Houston Medical Institute offers a 5-month Phlebotomy Technician program designed for those looking to enter the healthcare field with strong foundational knowledge and hands-on training. At $3,900, the program includes 300 clock hours, with 160 hours dedicated to externship experience in a real clinical setting. The curriculum includes CPR & First Aid, medical terminology, anatomy & physiology, and lab skills—making it more extensive than typical phlebotomy programs. Financial assistance is available through Meritize, and short-term payment plans are also offered.
A Deeper Dive into Phlebotomy
If you’re aiming for a well-rounded education that goes beyond basic blood draw skills, the Phlebotomy Technician program at Houston Medical Institute (HMI) might be worth exploring. This is not a quick weekend course—it’s a five-month commitment designed to provide in-depth learning and a clear understanding of what it’s like to work in a real medical environment.
The school emphasizes both technical and soft skills, preparing students not just to draw blood, but to handle administrative procedures, understand lab protocols, and communicate effectively in clinical settings. This broader training can be an advantage if you’re hoping to eventually move into other healthcare roles.
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Program Structure and Curriculum
The phlebotomy program includes 300 clock hours, broken into academic learning and an externship totaling 160 hours. That means over half of your time will be spent in a real healthcare setting, applying your classroom skills with actual patients and staff.
The core subjects include:
- Study Skills, CPR & First Aid
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Medical Terminology
- Laboratory Procedures & Communication
- Phlebotomy Techniques
- Administrative and Clerical Training
- Medical Law and Ethics
This type of curriculum is ideal for someone who wants to understand the full picture of patient care, not just the technical skill of drawing blood.
Hands-On Experience That Matters
Externship opportunities are built into the program, providing students with the kind of experience employers really look for. Spending 160 hours in a clinical setting means you’ll graduate with confidence—not just theory.
Externships help students become familiar with the pace and workflow of a lab or clinic, build communication skills with both patients and coworkers, and gain valuable exposure to the realities of day-to-day healthcare operations. It’s where everything comes together.
Tuition and Payment Options
The full tuition cost for the phlebotomy program is $3,900. While this is a higher price point compared to shorter, entry-level programs in the area, it reflects the depth and length of the course as well as the extensive externship included.
Houston Medical Institute offers short-term tuition payment plans, with options to break tuition into manageable installments over 8 months or less. This can ease the financial burden while you complete your training. The school also connects students with Meritize financial assistance, which may provide another funding pathway for those who qualify.
Students interested in applying can visit the Meritize link provided on the program page or speak directly with an admissions representative to explore their options.
Scheduling and Flexibility
The program runs for five months, but exact class schedules aren’t listed online. Based on the structure of similar programs, students should expect a regular weekly commitment that includes both classroom and clinical time. This isn’t a weekend-only or self-paced program—it’s designed for students who can commit to consistent attendance.
The inclusion of a structured externship also means that students need to have the flexibility to work onsite at a healthcare facility, likely during daytime hours, for a significant portion of the program.
School Mission and Approach
Founded in 2019, Houston Medical Institute is relatively new but purpose-driven. The school’s mission is to prepare students for the real demands of the healthcare industry through a combination of competence, passion for patient care, and strong academic support.
They aim to support students not just in the classroom, but in job readiness, encouraging both skill development and personal growth. The faculty’s goal is to guide students toward meaningful careers, with a focus on building both capability and confidence.
Facilities and Learning Environment
Houston Medical Institute is located at 1220 Augusta Dr., Houston, TX 77057, in a central area of the city. While there isn’t a lot of detailed information online about the campus itself, students can contact the school for a tour and speak directly with representatives about the learning environment and clinical partners.
The school appears focused on providing resources and structure that help students succeed, especially those new to the healthcare world.
Admissions and Enrollment
Specific admissions requirements are not outlined on the website, but standard expectations for this type of program may include:
- High school diploma or GED
- Proof of identity (government-issued ID)
- Completion of registration documents
- Willingness to commit to externship hours
- Participation in CPR/First Aid certification as part of the curriculum
Those interested in enrolling are encouraged to call or visit the campus to learn more about what’s required and begin the registration process.
Certification and Career Outlook
Once completed, students receive the training necessary to pursue national phlebotomy certification, which is typically required for employment. While the exact certification body is not listed, the inclusion of CPR, first aid, externship experience, and administrative training makes this program robust enough to meet the requirements of most major certification organizations.
Graduates will be ready to apply for phlebotomy jobs in:
- Hospitals
- Diagnostic laboratories
- Doctor’s offices
- Outpatient care centers
- Blood donation organizations
Given the growing demand for trained healthcare workers, students completing this program should find multiple entry-level opportunities in and around the Houston area.
Is This School Right For You?
This program is best suited for individuals who want more than just the basics. If you’re looking for a longer, more in-depth phlebotomy training experience with strong clinical exposure and a well-rounded curriculum, Houston Medical Institute offers a program that covers all bases. While it comes at a higher cost than shorter programs, the value lies in its structured externship, comprehensive subjects, and focus on both theory and practical training.
If you’re just looking for a fast certification and already have healthcare experience, this might feel too lengthy. But if you’re starting fresh or want a solid foundation to build a long-term healthcare career, this program offers a meaningful path forward. It’s also a good match for students who appreciate structure, are ready to commit for five months, and want support both in training and in the job search ahead.
Category | Details |
Cost | $3,900 |
Duration | 5 months (300 clock hours including 160-hour externship) |
Class Schedules | Not specified; likely weekday with externship hours |
Online Classes? | Not mentioned |
Job Placement? | Not specified |
Requirements | Not listed; likely includes HS diploma/GED and ID |
Address | 1220 Augusta Dr, Houston, TX 77057 |
Phone | 903-600-0221 |
Website | https://www.houstonmedicalinstitute.com/phlebotomy |
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