responsible for collecting blood samples for various medical purposes. To ensure they maintain their competency and stay abreast of evolving industry standards, continuing education is often a mandatory requirement. This article delves into the specifics of continuing education for phlebotomists, with a focus on California regulations and general best practices.

The Importance of Continuing Education

Phlebotomy Continuing Education (CPT CEU) is essential for certified phlebotomists who want to stay up to date with the latest industry standards, safety protocols, and blood collection techniques. CE courses help professionals maintain their certifications, meet employer requirements, and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations. Continuing education not only reinforces core skills like venipuncture and specimen handling but also introduces updates on new technologies and best practices in phlebotomy.

California-Specific Requirements

California law mandates that all phlebotomists be licensed or certified by the Department of Public Health Laboratory Field Services Branch (LFS). Laboratory Field Services must approve phlebotomists to seek ANY phlebotomy related employment in California. The Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT I) certificate authorizes individuals to perform skin puncture and venipuncture blood collection.

Initial Certification

To become a Certified Phlebotomy Technician I in California, applicants must meet specific requirements related to academic coursework, clinical training, or work experience. Work experience in California as an unlicensed laboratory staff person will not be accepted as qualification toward any clinical laboratory license unless as a medical assistant performing phlebotomy in a physician’s office or clinic that is not also licensed as a testing laboratory. Phlebotomy experience in a blood bank cannot count towards on-the-job phlebotomy experience for certification.

There are three paths for training and experience, depending on the applicant’s on-the-job phlebotomy experience:

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Applicants with no phlebotomy experience: Complete 40 hours of basic and advanced didactic (classroom) phlebotomy training from a phlebotomy program accredited by the California Department of Public Health. Complete 40 hours phlebotomy practice in a clinical setting that includes performance of at least 50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures and observation of arterial punctures in a phlebotomy training program approved by the California Department of Public Health.
Applicants with less than 1040 hours of on-the-job phlebotomy experience: Complete 40 hours of basic and advanced didactic (classroom) phlebotomy training from a phlebotomy program accredited by the California Department of Public Health. Complete at least 40 hours of experience in a clinical setting in the last 5 years. This experience must include at least 50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures and observation of arterial punctures.
Applicants with 1040 or more hours of on-the-job phlebotomy experience in the last 5 years: Complete 20 hours of advanced didactic (classroom) phlebotomy training from a phlebotomy program accredited by the California Department of Public Health. Document completion of at least 50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures and observation of arterial punctures.

Renewal Requirements

Once a phlebotomist receives their certificate in California, it needs to be renewed every two years. To renew, individuals must pay a fee and submit documentation of continuing education, as per the California Code of Regulations, Title 17, Section 1030.

The Laboratory Field Services requires California Phlebotomy Technicians to complete six contact hours of phlebotomy continuing education.

Online Renewal Process

California law requires license and certificate holders to renew California licenses and certificates every two years. On November 14, 2017, Laboratory Field Services (LFS) launched an update to PERL, the online application system for personnel licenses and certificates, which allows licensees and certificate holders to submit renewal applications online. LFS will not accept paper applications. All renewal applications submitted via the online system must include applicants' continuing education certificates and/or unofficial transcripts.

To renew a license or certificate, individuals can follow these steps:

Create an account by visiting the online application system, and log in to your account.
Match your account to your license or certificate record in the system. Then, click the microscope icon on the homepage.
Select the expiring license/certificate or click the “Renew Licenses” button, and follow the prompts to complete and submit the renewal application.

It is recommended to complete the online renewal application up to 60 days before the expiration of the license or certificate. To ensure that the renewal is processed before the expiration date, a complete renewal (including copies of continuing education certificates and/or unofficial transcripts) must be submitted through the online system at least 30 days prior to the license or certificate expiration date.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

It is illegal to perform blood draws in the State of California without having a valid and active phlebotomy CPT I or CPT II license. For phlebotomy license renewals a sixty-day grace period is granted allowing the State of California and Department of Public Health Laboratory Field Services processing time. A phlebotomist can still draw blood and work during the grace period, however, the grace period is not granted to every phlebotomy technician.

Choosing a Continuing Education Program

When selecting a continuing education program, phlebotomists should ensure that the provider is a Department-approved accrediting agency or an accredited academic institution.

NPCE, for example, offers a comprehensive phlebotomy continuing education course that is updated every three months to ensure the latest phlebotomy regulations are updated, and phlebotomist knowledge is up to date. This phlebotomy continuing education course includes six phlebotomy continuing education credits/hours approved by ASCLS P.A.C.E.®.

Key Features of a Good CE Program

Accreditation: The course should be approved by a recognized accrediting agency.
Comprehensive Content: The course should cover all necessary categories of phlebotomy including anatomy, components of blood, equipment and supplies, blood drawing procedures, specimen identification, and venipuncture complications.
Up-to-Date Information: The course material should reflect the latest industry standards, safety protocols, and techniques.
Flexible Learning Options: Online, self-paced courses offer convenience and flexibility for busy professionals.

General Phlebotomy Practices and Skills Enhancement

Continuing education courses often reinforce core skills and introduce new techniques and technologies. These courses can cover a wide range of topics, including:

Venipuncture Techniques: Proper techniques for blood collection using various methods, including vacuum collection devices, syringes, capillary skin puncture, and butterfly needles.
Specimen Handling: Best practices for specimen labeling, quality assurance, and specimen handling and processing.
Infection Control: Emphasis on infection prevention and standard precautions to ensure the safety of both the phlebotomist and the patient.
Patient Interaction: Effective communication and patient care skills.
Medical Terminology: Understanding and using medical terminology related to phlebotomy.

Resources and Support

Phlebotomists can access various resources and support systems to help them meet their continuing education requirements and stay informed about industry updates. These include:

Professional Organizations: Organizations like the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) offer continuing education programs and resources.
Online Platforms: NPCE and other online platforms provide comprehensive continuing education courses.
State Licensing Boards: The California Department of Public Health Laboratory Field Services Branch (LFS) provides information on licensing and renewal requirements.

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