About the Phlebotomy Technician Course

Get trained to draw or remove blood from a patient in order to obtain a sample for analysis and diagnosis.

Phlebotomists are in charge of drawing blood from patients using methods such as venipuncture. The technique of venipuncture consists of the phlebotomist locating the correct size vein in which to administer the proper needle for blood recovery.  Our program prepares you as an entry-level health care practitioner for certification as a CPT-1.  

Information sessions are in Spring semester for application to the Fall/Spring Phlebotomy (HCT 104) course. Information sessions for Fall 2026/Spring 2027 have ended. The next sessions will be held in Spring 2027 for the Fall 2027/Spring 2028 academic year. Attendance at an information session is mandatory to receive an application for the phlebotomy program. No exceptions!

Explore Potential Careers

Phlebotomist work with various health care professionals in hospitals, clinical labs, and outpatient settings. In California, Phlebotomists are licensed. If you looking to begin a career in health care, Phlebotomy may be a good place to start.

Bureau of Labor Statistics for Phlebotomy 

Program Information

Prerequisites:

  • Readiness for college-level English and a high school diploma or GED credential.
  • An AA or AS Degree or higher waives the English requirement.

Additional Requirements

  • A white lab coat and black scrubs
  • Phlebotomy Patch

The following documents are required for clinical placement at the student's expense.

  • Physical exam within six months
  • Immunization document with proof of antibodies
  • TB Test
  • Background screening and drug screening 

Two orientations will be held every spring semester. Attendance at one of the orientations is mandatory to receive an application. There will be no exceptions. Students will receive an application with the deadline date to submit their documents. Students will be selected for admission to the fall OR spring semester and notified by email.

Course Information

Lecture includes 20 "basic" hours in infection control, safety, circulatory system, medical terminology, patient and specimen identification and skin puncture, and 20 "advanced" hours in anatomical site selection and patient preparation, risks, and complications, post puncture care, anticoagulation theory, and quality assurance.  You will be assigned 40 hours in a clinical setting and must successfully complete 50 venipunctures, 10 skin punctures, and observation of one arterial puncture

Schedule

The Phlebotomy Technician course is offered at the John Adams Center, 1860 Hayes Street, San Francisco, California 94117, Main Building, Room 216 and 224.

  • Lecture:  Wednesday 3:10-5:00pm.
  • Lab:  Wednesday 1:10-3:00pm OR 5:10-7:00pm

Lab hours will be determined on the first day of class by lottery.

For CPT-1 certification information, please visit the California Department of Public Health Laboratory Field Service (LFS) webpage using the link below.

Laboratory Field Service Webpage

The certificate in Phlebotomy provides students with the theoretical knowledge and skills competencies necessary to meet California regulatory requirements for phlebotomy technicians and prepares students to take the CPT-1 examination. Students who complete their training satisfactorily are prepared to hold a position as a phlebotomist in a physician’s office, hospital, hospital outpatient clinic, medical clinic, and health centers. Students will also receive an AHA BLS Health Care Provider CPR card by successfully completing EMT 12. Students who successfully complete EMT 14 will receive an AHA BLS Health Care Provider CPR and first aid cards.

Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Perform venipuncture procedures safely and professionally within the scope of practice of a phlebotomist.
  • Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare providers.
  • Identify the requirements for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician Examination (CPT-I) for employment as a phlebotomist.
  • Collaborate in a culturally diverse healthcare environment and apply the principles of healthcare ethics and professional conduct with patients, staff, and the community.
  • Apply current basic life support (BLS) standards of practice to simulations of adult, child, and infant patients in need of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

The minimum time for completion of this certificate is one semester. Completion time will vary based on student preparation and the number of classes completed per semester.

View Requirements in College Catalog

Required Courses:

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
HCT 104 Phlebotomy Technician 5.5  
EMT 12  Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers 0.5  

OR

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
EMT 14  First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation 3  

Total Units: 6.0 - 8.5