Certification is issued by a private, national organization after you pass its exam (for example NHA, ASCP, AMT, NCCT or AMCA). In most states it is not legally required, but most employers prefer or require it.

Licensure is issued by a state government and is legally required to work in that state. As of this writing, California, Nevada, Louisiana and Washington regulate phlebotomy practice. Rules change, so always confirm with the state agency before you enroll anywhere.

Choosing a training program

• In a licensing state, confirm the program is approved by the state agency. In California, that is the California Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services (CDPH LFS), which publishes its list of approved phlebotomy training programs.
• Ask whether the program includes a clinical externship and how many supervised venipunctures and skin punctures it guarantees.
• Ask which certification exam the program prepares you for and its graduates’ pass rate.

About this course: it teaches the knowledge and career steps you need. It does not by itself issue a state license, and hands-on competencies must be signed off in a supervised clinical setting.