Before You Start: Confirm Institutional Authorization
CDPH–LFS approves programs, not institutions. Ensure your school holds an active BPPE Approval to Operate (and that your catalog, enrollment agreement, and policies are current). Keep your BPPE approval letter and institutional number handy—you’ll reference them throughout.
Design a Compliant Phlebotomy Program
Your curriculum must include didactic (theory) and practical/lab training, and incorporate supervised clinical experience through formal affiliation agreements. Align hours, skills, and assessments to current LFS expectations for each certification level.
| Level | Training Focus (high level) |
|---|---|
| LPT (Limited Phlebotomy Technician) | Basic skin puncture (capillary) collection with core safety, anatomy, infection control, quality assurance, and patient ID/communication. |
| CPT I (Certified Phlebotomy Technician I) | Expanded classroom + practical training including venipuncture competencies and clinical experience at approved sites. |
| CPT II (Certified Phlebotomy Technician II) | Advanced competencies (e.g., arterial puncture under appropriate supervision) with additional training and documentation as required by LFS. |
Complete the LFS Application & Required Attachments
Core Application (PDF)
- Program name and location(s)
- Program Director and key personnel (licenses, credentials)
- Ownership/management disclosure (e.g., LAB 1513)
- Program levels offered (LPT, CPT I, CPT II)
- Delivery format (residential / blended / distance components)
Required Exhibits (Typical)
- Program Locations Database (all sites where training occurs)
- Program Personnel roster (licenses, experience, résumés)
- Blended/Distance Learning plan (if any online elements)
- Externship/Clinical Affiliation Agreements (signed, current)
- Clinical & Laboratory Equipment checklist (meets minimums)
- Certificate of Completion sample (contains required elements)
- Student Enrollment & Completion tracking template
Curriculum & Assessment Essentials
Map your syllabi to the competencies LFS expects: anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system, specimen collection, order of draw, safety and infection control, quality systems, legal/ethical issues, communication, and professional behavior. Define minimum skills checklists and ensure supervised practice aligns with program level. For blended delivery, describe LMS tools, identity verification, interaction, and proctoring.
Clinical/Externship Readiness
- Affiliation agreements with approved laboratories/healthcare facilities covering scope of practice, supervision, and evaluation.
- Site capacity that matches your projected enrollment (avoid over‑promising slots).
- Clear student eligibility gates before externship (e.g., immunizations, background checks, CPR, HIPAA training).
Submission, Processing & Follow‑Up
Submit your package per current LFS instructions (electronic portal or email/upload if specified in the most recent guidance). Keep confirmation emails and your application ID. Respond quickly and thoroughly to any LFS information requests. Be prepared for a facility review or document audit.
Renewals & Changes
Track renewal dates and notify LFS of material changes (director, ownership, locations, delivery format, certificate template). Maintain accurate rosters and logs so your renewal file is “audit‑ready.”
Common Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)
- Certificates of completion missing required fields (program level, hours, dates, director signature).
- Externship contracts unsigned or missing scope/supervision language.
- Instructor résumés without license numbers or proof of required experience.
- Curriculum hours that don’t reconcile across catalog, syllabi, and tracking sheets.
- Distance learning plans without interaction/proctoring details.