Eligibility & Requirements

Licensed Phlebotomist | Schedule | Finances | Eligibility | Materials | FAQs

Student Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment into a phlebotomy course, you do not need to have any previous medical experience. You just need to meet the following minimum requirements:

• You must have a current CPR certification for healthcare providers throughout the phlebotomy course: Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers from either the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. Please visit our BLS page for details.

• Submit an official copy of your high school or college transcripts, or GED records that include your GED score. If you attended high school in another country, you must have your transcripts evaluated by a state-approved evaluator to ensure that the education received is equivalent to U.S. high school.

• Have a valid Social Security Number (for state licensing purposes).

• Meet all medical and insurance requirements and submit copies of all supporting documents.

• All potential students to the Phlebotomy course must be at least 18 years old and must complete a background check.

• UCLA requires that students demonstrate a high degree of English language proficiency. To ensure that you are equipped with the necessary skills to pursue the Phlebotomy program, you must be able to read, speak, and write fluently in English.

Foreign Transcripts

If your high-school transcript was issued outside the United States, it must be evaluated by a state-approved evaluator. The state has informed us that the Department of Health Services will accept educational transcript evaluations completed by “Current Members” of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), and “Endorsed Members” of the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE). Evaluations completed before August 15, 2016 will only be accepted if completed by AACRAO. Please use the links below to view the “Current” and “Endorsed” members of NACES and AICE.

• NACES Current Members: http://www.naces.org/members.html

• AICE Endorsed Members: http://aice-eval.org/members/

Medical Requirements

If you enroll into the phlebotomy course, you are required to complete and submit copies of the following medical and insurance records by the third class session. We will provide forms for your physician or healthcare provider to complete.

• Physical: A current basic physical examination (conducted within the 6 months prior to the beginning of the course), signed by a physician, that specifies that you have no physical limitations for participating in the classroom and clinical phases of the course.

• Healthcare Provider Evaluation & Clearance for Mask Fit (Respirator) Testing: Your physician must also certify that you are able to participate in mask fit (respirator) testing. We encourage you to obtain this clearance at the same time you do your physical. The actual mask fit testing will be performed during the course. The mask and testing materials are included in your course fee. The mask fit testing done in class requires men to shave their facial hair if it interferes with the seal of the mask. 

• Copy of health insurance card: You must provide proof of health insurance and maintain coverage throughout the program.  Private, state, and federal health insurance are all acceptable. You are responsible for all payment of medical care related to exposure/injuries/illnesses. 

• Proof of the following immunizations:

  • Hepatitis B vaccine/immunity: Proof of Hepatitis-B vaccine (3 shot series), positive Hep-B titer, OR signed declination form.
  • Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap): Proof of Tdap vaccine or signed declination form.
  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR): Proof of MMR vaccine or a positive MMR titer.
  • Tuberculosis: A negative TB skin test within three months of the beginning of the course or Quantiferon lab test results. If you had a positive reaction to a previous skin test, please submit documentation of a negative chest x-ray.
  • Varicella: A varicella vaccination (or proof of immunization or a positive varicella titer).

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. Students who cannot provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination may experience delays in clinical or field placement, extended completion times and the inability to meet course requirements for certification.  Limited allowance for medical and religious exemption is reviewed with supporting documentation.

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. Students who cannot provide proof of flu vaccination may experience delays in clinical or field placement, extended completion times or the inability to meet all course requirements for certification.

Background Requirements

All potential students to the Phlebotomy course must complete a background check a minimum of 14 days prior to the start of the Phlebotomy course. This background check is conducted by UCLA Human Resources shortly after you enroll in a 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. If the background check contains a criminal conviction or other potentially disqualifying information, an individualized assessment will be conducted.

Licensing

If you successfully complete the didactic and clinical phases, you will receive a course completion certificate and will be eligible to take the certifying exam for phlebotomists. The exam is administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Upon successfully passing the certifying exam, you can then apply for a phlebotomy license with the State of California by submitting your test results, your certificate of course completion, and confirmation of your clinical hours along with the application fee (approximately $100).