Three phlebotomy programs train students within 50 miles of La Cresta, CA, two of them within 25. The closest is Bakersfield College in Bakersfield, under a mile away: a certificate that takes one semester with a 40-hour externship. Published prices nearby start at $184 (Bakersfield College).
Certified Phlebotomy Technician (MEDS B55), Job Skills Certificate
Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT1) Program
See Kern Valley Medical College's program page: Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT1) Program
PAS Phlebotomy Program
Porterville Adult School admission and start dates: PAS Phlebotomy Program
| School | Campus | Miles | Credential | Length | Externship | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield College | Bakersfield, CA | 1 | Certificate | 1 wk | 40 hr | $184 |
| Kern Valley Medical College | Bakersfield, CA | 6 | Non-credit course | 5 wk | 40 hr | $1,800 |
| Porterville Adult School | Porterville, CA | 46 | Non-credit course | 16 wk | 40 hr | $1,650 |
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 five hospitals within 25 miles of La Cresta, 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.
Bakersfield College in Bakersfield, about under a mile away. Certified Phlebotomy Technician (MEDS B55), Job Skills Certificate takes one semester and includes a 40-hour externship.
Published prices within 50 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 50 miles. Kern Valley Medical College (5 weeks) is next.
Yes. Porterville Adult School (Porterville, evening) runs evening or weekend sessions.
Two of the three programs listed here name a national exam on their own pages: Bakersfield College (NHA CPT) and Kern Valley Medical 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