Phlebotomy classes in Sacramento range from focused blood collection courses to longer healthcare certificates and diplomas. You can compare local campuses, published costs and clinical requirements here, then plan for California's separate CPT I application.
California credentialCertified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT I)
New applicant training40 hours classroom plus 40 hours clinical practice
Hands-on minimum50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures
College optionSierra College: one semester (16 weeks)
Local phlebotomy training and published fees
Compare short courses with combined healthcare tracks, paying close attention to externship timing. The check line identifies the CDPH Laboratory Field Services approved-school list used for each listing.
This standalone course has prior education or healthcare experience requirements. Includes 60 classroom hours and a 40-hour unpaid externship; prepares for NCPT.
40 hours in-class instruction plus a 40-hour externship
November 3-19, 2026 day or evening classes; Saturday option November 7-December 12
Location page: $2,795 all-in for November/December 2026 and $2,895 for 2027; public class calendar: $2,395 for November 2026 (checked October 27, 2026)
The Summer/Fall 2026 catalog lists different instructional hours and includes CPR/BLS and national exam fees. Confirm the January cohort's syllabus and full charges.
November 3-19, 2026 day or evening cohorts; Saturdays November 7-December 12, 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Location page: $2,795 all-in for November/December 2026 and $2,895 for 2027; public class calendar: $2,395 for November 2026 (checked October 27, 2026)
Campus offers a standalone phlebotomy course for applicants with qualifying healthcare education, prerequisite coursework or recent patient care experience.
40 hours in-class instruction plus a 40-hour externship
Schedule
November 3-19, 2026 day or evening classes; Saturday option November 7-December 12
Published cost
Location page: $2,795 all-in for November/December 2026 and $2,895 for 2027; public class calendar: $2,395 for November 2026 (checked October 27, 2026)
Address
2804 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 170, Sacramento, CA 95833
National Career Education combines blood collection, laboratory procedures and electrocardiogram training in a diploma program at its Citrus Heights campus.
November 3-19, 2026 day or evening cohorts; Saturdays November 7-December 12, 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Published cost
Location page: $2,795 all-in for November/December 2026 and $2,895 for 2027; public class calendar: $2,395 for November 2026 (checked October 27, 2026)
Address
8421 Auburn Blvd., Suite 161, Citrus Heights, CA 95610
Match the provider and city against CDPH's approved phlebotomy school list. Ask who arranges the clinical placement and whether its schedule fits your work hours.
2
Prepare your education records
Laboratory Field Services requires qualifying education documentation, such as a high school graduation transcript or accepted equivalency. Official transcripts must come directly from the issuing school; non-U.S. education has separate evaluation requirements.
3
Complete classroom and clinical practice
For an applicant without qualifying experience, CDPH requires 40 classroom hours and 40 clinical hours. Clinical training must include at least 50 venipunctures, 10 skin punctures and observation of arterial punctures.
4
Pass an accepted national exam
Choose a certification exam from a CDPH-approved organization, such as NCCT, NHA, AMT, ASCP, ACA or AMCA. Ask your school which exam it prepares you for and whether the fee is included.
5
Apply to Laboratory Field Services
Use the online application linked by CDPH and select CPT I. Submit training, practical experience and exam documents, arrange official transcripts and pay the application fee.
Phlebotomist employment and pay in the Sacramento metro
In May 2025, BLS OEWS reported 790 phlebotomist jobs (SOC 31-9097) in the Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA metro area. Median wages were $25.27 per hour and $52,560 per year. These are occupation-wide regional estimates, covering workers with different levels of experience across the metro.
The BLS survey definitions distinguish employment from job openings and the median from the mean. Half of workers earn below the median and half above it. Use these figures to weigh training expenses, then check an employer's actual starting rate, shift times, travel expectations and benefit eligibility before accepting a role.
What phlebotomy training costs
Campus publishes $4,250 tuition and $4,971 total charges for its standalone course. The NCE 2026 catalog lists $14,880 tuition and $15,266 total charges for a longer combined lab, EKG and phlebotomy diploma. Charles A. Jones lists a $2,995 program cost with other charges separate. Compare the full bill, including screening, exams and state application costs.
Funding depends on the exact program. NCE's catalog describes FAFSA, Pell Grants and other aid for eligible students. Ask the aid office to confirm program eligibility before you borrow. EGACE says its CTI courses do not accept FAFSA or Pell and directs students to Sacramento Works for possible help. A local Job Center can discuss WIOA eligibility and training funding. Check GI Bill program approval if you have veteran education benefits, and ask your employer about tuition reimbursement before paying.
Yes. CDPH Laboratory Field Services describes CPT I as the certificate authorizing skin puncture and venipuncture blood collection. Training, practical work and an accepted national examination form part of the application. Passing a national exam does not replace the California application, and a school's completion certificate is a separate document from state certification.
How much clinical practice does a beginner need?
For applicants without qualifying prior experience, CDPH requires 40 hours of clinical phlebotomy practice. It must include at least 50 venipunctures, 10 skin punctures and observation of arterial punctures. Ask the school how it documents those tasks and who signs the practical training form you will upload with your state application.
Are all Sacramento phlebotomy programs the same length?
No. Sierra College describes a 16-week semester course, while Campus publishes a 12-week standalone course with prior education or experience requirements. NCE offers a 36-week combined diploma with lab and EKG training. Compare the full track and clinical placement timetable, since classroom dates alone do not show every graduation requirement.
Can I take phlebotomy classes while working?
Some schools publish evening or weekend choices. Phlebotomy Training Specialists in Sacramento offers morning, evening and Saturday schedules, followed by an externship. NCE's catalog warns that externships follow the host site's schedule, generally during the day. Get your clinical dates and hours in writing before choosing classes around a job.
Can a short phlebotomy course receive Pell Grants?
Do not assume it can. EGACE's phlebotomy page says its CTI courses do not accept FAFSA or Pell Grants and points students toward possible Sacramento Works assistance. Longer programs may have different eligibility. Ask the school aid office about the exact credential and contact a Job Center before enrolling if you want workforce funding considered.