Phlebotomist Jobs in California and New York

About Imperial Locum & Why Work With Us

At Imperial Locum, we are a premier healthcare staffing agency dedicated to connecting medical professionals with top-tier career paths. We match doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and phlebotomists with vital roles in highly respected healthcare networks.

We make finding your next phlebotomist job simple. Our experienced team guides you through the credentialing process step by step, ensuring a smooth transition into your new role. We prioritize open communication so you always know what to expect. Partnering with us gives you access to a wide variety of phlebotomist jobs, including positions at major hospital systems, state hospitals, and specialized laboratory networks.

Contract and Travel Phlebotomy Roles

Can a phlebotomist work on a temporary or contract basis? Yes, absolutely! Healthcare facilities frequently rely on contract phlebotomists to help cover staffing shortages, seasonal demands, or leaves of absence.

We offer flexible, short-term contract phlebotomy jobs that match your lifestyle. You can choose to work close to home on local contracts or take your skills on the road with travel assignments. These assignments give you the freedom to choose where and when you want to work.

State Laws and Facility Requirements

"Everything varies completely based on state laws and specific facility requirements."

Phlebotomy regulations are not the same in California and New York. Some locations require state-level certificates, while others look for national certification. Because of this, your compensation package, including your phlebotomist average income or phlebotomist salary per hour, is never fixed. All contract terms, hourly pay, and daily schedules are determined on a case-by-case basis by local guidelines, state laws, and the final employment agreement.

Core Phlebotomist Job Role & Clinical Duties

Your main responsibility is to collect high-quality blood specimens safely and efficiently. Here is a look at the core phlebotomist job description duties you will handle on the job:

• Blood Draw Procedures: Perform safe venipunctures and capillary punctures on patients of all ages.

• Sample Labeling: Match patient records with collection tubes to ensure complete accuracy.

• Patient Safety: Explain drawing procedures to patients and monitor them to prevent fainting or adverse reactions.

• Specimen Delivery: Safely transport and process collected blood samples so they are ready for laboratory analysis.

Specialty Jobs in High-Demand Regions

We actively hire for phlebotomy contract jobs in key healthcare hubs:

• California: The state has high demand but requires a CPT I or CPT II certificate approved by California's Department of Public Health (CDPH). A phlebotomist salary in California generally reflects these strict state certification standards.

• New York: While New York does not require a state-specific license, national certification is highly preferred by top-tier facilities. Also, contract roles focus strictly on specimen collection, because laboratory processing requires separate state licensure.

Keep in mind that your phlebotomist annual salary or hourly pay rate is based on local demand and the specific location of your assignment. If you want to learn more about industry trends and career tips, explore How Long Does It Take to Become a Phlebotomist for helpful insights. 

Required Experience for Contract & Travel Assignments

To succeed in fast-paced contract and travel roles, healthcare facilities require phlebotomists who can hit the ground running with minimal onboarding. While formal certification forms your foundation, securing premium locum assignments requires proven, real-world clinical experience:

• Active Clinical Tenure: Most hospital systems and high-volume clinical laboratories require a minimum of “1 to 2 years of active, hands-on phlebotomy experience” in a fast-paced environment before you can qualify for travel or contract assignments.

• System Adaptability: You must be comfortable walking into a new facility and immediately adapting to their specific Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, specimen labeling technology, and unique laboratory workflows.

• Specialized Competencies: Experience drawing blood from diverse or high-difficulty patient populations—such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or ICU patients—will make your application highly competitive for top-paying contracts.

Phlebotomist Job Requirements to Start

To begin your next assignment, you will generally need to provide:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED).

• Experience: 1–2 years of active clinical phlebotomy experience (highly preferred for travel roles).

• Certification: National certification (such as ASCP, NHA, or AMT).

• State License: An active state certificate if required (like California's CDPH CPT certificate).

• Life Support: Active Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (AHA approved).

• Onboarding: Passing a standard medical screening and background check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a state-specific license to work in both California and New York?

No. California requires you to have a valid CPT I or CPT II certificate issued by Laboratory Field Services (LFS). New York does not require a state license, but most facilities there will require you to hold a national certification from an approved agency like the ASCP or NHA.

What is the difference between a local contract and a travel contract?

A local contract allows you to take temporary assignments at healthcare facilities close to your home. A travel contract involves taking assignments farther away, which often includes a travel stipend to cover your lodging and meals while you work at the distant facility.

How do I prepare for my first phlebotomy assignment with Imperial Locum?

Once you match with a job, our credentialing team will help you gather your training certificates, active BLS card, and medical history. We will walk you through the screening and background check steps required by the facility so you are ready to start on day one.

Submit Your Profile Today

Ready to take the next step in your career? Please connect with us today. Our recruitment team will help you find the best contract roles that match your goals in California and New York. Let's get you started on your next rewarding assignment!