One phlebotomy program trains students within 50 miles of California Polytechnic State University, CA. The closest is Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo, 1 mile away: a certificate that takes 18 weeks. Published prices nearby start at $184 (Bakersfield College). The shortest is Bakersfield College's one semester certificate.
Phlebotomy (PHLB 109A/B)
Cuesta College: dates, cost and how to apply: Phlebotomy (PHLB 109A/B)
Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT1) Program
See Kern Valley Medical College's program page: Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT1) Program
Certified Phlebotomy Technician (MEDS B55), Job Skills Certificate
| School | Campus | Miles | Credential | Length | Externship | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuesta College | San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 | Certificate | 18 wk | Yes | |
| Kern Valley Medical College | Bakersfield, CA | 90 | Non-credit course | 5 wk | 40 hr | $1,800 |
| Bakersfield College | Bakersfield, CA | 95 | Certificate | 1 wk | 40 hr | $184 |
Phlebotomists in California earned a median of $56,040 a year ($27 an hour) in the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 survey, $10,810 above the national median of $45,230. The middle half of California's 13,520 phlebotomists earned between $47,800 and $62,790.
Hospitals hire phlebotomists, and so do outpatient labs, blood banks and clinics. Medicare lists three hospitals within 25 miles of California Polytechnic State University, CA:
California sets its own rule. California requires a state phlebotomy certificate from the Department of Public Health before you draw blood as a phlebotomist. There are three levels: Limited Phlebotomy Technician for skin punctures, CPT I for skin punctures and venipuncture, and CPT II, which adds arterial punctures. Phlebotomy license requirements by state
Sources: BLS OEWS, phlebotomists (SOC 31-9097), May 2025; CMS Hospital General Information (data.cms.gov), distances measured from ZIP centroids.
Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo, about 1 mile away. Phlebotomy (PHLB 109A/B) takes 18 weeks and includes a clinical externship.
Published prices within 100 miles run from $184 at Bakersfield College to $1,800 at Kern Valley Medical College. Each is the whole-program price the school lists; most leave out the certification exam fee, scrubs, a background check and immunizations.
Bakersfield College's Certified Phlebotomy Technician (MEDS B55), Job Skills Certificate takes one semester, the shortest stated length within 100 miles. Kern Valley Medical College (5 weeks) is next.
Yes. Cuesta College (San Luis Obispo, evening) runs evening or weekend sessions.
Two of the three programs listed here name a national exam on their own pages: Kern Valley Medical College (NHA CPT) and Bakersfield College (NHA CPT).
A median of $56,040 a year, or $27 an hour, in the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 survey of 13,520 phlebotomists in California. The national median was $45,230.
Every phlebotomy program in California, ranked · How to become a phlebotomist · Check your certification eligibility