Phlebotomy
The MLT 100 Phlebotomy & Clinical Laboratory course provides the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) competencies to competently perform venipuncture and capillary puncture for blood collection purposes and clinical laboratory procedures typically performed by healthcare professionals. You will learn about clinical laboratory processes: Collecting, handling and transporting specimens; CLIA-waived laboratory testing; quality control; and laboratory safety, as well as how to safely perform phlebotomy venipunctures and capillary punctures. Topics emphasized include infection control, legal and ethical responsibilities, professionalism and interpersonal communication skills. This course is 32 theory hours and 32 laboratory hours.
Requirements:
- No background check, CPR or drug screen.
- Will need a physical exam.
- Two-step TB test series.
- Hepatitis B waiver or proof of shot series.
Most clinical sites require vaccination against COVID-19. Check with your program coordinator for more details.
Illinois does not require certification or licensure at this time to work as a phlebotomist. Students can sit for the PBT (phlebotomy) registry exam after working full time for one year and documenting that work record.
Advanced career opportunities include a Medical Lab Technician, which requires an associate of applied science degree and a Medical Technologist, which requires a bachelor's degree.
Pathways to other programs
Admission requirements
Course prerequisites:
- College placement exam equivalent eligibility for entrance to ENG 097 with a C or higher.
Career and technical programs/courses are offered without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or status in any group protected by applicable federal, state or local law. For more information, contact the Title IX coordinator at 309.341.5258 or the ADA/504 coordinator at 309.341.5262.
For additional information contact:
Welcome Center
309.345.3500
welcomecenter@sandburg.edu
Employment
Graduates are able to work at hospitals, clinics, Red Cross, Mississippi Valley Regional blood center or Fresinius dialysis centers.
Employment of phlebotomists is projected to grow 22.2% from 2020-2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. An annual salary for entry-level workers starts around $26,925. Mid-level pay is $36,320 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $63,000. (state of Illinois averages)
Working conditions
Phlebotomists work mainly in hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, blood donor centers and outpatient offices. Phlebotomists work closely with nurses, nursing assistants and other healthcare professionals. Most work will consist of eight- or 12-hour shifts, which could include evenings, weekends and holidays. If you are considering this field, you must be able to accurately record and report information, maintain confidentiality, and present a calm and professional demeanor to patients, families and coworkers.
GRADUATES FROM THIS COURSE PURSUE CAREERS IN FIELDS SUCH AS:
Sample schedule
Please contact the Welcome Center for a sample schedule.
ESTIMATED COST
View the phlebotomy course cost sheet.
FINANCIAL AID
To apply for financial aid, visit our financial aid page for more information.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) helps job seekers access employment, education, training and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. Contact the local office to see if you qualify for financial support.
- Hancock County | 550 N. Madison St. | Carthage, IL | 217.357.6749
- Warren/Henderson County |1025 S. 2nd St | Monmouth, IL | 309.734.4745
- Knox County Bondi Building | 311 E. Main, Suite 612 | Galesburg, IL | 309.343.9832
- McDonough County | 440 N. Lafayette | Macomb, IL | 309.837.1280
SCHOLARSHIPS
Thanks to our generous donors, the Carl Sandburg College Foundation is able to award more than $100,000 each year in scholarship dollars to Sandburg students. High school, adult learners and returning students are eligible to apply between October 1 and March 15 for the upcoming year.
Meet the instructors
Diane Girdler
Phlebotomy Instructor