Phlebotomy Training Program
Certificate of Performance Phlebotomy · San Diego Mesa College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Summary
The Phlebotomy Training Program offers a one semester Certificate of Performance in Phlebotomy. Students who successfully complete the Phlebotomy Training Program and receive a Certificate of Performance are eligible to apply for State of California certification as a Certified Phlebotomy Technician 1 (CPT 1) and sit for several national examinations.
Award Notes: A Certificate of Performance is a departmental award that does not appear on the student’s transcript. All courses must be completed within the San Diego Community College District. This program is not eligible for federal financial aid in accordance with Federal regulations.
Learning Outcome(s): Students who complete the Phlebotomy Training Program Program will be able to:
- Perform safe and effective technical skills relative to the phlebotomy technician "scope of practice".
- Enter the workforce as an entry level Certified Phlebotomy Technician.
Admission Criteria
Eligibility for enrollment in this program is determined by a special admission procedure. Interested persons should review program information at our website.
Students completing the Phlebotomy Training Program must complete a minimum of 50 to 100 successful venipunctures, 25 successful capillary punctures and observe 2 arterial punctures in order to be awarded a Certificate of Performance in Phlebotomy. Students completing the program are eligible to sit one of two national board exams and apply for licensure with the State of California as a Certified Phlebotomy Technician 1 (CPT 1) upon passing the national board.
This program includes basic and advanced didactic and practical phlebotomy training, including a minimum of 50 to 100 patient venipunctures, 25 capillary punctures and two arterial puncture observations.
Directed Clinical Practice Requirement
Students accepted into the Phlebotomy Training Program are required to successfully complete Directed Clinical Practice; a clinically-based course held in health care facilities. The facilities may require background checks, including fingerprinting and drug screening as a condition of placement at the clinic. Refusal to submit to a background check, or failure to meet clearance criteria established by the health care facility, may prevent placement in the Directed Clinical Practice and thus, prevent successful completion of the program. Health care facilities also require adherence to strict standards of conduct. Facilities may refuse educational access to any person who does not adhere to the facility’s standard of safety, health and ethical behavior. This may be cause for removal from the program.