Medical Laboratory Assistant - Phlebotomy

The Medical Laboratory Assistant - Phlebotomy program is a one-semester certificate program designed to prepare students for employment as entry-level phlebotomists and/or medical laboratory assistants in a variety of healthcare settings. The program combines classroom instruction with 100 hours of phlebotomy clinical experience.  Upon completion of the didactic, hands-on labs and clinical training, students are eligible to take the American Medical Technologists (AMT) Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA) certification exam. Students may also elect to take the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or AMT Phlebotomy certification exam.

Clinical Requirements
Students are required to complete clinical rotations in healthcare facilities. Clinical assignments may include evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts to reflect the realities of the healthcare profession. Depending on program enrollment, clinical placements may occur during the summer semester and could require travel outside the Rapid City area.

Accreditation
The Phlebotomy program is accredited by the:
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
Phone: (773) 714-8880
Fax: (773) 714-8886
Email: naacls@mcs.net

Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant Program Approval

The Medical Laboratory Assistant-Phlebotomy Program is approved by:

American Medical Technologists (AMT)
10700 West Higgins Rd, Suite 150
Rosemont, IL 60018
Phone: 847-823-516
Email: mail@americanmedtech.org

To gain acceptance into the WDTC Medical Laboratory Assistant - Phlebotomy program, applicants must:

1. Complete WDT Application online at www.wdt.edu
2. Submit High School transcript or GED scores.
3. Submit Immunization Records verifying two doses of MMR vaccinations.
4. Submit official college transcripts if you have previously attended a post-secondary institution.
5. Schedule an Admissions Advising Session (can be completed on campus or by phone).
6. Complete the ACCUPLACER test ($15.00 fee). Call 605-718-2565 to schedule an appointment.

The ACCUPLACER test will be waived if you have an ACT sub-score of 18 or better in English, Math, and Reading.  To waive the ACCUPLACER with SAT scores a student will need a 500 on the MATH subsection of ACT and a composite of 970 to waive Writing and Reading. To place into MATH 114 a student will need a 520 on the MATH subsection.  

To continue into Medical Laboratory Assistant - Phlebotomy clinical, students may have to provide the following:

1. Background check*

2. Complete a drug test*

3. Provide a copy of immunization records (Hepatitis B Series, Varicella, TDAP, Annual Record of TB, COVID-19 and Annual Flu Shot)*

*Students are responsible for additional costs.

The program lead instructor will assist students with any clinical or internship site requirements.

Note: If you are or have been convicted, pleaded guilty or no contest to, or received a suspended imposition of sentence for a felony or certain misdemeanors, you are advised that you may not be able to complete all course requirements for your chosen program, you may be prevented from taking required certification/licensure examinations in your chosen program field, and you may be prevented from gaining employment in your program field.

Students that sit out for a spring or fall semester or longer, will return under a new Catalog and may be required to repeat courses or successfully complete new or revised skills or competency assessments. Before readmittance, the program may need to determine if a student is eligible to continue in technical courses. Program sequencing and cohort size may prevent enrollment in technical courses.

Clinicals, practicums, and internships may include, but are not limited to differential shifts (evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays) to meet industry expectations. Clinicals may occur during summer semester depending on program enrollments. This may require travel outside the Rapid City Area.

Download Application Process Checklist

Phlebotomists and medical laboratory assistants are trained to collect, process, and handle biological specimens—primarily blood—for diagnostic testing. These professionals must follow strict safety, quality control, and infection prevention protocols to ensure the accuracy of laboratory results and the safety of both patients and staff.

Core Responsibilities Include:

• Selecting and preparing appropriate equipment, supplies, and additives for specimen collection
• Performing venipuncture and capillary puncture procedures according to CLSI standards
• Recognizing variables that may affect specimen integrity and test results
• Maintaining quality assurance and quality control
• Processing blood, microbiology, and body fluid specimens for laboratory analysis
• Conducting routine waived and point-of-care testing
• Adhering to established infection control and safety procedures

Phlebotomists and laboratory assistants are integral members of the medical laboratory team and work closely with other healthcare professionals. Success in this field requires attention to detail, professionalism, effective communication, and the ability to manage stressful situations while maintaining a high level of patient care.

Employment Opportunities
Graduates of the program may find employment in:

• Hospitals
• Physician offices and outpatient clinics
• Urgent care facilities
• Blood banks and donation centers
• Research Labs

Clinical Affiliates

Program Flyer

Program Handbook

Program Requirements - Certificate

Program Learning Outcomes

Steps for Credential

Preceptor Handbook