Phlebotomy/Laboratory Assistant

The Phlebotomy program is a one-semester certificate program that will prepare students for entry-level positions as a phlebotomist in the medical field. The program provides the didactic and clinical training necessary to meet the eligibility requirements for the national certification examinations.

The Lab assistant diploma is a two-semester diploma program that will prepare students for career opportunities as a laboratory assistant in the healthcare field. The program also provides the basic foundational skills for continuation into the Medical Laboratory Technician Program.

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.

To gain acceptance into the WDT Phlebotomy/Laboratory Assistant program, applicants must:

1. Complete Western Dakota Tech Admissions Application
2. Complete the ACCUPLACER test ($15 fee)
3. Schedule your Admissions Advising Session
4. Provide an official copy of a High School transcript or GED scores. If you graduated from an international high school, you must submit your transcript to Educational Credential Evaluators to determine U.S. equivalence. Additionally, an official transcript must be submitted if you have attended other post-secondary institutions or universities.
5. Submit Immunization Records verifying two doses of MMR vaccinations
6. Once you receive your acceptance letter, schedule a time to register for classes

(The ACCUPLACER test will be waived if you have an ACT sub-score of 18 or better in English, Math, and Reading, or a SAT sub-score of at least 440 in Verbal and Math.  The scores must be within the last five years.)

Please call 605-718-2565 to make an appointment.

To continue into Phlebotomy/Laboratory Assistant 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 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/lab assistants collect, transport, handle, and process blood and microbiology, and other body fluid specimens for laboratory analysis and may also perform waived and point of care testing. They identify and select equipment, supplies, and additives used in blood collection and understand factors that affect specimen collection procedures and test results. Recognizing the importance of specimen collection in the overall patient care system, phlebotomists adhere to infection control and safety policies and procedures. They monitor quality control within predetermined limits while demonstrating professional conduct, stress management, and communication skills with patients, peers, and other health care personnel as well as with the public.

Phlebotomists/Laboratory assistants are employed in hospitals, physician offices, and clinics, urgent care facilities, and blood banks as blood procurement specialists.

Program Requirements - Phlebotomy - Laboratory Assistant Diploma

Program Requirements - Phlebotomy Certificate

Program Learning Outcomes

Master Syllabi