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    Lab Assistant, EKG Technician, and Phlebotomist training program at National Career Education in Citrus Heights, CA
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    Lab Assistant, EKG Technician, and Phlebotomist

    Train for three high-demand healthcare roles in one program. Learn laboratory procedures, electrocardiogram testing, and professional blood collection techniques.

    In as few as 9 Months
    NCPT & NEKG

    720 Clock Hours

    Program Length

    Certification Preparation

    Industry Recognized

    Small Classes

    Personal Attention

    Career Services

    Job Placement Help

    • 720 Hours · As Few as 9 Months

      Trains students in laboratory procedures across hematology, bacteriology, urinalysis, electrocardiography, and phlebotomy. Students also learn to take vital signs, communicate professionally with patients, and earn CPR certification.

    • 160-Hour Externship

      Includes a 160-hour supervised externship at an approved Sacramento-area site. Day and evening classes available, 5 hours per day, Monday through Thursday. Delivered in-classroom or hybrid online.

    • NCPT + NEKG Certification Prep

      Graduates are prepared to sit for the National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT) and National EKG Certification (NEKG) examinations. Note: phlebotomists in California are required to be certified by the state.

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    Financial aid for those who qualify.

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    Program Overview

    Our comprehensive program prepares you for diverse opportunities in diagnostic healthcare across three roles — lab assistant, EKG technician, and phlebotomist. You'll master phlebotomy techniques, learn to perform and interpret EKG tests, and gain laboratory skills essential for patient diagnosis, while preparing for the NCPT and NEKG certification exams.

    The Lab Assistant, EKG Technician, and Phlebotomist program is offered at our Citrus Heights campus, where small classes and hands-on labs are part of an ACCET-accredited career training environment. Tuition assistance is available through our financial aid options for those who qualify, and graduates receive ongoing support from our career services team. Learn about employer partnerships at NCE. Ready to apply? Review the steps on our admissions and enrollment page.

    Hands-On Training

    Get real-world experience in our industry-standard training facilities.

    Phlebotomy student practicing blood collection
    Student operating EKG equipment
    Lab assistant processing blood specimens

    Curriculum Highlights

    Phlebotomy Techniques & Procedures
    Venipuncture & Capillary Collection
    EKG/ECG Operation & Interpretation
    Medical Laboratory Procedures
    Specimen Processing & Handling
    Medical Terminology
    Anatomy & Physiology
    Infection Control & Safety
    Patient Care & Communication
    Clinical Externship

    Certifications This Program Prepares You For

    Certification preparation is distinct from earning a professional credential; candidates must meet the credentialing organization's requirements.

    National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT)

    National certification exam

    National certification demonstrating competency in blood collection and specimen handling. Phlebotomists in California are also required to be certified by the state.

    National EKG Certification (NEKG)

    National certification exam

    Validates competency in performing electrocardiograms.

    Where This Career Path Can Take You

    Explore the career paths and advancement opportunities available after completing this program.

    Entry Level

    Phlebotomist / EKG Tech

    Draw blood, perform EKGs, and process laboratory specimens.

    0-2 years
    Mid Level

    Senior Lab Technician

    Handle complex specimens and train new phlebotomists.

    2-4 years
    Senior Level

    Lab Team Lead

    Coordinate lab operations and ensure quality control standards.

    4-6 years
    Leadership

    Laboratory Supervisor / Manager

    Manage lab staff, budgets, and compliance with regulations.

    6+ years

    Course & Module Breakdown

    NCE's Lab Assistant, EKG Technician, and Phlebotomist program at our Citrus Heights campus totals 720 clock hours (175 lecture · 385 clinical/lab · 160 externship). Below is what students cover in each module:

    LA101 — Module A — Introduction to Phlebotomy80 hours · Prerequisite: No prerequisite

    An introduction to phlebotomy, including related procedures, complications, and special considerations for blood draws. Blood collection and venipuncture are covered, along with human relations and human behavior. Modules A–G may be taken in any sequence. Note: students must achieve 100% attendance to pass this module.

    LA201 — Module B — Laboratory Techniques & Safety80 hours · Prerequisite: No prerequisite

    Laboratory techniques including safety, isolation, hand washing, lab equipment and glassware, specimen handling, quality assurance, medical asepsis, and microscopic procedures. Additional work is provided in blood collection and venipuncture.

    LA301 — Module C — Anatomy, Vital Signs & CPR80 hours · Prerequisite: No prerequisite

    A course in anatomy that also covers vital signs and CPR. Additional work is provided in blood collection and venipuncture.

    LA401 — Module D — Urinary System, Urinalysis & Chemistry80 hours · Prerequisite: No prerequisite

    Provides an overview of the urinary system, urinalysis, and microscopic procedures, along with instruction in chemistry. Additional work is provided in blood collection and venipuncture.

    LA501 — Module E — Hematology & Coagulation80 hours · Prerequisite: No prerequisite

    An introduction to blood cells and hematology, RBC and WBC hematology, and the differential count of white blood cells, including coagulation studies. Instruction is also provided in blood handling and medical law and ethics. Additional work is provided in blood collection and venipuncture.

    LA601 — Module F — Pharmacology, Microbiology & Serology80 hours · Prerequisite: No prerequisite

    Instruction in pharmacology, drug testing, microbiology, and serology. Additional work is provided in blood collection and venipuncture.

    LA701 — Module G — Cardiovascular System & Electrocardiography80 hours · Prerequisite: No prerequisite

    Focuses on the cardiovascular system, electrocardiography, arrhythmia interpretation, and specialized cardiac procedures. Additional work is provided in blood collection and venipuncture.

    EXT801 — Externship160 hours · Prerequisite: LA101–LA701

    After completing the required classroom coursework, students proceed to a 160-hour externship at an approved Sacramento-area site. The externship provides a realistic work environment to apply skills learned in the classroom under the supervision of assigned personnel. Timesheets signed by the supervisor are submitted weekly. Students must complete the externship to successfully complete the program.

    Tuition, Requirements & Program Disclosures

    Review the published tuition, fees, textbook information, admissions policies, and program requirements before choosing a program. Read the student catalog together with its current addendum; the addendum includes cancellation-policy updates and Personal Fitness Trainer program information. Admissions can explain the requirements and costs that apply to your intended program.

    Career Outcomes

    Training focuses on skills used in medical offices, clinics, and laboratory settings. Graduates of NCE's Lab Assistant, EKG Technician, and Phlebotomist program may pursue entry-level job titles such as those below, depending on the role's requirements and any additional credentials.

    • EKG Technician
    • Laboratory Assistant
    • Phlebotomist
    • Phlebotomy Technician
    • Mobile Phlebotomist
    • Specimen Processor
    • Lab Aide
    • Patient Care Technician

    Note: This list reflects examples of entry-level job titles graduates may pursue. NCE does not promise or guarantee employment to any student or graduate. Some entry-level positions may require additional certifications, background checks, drug screenings, or state licensure not provided by the NCE program.

    Learn more about career services support for NCE graduates, review admissions and enrollment steps, or explore financial aid options for those who qualify.

    Training for a Lab, EKG & Phlebotomy Career in the Sacramento Region

    Sacramento-area healthcare includes a wide range of community hospitals, urgent care centers, diagnostic laboratories, dialysis clinics, outpatient facilities, and physician practices across Citrus Heights, Roseville, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, and Sacramento itself.

    NCE's Lab Assistant, EKG Technician, and Phlebotomist program at our Citrus Heights campus provides foundational training in three related areas — laboratory procedures, EKG, and phlebotomy — giving graduates flexibility across multiple healthcare settings. The program includes a supervised 160-hour externship at an approved Sacramento-area site.

    NCE's Citrus Heights campus is located at 6249 Sunrise Blvd, Citrus Heights, CA 95610, serving students from across the greater Sacramento region including Roseville, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, Antelope, and North Highlands. Explore all NCE programs or learn how financial aid is available to those who qualify.

    Important Disclosures

    • NCE offers career education and training. NCE does not offer employment.
    • NCE does not promise or guarantee employment to any student or graduate.
    • Career outcomes are not guaranteed and vary based on individual circumstances.
    • Some entry-level positions may require additional certifications, examinations, background checks, drug screenings, and/or state licensure that are not part of the NCE program.
    • Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
    • National Career Education is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET).

    Related at National Career Education

    Continue exploring how National Career Education supports Lab Assistant, EKG Technician, and Phlebotomist students from enrollment through graduation.

    Admissions & enrollment steps

    Requirements, application process, and how to start your career training.

    Financial aid for those who qualify

    Federal Pell Grants, student loans, and payment options at NCE.

    Career services & job placement support

    Resume help, interview prep, and graduate placement assistance.

    ACCET accreditation & approvals

    How NCE is accredited and what that means for your training.

    Citrus Heights-area employer partners

    Explore NCE's employer partnerships and career resources.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does NCE's Lab Assistant program prepare students for?
    National Career Education's Lab Assistant program prepares students for clinical laboratory roles including phlebotomy technician, EKG technician, and lab assistant positions in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic labs.
    Does the program cover EKG and phlebotomy?
    Yes. The Lab Assistant program at NCE includes both EKG training (electrocardiogram administration and interpretation) and phlebotomy (blood collection) as core curriculum components, in addition to general laboratory skills.
    How long is NCE's Lab Assistant program?
    The Lab Assistant program at National Career Education is a 9-month diploma program with a hands-on, on-campus format.
    What certifications does the program prepare students for?
    The program prepares students for nationally recognized certifications in phlebotomy and EKG. NCE's faculty work with students on the specific exam preparation aligned to their career path.
    What are the admission requirements?
    Applicants need a high school diploma or recognized equivalent and must demonstrate academic readiness by achieving the required test score(s) for their intended program. Applicants must be at least 18, or 17 with written parent or guardian approval and turn 18 before graduation or an externship/clinical, whichever comes first. Some programs have background or drug-screening requirements. Distance-education applicants complete an Online Readiness Assessment and online orientation. Review NCE's admissions information and catalog, and confirm program-specific requirements with the admissions team.
    Is financial aid available?
    Yes. National Career Education is approved for federal financial aid for qualifying students, including Pell Grants and federal student loans.
    Where can I review tuition, fees, and program disclosures?
    NCE publishes tuition, fees, and textbook information in its 2026 Student Catalog. Read the catalog together with the current addendum, including the Personal Fitness Trainer program information. The program's School Performance Fact Sheet provides required disclosures. These documents are linked on this page and in Student Consumer Information; the admissions team can explain the applicable costs and individual payment or financial aid options. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.

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