Phlebotomy Training

close-up of person drawing blood on a maniken
At a Glance

Train for a new career as a phlebotomy technician!

The phlebotomy technician training course is designed to prepare students for entry level competencies as phlebotomists. Phlebotomists are skilled health care professionals who have been trained to handle and process blood and other specimens for laboratory analysis using venipuncture and micro collection techniques. Upon completion of the course, students will be prepared to work as phlebotomists and be eligible to take the ASCP certification exam.

Typical responsibilities

  • Perform venipuncture and capillary punctures to obtain blood samples for diagnostic testing.
  • Confirm patient information and properly label specimens to ensure accurate results and prevent errors.
  • Set up and maintain phlebotomy tools, such as needles, collection tubes, tourniquets and antiseptics.
  • Follow strict protocols for hand hygiene, glove use and proper disposal of sharps and biohazard materials.
  • Explain procedures, answer questions and help patients feel at ease during blood collection.
  • Properly handle, store and transport specimens to the lab for analysis, following all required protocols.
  • Accurately record collection information, specimen types and any issues/complications during the procedure.
  • Sanitize equipment and surfaces regularly and ensure phlebotomy supplies are well-stocked.
  • Communicate with nurses, physicians and lab personnel to support patient care and testing needs.

Work environment

Phlebotomy technicians can work in a wide range of clinical settings, like hospitals, outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, diagnostic laboratories and blood donation centers. Work schedules can vary depending on the facility, offering flexibility with days, evenings, nights and even weekend shifts depending on facility needs.

Upcoming Classes

Spring 2026

Springfield

Orientation: Jan. 15, 2026, 6-7:30 p.m.

Jan. 20-March 26, 2026 (17 sessions + final exam)
No class: March 10, 12 (Spring Break)
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-9 p.m.

Clinical Externship:
Group A: March 30-April 24 (100 hours)
Group B Refresher Classes: April 21 and 23
Group B Externship: April 27-May 22 (100 hours)
The externship is Monday-Friday during normal business hours, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What to expect in class

Students enrolled in the phlebotomy technician program can expect comprehensive and engaging learning experience designed to prepare them for real-world working environments. Classes are held in the evenings, twice a week, for four hours per session, making the program accessible for those balancing work or other commitments. Over the course of the program, students will complete 51 hours of classroom instruction. You will learn:

  • Introduction to phlebotomy
  • Infection control and safety
  • Venipuncture techniques
  • Capillary collection techniques
  • Proper specimen handling and processing
     
Externship

As part of the program requirements, students must perform 100 successful live sticks and complete 100 hours of externship training at one of our partner health care facilities. This hands-on experience allows students to apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world clinical setting under the supervision of experienced professionals. During the externship, students will be expected to have open availability during normal business hours. This invaluable training provides exposure to daily phlebotomy technician responsibilities, enhances practical skills and helps students gain confidence in their abilities.

Certification

After successfully completing 51 hours of classroom instruction and a 100-hour externship, students will have the opportunity to sit for the Phlebotomy Technician Certification Exam, Route 2, through the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

Learn More about PBT Certification through ASCP: ASCP PBT Certification Exam.

Job Outlook

Cost

$2,490 (includes books, lab fees and externship placement)

Additional costs: background check, drug screen and scrubs.

Note: This course is not eligible for financial aid; however, payment plans are available.

Support available

PATH (with electrocardiogram lines). Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce

The Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce (PATH) program provides financial and other supports for occupations within the health care field. Learn more about PATH, including support services, programs and eligibility.

Registration Information

The phlebotomy program is offered twice per year. Registration for the spring semester (January start date) begins in October of the year prior. Registration for the fall semester (August start date) begins in April each year.

Step 1: Apply for admission to LLCC

Apply

Step 2: Decide how you will pay for the program

Students who are planning to use grant funds (WEI, PATH, WIOA) must receive and provide proof of official approval for funding before registering for the program.

Apply to WEI/PATH

Grants

PATH and WEI are grants that are available through LLCC. There is one application for both grant programs.

  • The Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce (PATH) program provides financial and other support for occupations within the health care field. Learn more about PATH, including support services, programs and eligibility.
  • The Open Door – WEI grant program at LLCC is designed to bridge workforce gaps and equip participants with the skills needed to secure well-paying, full-time careers. The grant is funded through the Illinois Community College Board. Learn more about Open Door Workforce Empowerment Initiative, including support services, programs and eligibility.

WIOA: The phlebotomy program is eligible for WIOA funding. Students who are planning to use WIOA funds and need a letter on LLCC official letter head can email Continuing.Education@llcc.edu to request a letter.

Payment plans

LLCC offers payment plans that allow students to pay tuition in monthly installments. Students on a payment plan will need to be paid in full prior to starting their clinical externship.

Pay in full

Students can also pay for the program in full. LLCC accepts cash, money order, personal check, cashier's check, VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Payment can be made in person, over the phone or online. LLCC does not charge a fee for credit/debit card payments.

Step 3: Schedule your registration appointment

Once you are ready to register for the program, schedule your appointment with the program coordinator.
Registration appointments are 30 minutes and can be completed in person at LLCC-Medical District or over the phone. If you choose to do your registration over the phone, you will also need to have access to your email.

Students who have not completed the previous steps or who are not yet approved for funding will not be able to register during their appointment. The program coordinator will discuss next steps and options at the time of your appointment.

Register for an appointment

Eligible candidates must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Have a high school diploma or GED.
  • Be proficient in English.

 

Once an applicant has been registered for the program, there are additional requirements that the student must meet prior to the start of the program to hold their spot.

CPR certification 

All students are required to be CPR certified by the second week of class. This certification must be either American Red Cross (Professional Rescuer) or American Heart Association (Healthcare Provider). Cards from organizations other than these are not accepted.

Drug screening

All students are required to complete a drug screen prior to the start of class. The drug screen fee is paid by the student. If a student receives a positive drug screen result (including but not limited to marijuana), they will not be permitted to start the program. Students who take a medication that may cause a positive test result should provide a note from a physician.

Background check 

All students are also required to complete a background check conducted through American Data Bank (Complio); the background check is completed at the time of Complio account creation. The background check fee is paid by the student. If you have questions regarding program eligibility due to previous convictions or current charges please email Continuing.Education@llcc.edu for guidance on next steps.

Required immunizations 

All students are required to show proof of satisfactory immunization requirements prior to starting the program. Students are required to show proof of immunity to:

  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccination: Documentation of two MMR series or titer documentation that shows immunity for each: measles, mumps and rubella.
  • Varicella (chickenpox) vaccination: Documentation of history of chickenpox, history of two vaccinations or documentation of positive Varicella titer.
  • Hepatitis B vaccination: Documentation of three-shot series, positive Hepatitis B titer or signed Hepatitis B declination. Students who submit a declination for medical reasons must also provide a signed physician’s note.
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (TDAP) or Adult Tetanus, Diphtheria (Td): Documentation of TDAP or Td within the past 10 years.
  • Tuberculosis (TB) test: two-step skin test or QuantiFERON Gold blood test prior to attending the clinical experience. If past positive skin test, a chest X-ray is required. May be obtained at local health department or by physician.
  • Flu: Students attending externship October-April are required to have a flu shot before attending their clinical externship.

Students are eligible to take the PBT (ASCP) exam, Route 2, upon successful completion of this program.
 

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