Phlebotomy

Spring 2023 Phlebotomy Cohort

The MJC Certified Phlebotomy Technician 1 Program offers not-for-credit Fee Based and Free classes. To learn more about the programs click on Fee Based Program and/or Free Program below.

Informational Meetings for the Free Program are full and registration has closed. If you would like to be notified when the application process opens for the Fee Based Program (classes starting February 2027) complete the Phlebotomy Interest List.

Fee Based Program
- Program Start Date: February 2027
- Classes Offered: Saturdays, 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Class Location: Modesto Junior College - West Campus
- Program Fee: $4,200
  - Payment plan available
  - Not eligible for financial aid
- Program Fees Include:
  - Instruction
  - Textbooks & Materials
  - Scrubs
  - CPR certification for Health Care Professionals
  - NHA Exam
  - Background & Drug Screening
  - Externship Insurance
Learn more about the admission requirements and application process

Fee Based Program Timeline

To be notified when the application process opens for the Fee Based Program complete the Phlebotomy Interest List.
Free Program
Free Program Sponsored by Ceres Adult School
- Program Start Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
- Class Offered: Mondays & Wednesdays from 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
- Class Location: Ceres Adult School - 4295 Central Ave, Ceres
- Program Fee: Free - Offered at no cost to participants
- Free childcare provided for participants' children ages 1-12 years old. For questions about childcare contact Ceres Adult School 209-556-1557.
Learn more about the admission requirements and application process

Free Program Timeline
- Application available: Monday, June 8, 2026
- Informational Meetings: Meetings are full, registration is closed.
- Application Deadline: Monday, July 20, 2026
- Interviews: Friday, July 31, 2026 & Monday, August 3, 2026
- Class begins: Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician 1 in California

Graduate from an Accredited Phlebotomy Training Program
Pass a National Exam – Approximately $125.00
Apply to the California Department of Health, Laboratory Field Services for your License – Approximately $125. This Licensure must be renewed every 2 years to stay current and to be able to work as a phlebotomist.

If you are interested in this program, start getting your requirements ready NOW!

About Our Program

We strive to give students a strong foundation in the principles of phlebotomy and prepare students to successfully pass a National Phlebotomy Certification Examination:

Students attend 84 hours of didactic in classroom lessons.
Students will complete 40 hours of externship:
- Practical Instruction in a Clinical Setting.
- Students are placed in a 40 hour externship to be completed in one week, Monday-Friday, 8 hours per workday. During this time students must complete a minimum of 50 successful venipunctures, with a stretch goal of 100 or more. Ten skin punctures two arterial (observed) blood draws are completed in class.
- Externship sites require all students to pass a drug screening, criminal background check, and provide proof of immunizations.

Attendance Policy

Due to California State requirements, absence from class or externship time is not permitted. Being late, leaving early, and/or being absent from class may result in students being dismissed from the program.

This program is designed to be completed in approximately 6 to 8 months.

Admission Requirements

You must be 18 years of age or older
You must be a high school graduate or possess a high school equivalency certificate. Foreign academic transcripts must be translated and evaluated by a LFS approved entity – this applies to applicants with transcripts from foreign countries ONLY.
You must attend a mandatory informational meeting
You must meet the reading assessment requirement
You must pass and maintain a clean criminal background check and maintain a clean drug screening (Information given on 1st day of class)

Application Process

Your application will not be accepted unless you have met the requirements below.