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Phlebotomist Program

Phlebotomists are allied health professionals that draw blood and conduct other specimen collections for the purpose of medical laboratory testing. Phlebotomists also recognize conditions that might alter collections, have a high regard for patient safety, and communicate with the laboratory to ensure the best possible care. They must also understand lab test requirements and maintain specimen quality. Work settings include doctor’s offices, hospitals, research facilities, and industrial laboratories.

In Washington State, phlebotomists are certified as “Medical Assistant - Phlebotomist” based on RCW 18.360 and WAC 246-827. This credential is NOT the same as “Medical Assistant - Certified”. More information about credential requirements in Washington State can be found at the Department of Health website for Medical Assistant License Requirements.  Spokane Colleges does offer a “Medical Assistant - Certified” program at our SCC campus. Please visit SCC’s Medical Assistant page to learn more. Spokane Colleges is authorized to provide phlebotomy training in Washington State under WAC 246-827-0410 (1), as a “postsecondary school or college accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education”.

The Spokane Colleges phlebotomy program is typically offered in fall and spring quarters, with the potential for additional schedules based on community needs. The program is an intensive 8-week, hybrid program providing students with the fundamental skills for entry-level work in the phlebotomy profession. Online media, reading and activities set the foundation for expert classroom and laboratory instruction that is followed by clinical internships at local laboratory facilities preparing 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. The program is rigorous, requiring a minimum of 80% on required assignments, quizzes or exams. A score of less than 80% for any portion of the class may result in failing of the program. Due to the rigorous and intensive nature of the program, attendance for all components must be maintained at 100%. 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
 

Program Requirements

The phlebotomy program has several additional requirements, beyond the education and training within the program. These requirements are similar for all healthcare programs in Washington State. These requirements are established by the Department of Health or our clinical partners. These requirements must be met PRIOR to participating in the clinical internships. The program fee includes the cost for most of these requirements.

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.

As a general rule, drug screenings are required for ALL healthcare professions. Drug screenings are designed to ensure that healthcare professionals, at all levels, do not present a risk to the patient population. The extent and scope of drug screenings 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.)

Drug screenings are required for Spokane College students pursuing educational programs in healthcare. The college does not conduct or require drug screenings 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 drug screening. This requirement is based on the healthcare facilities obligation to comply with state law and the colleges contract with those facilities.

If you are not confident about passing your drug screen, or have a valid prescription for a drug that may result in a positive, you are encouraged to discuss this BEFORE you enter the program.

The cost of the drug screen conducted for the phlebotomy program is included in the program fee. We will conduct the drug screen on the first day of class.

As a general rule, infectious disease testing and vaccinations are required for ALL healthcare professions.  Infectious disease testing and vaccinations are designed to ensure that healthcare professionals, at all levels, do not present a risk to the patient population. The extent and scope of testing and vaccinations 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.)

Infectious disease testing and vaccinations are required for Spokane College students pursuing educational programs in healthcare.  The college does not conduct or require infectious disease testing and vaccinations 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 verifiable record of infectious disease testing and vaccinations. This requirement is based on the healthcare facilities obligation to comply with state law and the colleges contract with those facilities.

The following requirements must be met and documented PRIOR to the internship:
 

Required Vaccinations
Requirement Documentation
Measles, Mumps, & Rubella

ONE of the following is required:

  • 2 vaccinations
  • — OR —
  • A positive Antibody Titer for Measles, Mumps and Rubella (Lab Report or Physician Verification of results required).

If any titer is Negative or Equivocal student must receive 1 booster shot and provide a second titer.
Varicella

ONE of the following is required:

  • 2 vaccinations
  • — OR —
  • Positive Antibody Titer (Lab report or physician verification of results required)
  • — OR —
  • Medically documented History of Disease.

If titer is negative or equivocal, student must receive 1 booster vaccination and provide a 2nd titer.
Hepatitis B

BOTH of the following are required:

  • 3 vaccinations
  • — AND —
  • A Positive Antibody Titer (Lab Report OR Physician verification of results required).

Declination waivers are accepted. If titer is negative or equivocal, student must repeat series and provide a 2nd Titer.
TB Skin Test

ONE of the following is required:

  • 2 step TB skin test (1-3 weeks apart)
  • — OR —
  • QuantiFERON Gold Blood Test
  • — OR —
  • If positive results, provide a clear chest x-ray (Lab Report or physician verification of results required).
Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (TDaP) Documentation of a TDaP booster within the past 10 years.
Influenza or Declination ONE of the following is required:
  • Documentation of a flu shot administered during the current flu season.
  • — OR —
  • A declination waiver.
COVID-19 Vaccination

BOTH of the following are required:

  • A minimum of a completed initial vaccine or series.
  • — AND —
  • ONE booster

The cost of the infectious disease testing and vaccinations for the phlebotomy program is NOT included in the program fee. Verifiable documentation of ALL requirements must be provided PRIOR to internships.

Additional Information

Additional information for the phlebotomy program can be found below.

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.