The Saddleback College Clinical Lab Assistant / Phlebotomy Certificate of Completion gives pre-professional and current professionals the opportunity to master skills necessary for employment as a Clinical Lab Assistant and/or Phlebotomist

Program highlights include:

  • Non-credit, tuition-free certificate program.
  • Four-course sequence allowing students to complete their certificate as quickly as two terms.
  • Hybrid (online and in-person) class formats allows for ease of completion.
  • Assisted coordination for clinical placement reduces the stress of students finding their own clinical sites.
  • Exceptional full and part-time faculty with a passion for student success.


Upon successful completion of the Certificate of Completion in Clinical Lab Assistant and Phlebotomy, students are eligible to take the CDPH/LFS approved board exam and apply for Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT-1) license, issued by the California Department of Public Health/ Laboratory Field Services (CDPH/LFS) branch. To be employed as a Phlebotomist in California, a state-issued certificate or license is required. Once licensed, Phlebotomists can work in both private and public diagnostic laboratories, forensic labs, veterinary labs, and biomedical research laboratories.

Students who complete this program will be able to:

  • Perform blood specimen collection, transport, and processing as required for diagnostic testing.
  • Practice established safety procedures and communicate effectively and professionally with patients, laboratory personnel, and other members of the health care team.
  • Demonstrate preparation for applicable State of California approved Phlebotomy certification exam.
     

Degrees and Certificates

View Classes in the Class Schedule

Clinical Lab Assistant/Phlebotomy Program Information

Students must:

  • Have earned at least a High School Diploma, HiSET, or a GED by the program end.
  • Attend a mandatory information session.
  • Be 18 years or older.
  • Possess a social security number or ITIN number by the program end.
  • Have a CASAS score of 230 or higher.

Information Sessions

Application Dates

  • Students apply for the fall start English Language Learner Phlebotomy program from June 1, 2024 to July 1, 2024 using the following link: https://sbcollege.submittable.com/submit/297273/ell-phlebotomy-fall-2024-application
  • Applicants will be notified of their acceptance on or after July 2, 2024.
    • The number of students admitted to the Clinical Lab Assistant/Phlebotomy Program is related to the number of available clinical training sites.
    • Students will be placed at one of Saddleback College’s contracted clinical facilities.
    • To participate in clinical training, students will be expected to obtain the required clearances for both Saddleback College and the training site.

Students enrolling in MLT 413NC, Phlebotomy Laboratory Experience are required to obtain the following clearances before participation in the clinical training. Any findings may affect the student's ability to progress through or complete the program.

Please see the Clinical Practicum Requirements in Clinical Lab Assistant/Phlebotomy Program Handbook for more information and required forms.


Students are advised to start the clearance process while enrolled in MLT 412NC, at least 3 months in advance of placement.

When you are accepted into the program, you will be notified of the process and deadlines to complete these clearances.

  • Mandatory Health Assessment Requirements
    • Verified by the Student Health Center
    • Students are required to obtain the following titers/immunizations/vaccines:
      • Measles
      • Mumps
      • Rubella
      • Varicella
      • TDAP
      • Hepatitis B
      • TB Skin test
      • COVID-19 (full immunity)
      • Annual Physical
      • Annual Seasonal Flu shot
  • Physical Advisory Statement and Instructions
  • Back Ground Check / Drug Screening 
    • Students are required to use CastleBranch for the background check and drug screen.
  • Professional Behaviors Release
  • Liability Insurance - HPSO
  • FERPA Release 
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Card: 
    • Must be through the American Heart Association (No other Providers). 
  • Medical Insurance

NOTE: Phlebotomy courses are tuition free.

The English Language Learner program covers many of the costs associated with the program.

Tuition, Fees, and Program Costs
DescriptionCost
Tuition per unit (CA resident)$0
Book$80
Health Fee$26
Uniform: Shoes, Lab Coat, etc (approximately)$150
Professional Practice Experience (PPE) Expenses
Medical Clearance and Immunizations$150
Student Medical Liability Insurance$28
Background Investigation, Drug Test, and Tracker Fee$127
CPR/BLS$60
Total (estimated) Program Cost$420
Exam Application and License Fees
DescriptionCost
California Phlebotomy Exam Application Fee$130
California MLT License Fee$100

Costs should not deter you from completing this program. Students in need of financial assistance should immediately contact the Saddleback College Financial Aid Office.

Required Courses
CourseTitleHours
MLT 410NCIntroduction to the Clinical Laboratory Profession16.6
MLT 411NCBasic Laboratory Procedures16.6
MLT 412NC*Phlebotomy66.4
MLT 413NC*Phlebotomy Laboratory Experience58.1
 Total Hours Required157.70

*MLT 412NC and MLT 413NC must be taken at the same time.

2023-2024 Estimated Cost of Attendance

The estimated cost of attendance at Saddleback College includes an estimate for tuition and fees, books
and supplies as well as basic living expenses like food and housing, and personal and miscellaneous
expenses. Your actual expenses may be higher or lower than the amounts listed below.

Expenses Living With Parents (2 Semesters) Living Away from Parents (2 semesters)
Tuition & Fees $1,426 $1,426
Books & Supplies $938 $938
Living Expenses: Food & Housing $12,656 $22,670
Personal & Misc. $3,608 $4,428
Transportation $1,612 $1,764
Total Resident $20,240 $31,226
Total Non-Resident $32,540 $43,526
Expenses Living with Parents Living Away from Parents
Tuition & Fees $709 $709
Books & Supplies $312 $312
Living Expenses: Food & Housing $4,218 $7,557
Personal & Misc. $1,203 $1,476
Transportation $537 $588
Total Resident $6,979 $10,642
Total Non-Resident $13,129 $16,792
Expenses Living With Parents Living Away from Parents
  Summer Fall & Spring Summer Fall & Spring
Tuition & Fees $1,426 $709 $1,426 $709
Books & Supplies $938 $312 $938 $312
Transportation $1,612 $537 $1,764 $588
Total Resident $3,976 $1,558 $4,128 $1,609
Total Non-Resident $16,275 $7,708 $16,428 $7,759
  • Enrollment Fee: $46 per unit
    • Based on 15-units for Fall, Spring and Summer
  • Health Fee $26 for Fall and Spring, $22 for Summer
  • Non-Resident Tuition (in addition to the $46 per unit enrollment fee): $410 per unit ($365 non-resident tuition fee + $45 capital outlay fee)
  • Estimated cost of attendance may be adjusted for documented circumstances such as dependent care expenses, purchase of a computer, and other special circumstances (except for students enrolled less than half-time)

Optional fees

  • ASG Sticker - $10
  • Student Representation Fee - $2.00 (per semester)
  • Parking Permit Fee
  • Instructional Material Fees - as listed in the Schedule of Classes

Contact the Clinical Lab Assistant and Phlebotomy Program