UCLA Phlebotomy Jobs: Requirements and Opportunities

UCLA Health offers a variety of allied health careers, including phlebotomy positions. These roles provide opportunities for professional growth, collaboration with top professionals, and the chance to contribute to the health of a diverse community. This article outlines the requirements for phlebotomy jobs at UCLA and provides an overview of the opportunities available within the UCLA Health system and Los Angeles County.

Allied Health Careers at UCLA Health: An Overview

UCLA Health values education and experience, offering ongoing learning and development opportunities to enhance skills and professional potential. This commitment extends to various allied health careers, including roles in imaging, pharmacy, rehabilitation, social work, laboratory medicine, and respiratory therapy.

Opportunities for Growth and Development

UCLA Health fosters a culture of continuous development, encouraging professionals to publish, participate in clinical education programs, conferences, and clinics. The organization provides access to state-of-the-art technology and best-in-class practices, ensuring employees can excel at the highest level of their profession.

Commitment to Patient Care

UCLA Health emphasizes a patient-first approach, encouraging teamwork and collaboration across disciplines to improve the patient experience. Employees are encouraged to provide specialized expertise, helping clinicians gain a better understanding of a patient’s condition and deliver more effective treatments.

Phlebotomy Positions at UCLA Health

Within the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, phlebotomists play a crucial role in providing diagnostic support for patients. These professionals demonstrate attention to detail, dexterity, and collaboration across disciplines.

Responsibilities of a Phlebotomist

Phlebotomists are responsible for:

Verifying patient identification.
Reviewing specimen requisitions and testing instructions from physicians.
Obtaining specimens of patient blood for diagnostic testing using venipuncture or skin puncture techniques.
Assembling testing equipment, including tourniquets, needles, blood collection devices, gauze, cotton, and alcohol.
Calming and reassuring patients who may be anxious about having blood drawn.
Explaining the purpose of the specimen collection to patients to elicit cooperation.
Preparing blood samples for diagnostic testing in the laboratory.

Requirements for Phlebotomy Jobs at UCLA

To be eligible for phlebotomy positions at UCLA Health, candidates must meet specific educational, certification, and health requirements.

Educational Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED).
Submission of official high school or college transcripts, or GED records that include the GED score. If the high school transcript was issued outside the United States, it must be evaluated by a state-approved evaluator (AICE). Evaluations completed before August 15, 2016, will only be accepted if completed by AACRAO.
Demonstrate a high degree of English language proficiency.

Certification and Licensure

A valid certificate to practice as a Certified Phlebotomy Technician I or II issued by the California State Department of Health Services, Laboratory Field Services (CA DHS-LFS) Phlebotomy Program.
A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

Health and Safety Requirements

Current CPR certification for healthcare providers: Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers from either the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.
Healthcare Provider Evaluation & Clearance for Mask Fit (Respirator) Testing: A physician must certify that the candidate is able to participate in mask fit (respirator) testing. The actual mask fit testing will be performed during the course.
Proof of health insurance and maintenance of coverage throughout the program. Private, state, and federal health insurance are all acceptable.
A negative TB skin test within three months of the beginning of the course or Quantiferon lab test results.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: The University of California requires all students to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including a booster dose, to access University facilities and programs. From 9/1 to 3/31, UCLA Center for Prehospital Care students must be in compliance with the LA County Public Health order for all persons in patient care settings to have the flu vaccine.
Completion of a background check a minimum of 14 days prior to the start of the Phlebotomy course. Background checks only report convictions, open cases, and adjudication withheld cases. Traffic offenses and moving violations including speeding, driving while under the influence, or reckless driving are not reported and thus do not impact the background check. If a case has been dismissed, it is not reported.

Experience

Six (6) months of experience at the level of the Los Angeles County class of Laboratory Assistant. Additional credit will be awarded for additional experience beyond the Minimum Requirements.

Phlebotomy Training at UCLA

UCLA offers a phlebotomy course through the UCLA Center for Prehospital Care. Enrollment in the course does not require previous medical experience. Successful completion of the didactic and clinical phases results in a course completion certificate, making graduates eligible to take the certifying exam for phlebotomists administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Los Angeles County Opportunities

The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS) also offers phlebotomy positions. DHS operates as an integrated health system, providing healthcare services across multiple facilities, including health centers, acute care hospitals, and correctional facilities.

Correctional Health Services

The County of Los Angeles is currently offering a 20% bonus for full-time Phlebotomy Technician I positions hired by Correctional Health Services and working on-site in a designated facility. This bonus is intended to meet critical healthcare needs for the uniquely underserved jail population.

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Application Process

Applications for phlebotomy positions at UCLA Health and Los Angeles County must be filed online. Applicants should provide detailed information about their education, training, and experience. It is essential to fill out the application completely, as comments such as “see resume or application” will not be considered as a response.

Important Considerations

UCLA Health and its recruiting organizations will never ask for money or payments from applicants at any point in the recruitment process.
All individuals who receive an employment offer from UCLA Health will be required to go through a formal recruitment process, which will always involve a virtual or in-person meeting with a UCLA Health employee or representative.
Do not disclose personal or financial details to anyone you do not know.

Additional Information

UCLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy. UCLA seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCLA community.

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