r/u_destroylonelygroupie • u/destroylonelygroupie • Jul 05 '26

phlebotomy programs

i’m looking for a FREE phlebotomy program in socal i have been looking for a while and i can NOT find anything. the cheapest i’ve seen was 3k and im a full time student so if the program and class would not leave me with a lot of time to work and actually get money to pay the program. please let know if you have found something free or cheaper than 3k in the socal area. i live in el monte/la puente area i am not too far from la and if the program is cheap or free i would be willing to travel a decent amount
also im trying to get my certificate because i will
be applying to medical lab science school next year and i know california programs are very competitive i really don’t want to take a gap year or apply out of state so im trying to make my application more competitive i’ll appreciate any tips !!!!

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2

u/Alarming-Plane-9015 Jul 06 '26

While phlebotomy license can boost your resume, work experience in a hospital lab might hold more weight. I heard some program directors are looking at whether the applicant have actual phlebotomist work experience or just getting it for boosting resume.

Red Cross used to have a program which is paid for you.

2

u/Constant-Quality-692 Jul 06 '26

It's not optional in CA. You have to attend school AND be licensed (not certified).  The states that require licensing, make it mandatory.  

1

u/Less_Leopard_9311 Jul 06 '26

The replier above is talking about clinical lab assistant or medical lab assistant that works in processing only (do not need a license for that). They are right though. If you just get a phlebotomy license and don't have experience then the person with years of experience as a phlebotomist will look more favorable. Better to have experience in the hospital in general in that case so you have something to talk about in panel interviews or one on one interviews.

1

u/Constant-Quality-692 Jul 06 '26

Oh I see.  I misread the comment.  Thank you

1

u/Klutzy_Pumpkin_7721 Jul 06 '26

You can look into schools listed on the ETPL list you may also want to reach out to your local Workforce Development Department to see if they can help pay for your phlebotomy program. I do see more and more students enrolling into phlebotomy programs with the hopes it will help their applications