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    Corporate & Continuing Education > Health & Medical > Phlebotomist Training Program

Phlebotomist Training Program

Phlebotomists collect human blood samples for the purpose of medical laboratory testing.

The Community Colleges of Spokane's phlebotomy technician program is offered in fall and spring quarters. This intensive 8-week program provides students with the fundamental skills for entry-level work in the phlebotomy profession. Expert classroom instruction combined with clinical internships prepare students to:

  • Select and prepare skin puncture sites.
  • Use a variety of blood drawing techniques.
  • Prepare and maintain laboratory supplies and equipment.
  • Provide professional, safe, quality patient care.

Over the course of 8 weeks, students will complete online course work, in person lab practice, and in person clinical placements at facilities around Spokane County.

Each assignment, quiz or exam must have a minimum score of 75% to pass. A score of less than 75% for any portion of the class upon completion may result in failing of the course.

Students who successfully complete this program will be prepared to sit for the ASCP Board of Registry Phlebotomy exam.

To be placed on the interest list or for more information, email: cehealthandmed@ccs.spokane.edu or call (509) 279-6144.

Class Registration

Register for the next class by following the link below. Add yourself to the waitlist if the class is full. You will receive updates on future class schedules.

Register for Next Class

As a general rule, background checks are required for ALL healthcare professions. Background checks are designed to ensure that healthcare professionals, at all levels, do not present a risk to the patient population. The extent and scope of background checks varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. (A jurisdiction is the governmental agency that has the authority to determine law such as federal, state, county, city etc.)

The following outline applies to the requirements for Washington State.  Other jurisdictions may have more or less particular requirements.  If you are seeking certification or employment in other jurisdictions (outside of Washington State), you are responsible to meet their requirements.

Background checks are required for Spokane College students pursuing educational programs in healthcare.  The college does not conduct or require background checks for the programs themselves, however, in order to complete the internship portion of the program, at a healthcare facility, students are required to complete and submit a background check. This requirement is based on the healthcare facilities obligation to comply with state law and the colleges contract with those facilities.

  • Students in healthcare programs are required to complete and submit a background check prior to entering an internship at a healthcare facility in order to meet the contractual requirements for internships at those healthcare facilities, as well as, to ensure future certification eligibility.
  • The State of Washington, Department of Health has the authority to conduct background checks for healthcare professions to determine whether to issue certification or licensure in Washington State.
  • Healthcare facilities have the authority to conduct background checks to determine whether to employ an individual or allow an individual to volunteer (externship) at their facility.
  • As a general rule, all of the following categories are considered exclusionary (they will prevent you from certification or employment).
    • A gross misdemeanor, or felony involving "crimes against persons" (murder, assault, rape, abuse, robbery etc.).
    • A gross misdemeanor, or felony involving "crimes relating to drugs" (manufacture, delivery, or possession of a controlled substance.)
    • A gross misdemeanor, or felony involving "crimes relating to financial exploitation" (extortion, theft, robbery etc).
  • If you are not confident about passing your background check, you are encouraged to discuss this BEFORE you enter the program.
  • Background checks can take from 2-8 weeks, plan accordingly.
  • Background checks related to Spokane College programs are valid for one (1) year.
  • Spokane College DOES NOT provide determinations regarding your background check.
  • Items that may or may not disqualify you are based on determinations by the Washington State Department of Health (for Washington) and our contractual agreements with healthcare facilities.
  • Healthcare facilities MAY REQUIRE ADDITIONAL or MORE STRINGENT REQUIREMENTS than the minimum requirements for the state.

The cost of the background check conducted for the phlebotomy program is included in the program fee. We will collect your information for the background on the first day of class.

Spokane Course Cost:

Certificate course fee updated to $2,275

(Includes Lab Fee, Drug Screen, Insurance Fee & National Background Check)               

Additional Fees:
Parking Pass: $35.00

*Out of State Tuition does not apply. Prices are subject to change and may not include sales tax. Please contact (509) 279-6144 for pricing and information for our Coville phlebotomy program.

Tuition Assistance:

The phlebotomy program is a non-credit course and is not eligible for federal financial aid.  Additional funding options as listed:

  • WorkFirst (WorkFirst Financial Aid may be available for TANF eligible recipients.) tuition assistance questions should be directed to the SCC WorkFirst office at 509-533-8210
  • SCC Worker Retraining Program 509-533-8056
  • Career Path Services 509-227-2892
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Services 509-363-4700
  • Workforce Investment Act (WIA) through WorkSource at 509-532-3109
  • Workforce Transitions: 509-533-7249; SCC Campus - Building 6 Room 112

We encourage you to take a quick funding survey at startnextquarter.org to see if you qualify for tuition assistance.

To apply for a phlebotomy certification in Washington State, there are no specific immunization requirements explicitly listed by the Department of Health for certification purposes. However, many phlebotomy training programs and healthcare employers may require proof of immunizations as part of their policies to ensure safety in clinical environments. Commonly required vaccines may include:

  1. Hepatitis B: Often required due to the potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
  2. MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella): Proof of vaccination or immunity is typically expected.
  3. Varicella (Chickenpox): Either vaccination proof or immunity documentation.
  4. Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): Especially for healthcare workers.
  5. Influenza: Annual vaccination, depending on the season.
  6. COVID-19: Vaccination may be required by certain employers or facilities.

Since requirements can vary depending on your training program or place of employment, it's a good idea to confirm with your phlebotomy program or employer regarding their specific immunization policies.

For more detailed information about the certification process, you can visit the Washington State Department of Health's Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist Certification page.