Earn Your CPT I Phlebotomy Certification in Approximately 12 Weeks Offered at our Sacramento, CA Campus

Phlebotomy Program at Campus (formerly MTI College), Sacramento, California

Are you a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), Nationally Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA), or do you have Emergency Medical Services (EMS) training or healthcare experience? If you're looking to expand your clinical skill set and meet the eligibility requirements, Campus's Phlebotomy Certification Program may be the right next step.

This in-person program is designed for healthcare professionals who meet one of the following qualifications:

• Graduated from Campus/MTI College's Medical Assisting Program with a 3.3 GPA, 90% attendance, and a completed externship
• Completed a medical assisting program within the past 3 years from an accredited institution, with a 3.3 GPA
• Completed anatomy and physiology and medical terminology courses with a grade of "C" or better from a regionally accredited school
• Have at least one year of documented experience providing direct patient care in a healthcare setting within the last five years (e.g., charting, vital signs, venipuncture, administering injections, infection control)

Campus's Phlebotomy Program helps prepare students to sit for the National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT) exam, one of the required steps toward applying for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT I) license through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

Ready to take the next step? Explore our program details or contact our admissions team to learn more.

*Eligibility for certification and licensure is determined by external agencies and is not guaranteed by Campus. Students are responsible for reviewing all requirements set by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Completion of a certification exam is not required for graduation.

Phlebotomy Training Program Cost

Class Schedules

Morning Classes
Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm PST.

Night Classes
Tuesday and Friday, 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm PST.

Next Start Dates:

Phlebotomy Class Structure

The Phlebotomy Program at Campus (formerly MTI College) includes a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on experience, and preparation for certification and licensure. The program structure includes:

• 60 hours of in-person classroom instruction covering phlebotomy techniques, infection control, anatomy, medical ethics, and safety protocols
• 40 hours of hands-on externship in a medical facility, coordinated by Campus
• Preparation to sit for the National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT) exam, administered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)*
• Upon passing the exam and completing program requirements, students receive a certificate of completion and may be eligible to apply for a Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT I) license through the California Department of Public Health - Laboratory Field Services (CDPH-LFS)

*Eligibility to sit for the NCPT exam and apply for CPT I licensure is determined by external agencies and is not guaranteed by Campus. Students are responsible for meeting all requirements established by the NCCT and CDPH-LFS.

What is Phlebotomy?

Phlebotomy is the process of drawing blood from a vein or capillary for medical testing, transfusion, donation, or treatment. This procedure is commonly referred to as a venipuncture or blood draw, and it is most often used to collect samples for laboratory analysis and diagnosis.

In some cases, phlebotomists may also perform skin punctures, such as finger pricks, to collect smaller blood samples—for example, to check blood sugar levels. While phlebotomy is primarily used for diagnostic purposes, it may also be performed as part of a treatment plan. One example is therapeutic phlebotomy, in which blood is drawn to help manage conditions such as hemochromatosis (iron overload) or polycythemia (excess red blood cells).

Phlebotomists play an essential role in healthcare by ensuring that blood samples are collected safely, accurately, and in accordance with clinical standards.

What Does a Phlebotomist Do?

Phlebotomists are trained healthcare professionals who draw blood samples for laboratory testing, transfusions, or donation. They work closely with patients and clinical staff to ensure that blood collection is performed safely and accurately. While duties can vary by workplace, common responsibilities include:

• Drawing blood from patients or donors using proper techniques and equipment
• Applying bandages or gauze after blood is drawn to prevent bleeding
• Using and maintaining medical equipment such as needles, collection tubes, and specimen vials
• Labeling and preparing blood samples for laboratory processing
• Explaining procedures and reassuring patients to help reduce anxiety or discomfort
• Entering and updating patient data in electronic health records or laboratory systems
• Maintaining a clean and safe work area, including proper disposal of sharps and sterilization of tools

Where do phlebotomists work?

Phlebotomists are employed in a variety of healthcare settings where blood collection is needed for testing, diagnosis, or treatment. In some clinical environments, the phlebotomist may be the primary point of contact for patients during the sample collection process. As a result, strong communication skills, attention to detail, and professionalism are essential.

Common employment settings for phlebotomists include:

• Hospitals and urgent care centers
• Physicians' offices and outpatient clinics
• Clinical laboratories and diagnostic testing centers
• Blood donation centers
• Nursing homes and long-term care facilities
• Public health organizations and mobile collection units

Phlebotomists help ensure that specimens are collected safely and accurately, playing an important role in supporting patient care and clinical outcomes.*

*Employment opportunities vary based on location, employer requirements, experience, and certification. Completion of a phlebotomy training program does not guarantee employment.

Our Sacramento phlebotomy courses cover general phlebotomy techniques, specimen preparation, infection control, safety, medical ethics, legal issues, and communication.

Read more for an overview of each topic.

General Phlebotomy Techniques & Specimen Preparation

The majority of what you learn in phlebotomy school focuses on basic phlebotomy practices.

• Medical terminology for technicians
• Basic human anatomy and physiology
• Specimen, equipment, and collection tray identification
• Site selection and preparation
• Collection equipment
• Venipuncture, skin puncture, and post-puncture care.

Infection Control and Safety

In addition to phlebotomy basics, you learn how to prevent and control infection.

• Lab safety
• Clinical and Hospital safety
• Potential error, risk, and risk prevention

Medical Ethics, Legal Issues & Communication

Finally, no phlebotomy course is complete without preparing you for the administrative and interpersonal aspects of the job.

• Medical communication and medical ethics
• Workplace stress
• Coworker and patient behavior
• Aspects of quality assurance
• Certification and review

Phlebotomy Job Outlook

The healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the U.S. economy, and phlebotomy continues to be a field with consistent demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , employment of phlebotomists is projected to grow by 8% between 2023 and 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

What do Campus's Sacramento Phlebotomy Classes Cover?

Our Sacramento phlebotomy courses cover general phlebotomy techniques, specimen preparation, infection control, safety, medical ethics, legal issues, and communication. Read more for an overview of each topic.

Note: The data provided above are from a source unaffiliated with Campus, are for informational purposes only and represent the employment field as a whole. They are not solely specific to Campus graduates and, by providing the above information, Campus makes no representation, direct or implied, or opinion regarding employability.

What is Driving the Demand for Certified Phlebotomy Technicians?

Several factors continue to support the demand for trained phlebotomy professionals in today's healthcare system. Two key drivers include:

• The increasing use of blood analysis in the diagnosis and monitoring of medical conditions
• The ongoing need for blood donations, particularly during public health emergencies and natural disasters

Phlebotomists play an essential role in clinical settings by collecting and preparing blood samples needed for lab testing, transfusions, and research.

If you're considering a career in healthcare support, phlebotomy may offer a practical path into a high-demand field. Contact us to learn more about the Phlebotomy Program at Campus

Phlebotomy Career Advancement Opportunities

Phlebotomy can be a meaningful entry point into the healthcare field, with opportunities to grow based on experience, skill development, and workplace needs. Some phlebotomists report high job satisfaction due to factors such as:

• Contributing as a vital member of a healthcare team
• Working in structured clinical environments with consistent procedures
• Opportunities to specialize in areas such as pediatric, donor, or clinical research phlebotomy
• The potential for increased responsibility or compensation through experience or advanced roles*

Phlebotomy may also serve as a stepping stone to other allied health careers for individuals who wish to continue their professional development.

**Career advancement opportunities and job satisfaction vary by individual, employer, and healthcare setting. Campus does not guarantee employment, career progression, or salary outcomes.

Phlebotomy Training Requirements

In accordance with California state law, all students enrolled in Campus's Phlebotomy Program must complete both classroom instruction and a supervised externship.

The program includes:

• 60 hours of in-person classroom instruction, and
• A 40 hour unpaid externship at a Sacramento-area medical laboratory, clinic, or hospital

Campus coordinates externship placements with approved local healthcare facilities to help students apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. While the externship is unpaid, there is no additional tuition cost for participation.

This hands-on training is required for eligibility to apply for Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT I) licensure through the *California Department of Public Health - Laboratory Field Services (CDPH-LFS).

*Externship hours and availability may vary. Completion of the externship and training program does not guarantee certification or employment. Licensure is determined by CDPH-LFS and subject to their application and eligibility criteria.

Phlebotomy Program

Campus's Phlebotomy Technician program is approved by the California Department of Public Health - Laboratory Field Services (CDPH-LFS) to provide the training required for students seeking to become Certified Phlebotomy Technicians (CPT I) in California.

To be eligible to apply for CPT I licensure in the state of California, students must:

• Successfully complete the approved Phlebotomy Technician program, including the required externship hours
• Pass a national certification exam, such as the National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT) exam offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
• Submit a licensure application to CDPH-LFS

Students may enroll in the Phlebotomy program on its own or as an extension of the Medical Assisting with Phlebotomy Certificate program at Campus. NCPT exam preparation is included in the program, and Campus administers the NCPT exam onsite at the Sacramento campus.

*Eligibility to sit for the NCPT exam and apply for CPT I licensure is determined by the respective certifying and licensing bodies. Completion of the Campus program does not guarantee certification, licensure, or employment.

Have Questions? We're Here to Help.

Our admissions team is available to answer your questions and guide you through the application process. Call us at (916) 339-1500 to speak with a representative.

Ready to begin your phlebotomy training at Campus?

Complete your online application today and take the next step toward your educational goals.

New to the Medical Field?

If you don't have prior healthcare experience, consider our Medical Assisting with Phlebotomy Certificate program. This program is designed to provide foundational training in both clinical and administrative skills, including phlebotomy.

Fill out a Request Information form to explore whether this program is the right fit for your career goals.

Next Steps

Related Documents

• Medical Assisting Program Assessment 2022 (PDF)
• Phlebotomy Program Assessment 2022 (PDF)

Program Costs

Tuition and Fees

Admissions Registration Fee: $0
Tuition: $4,250
Books and Supplies: $1,637.76
Total: $5,887.76

Additional Expenses (Monthly)

Living with Parent
Housing: $0
Food: $817
Personal/Misc: $451
Transportation: $199

Not Living with Parent
Housing: $1,637
Food: $1,277
Personal/Misc: $552
Transportation: $218

Licensure

Campus's Phlebotomy Technician program is approved by the California Department of Public Health - Laboratory Field Services (CDPH-LFS) and is designed to meet the training requirements for individuals seeking to apply for Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT I) licensure in California.

To be eligible to apply for licensure, students must:

• Successfully complete an approved Phlebotomy Training Program, including a minimum of 40 hours of clinical externship
• Pass a national certification exam, such as the National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT) exam administered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
• Submit an application for CPT I licensure through CDPH-LFS

Campus provides NCPT exam preparation as part of the program, and the exam is administered onsite at the Sacramento campus.

Note: Completion of the program does not guarantee certification, licensure, or employment. Eligibility to sit for the NCPT exam and apply for CPT I licensure is determined by external agencies, including NCCT and CDPH-LFS.

California License Examination Pass Rates

From July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, 77% of Campus students who attempted the National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT) exam passed the examination.*

Please note that the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) does not publish institution-specific pass rates for the NCPT exam on its website. For the most current data regarding Campus's NCPT exam performance, please contact the institution directly.

*This information is provided in compliance with 34 CFR §668.6. Examination pass rates reflect only those students who sat for the NCPT exam during the specified period and do not represent licensure or employment outcomes. Campus does not guarantee certification or licensure. Completion of a certification exam is not required for graduation.