Lone Star College Phlebotomy Technician Program

During the program, students will develop essential skills needed to become a successful phlebotomy technician. These include proper identification and labeling of samples, how to perform blood draws accurately, how to follow infection control standards, and how to provide professional and ethical patient care. The coursework also includes training in handling difficult draws, communicating with patients, and preparing for unexpected clinical situations.

One of the standout features of Lone Star College’s program is its preparation for national certification exams. Graduates are eligible to take one of two widely recognized exams: the American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Certification is often required by employers and adds value to your résumé when job hunting.

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To enroll, students must complete a checklist of documentation and health requirements, which may take up to three weeks to finalize. This ensures students are fully prepared for both classroom and clinical settings.

Admission Requirements include:

• High school diploma or GED
• Background check through CastleBranch (varies by campus)
• Physical examination and health history form
• CPR certification (AHA or Red Cross)
• Immunization records (MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, TDaP, TB test, Flu shot)
• Texas-issued ID or driver’s license
• Social Security card
• Signed confidentiality and indemnification forms
• Proof of health insurance may also be required for clinical placements

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The clinical training portion is an essential part of the program and includes 100 hours of hands-on experience. Students are placed in local healthcare facilities, where they can practice venipuncture and specimen handling under supervision. Clinical shifts may follow daytime weekday hours, and placement depends on availability and student readiness.

It’s important to note that clinical placement is not guaranteed until all health and legal requirements are met. Students with a felony conviction are not eligible for clinical participation, and those with misdemeanors must be approved in advance.

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One advantage of Lone Star College’s phlebotomy program is its availability across multiple campuses, making it more accessible regardless of where students live in the Houston metro area. Locations include:

• LSC-CyFair
• LSC-Kingwood
• LSC-Montgomery
• LSC-North Harris
• LSC-Tomball

Each campus provides access to instructors and support staff who are familiar with the health science programs. Students with disabilities can also request accommodations through the appropriate campus Disability Services Office.

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Students enrolled in the phlebotomy program may be eligible for state and federal grants, including:

• Federal Pell Grants
• Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG)
• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
• Skills Development Fund (for eligible non-credit programs)

Lone Star College does not offer traditional financial aid for non-credit courses, but these grants and workforce training programs may significantly reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs.

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Phlebotomists are in high demand, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting steady job growth through the next decade. Entry-level wages in the Houston area average around $30,507, with mid-level professionals earning about $37,424 and senior-level phlebotomists making up to $44,742 annually.

Graduates can work in various settings including hospitals, diagnostic labs, clinics, doctors’ offices, and blood donation centers. The combination of hands-on training, national certification eligibility, and flexible campus locations makes this program a strong option for career changers or anyone looking to gain quick entry into healthcare.

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