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In this three-credit course, you’ll learn to effectively and efficiently obtain quality blood samples for laboratory testing.
Program-specific courses are held in the Health Science Center, a shared facility located a few blocks from the La Crosse main campus. Check our maps page for specific location information.
Estimated Program Cost
Phlebotomy
This program will cost about $600* based on tuition and basic program fees. There may be additional fees for books, materials, and testing. For more information on tuition costs, visit the Tuition Page.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Graduation Employment Stats
Western conducts a follow-up survey of all grads six months after graduation to find out if they are employed in a job related to their program, how much they are making, and where they are employed.
Survey information is not currently available for this program. Please contact an Admissions Coach or call 606-785-9200 for more information.
Career Opportunities
Admission Requirements
College Requirements
Program Requirements
Western Technical College uses ACCUPLACER, a computer-based, online assessment that measures your abilities in reading, sentence skills, and arithmetic. This information will be used to place you in courses that best fit your academic goals. Based on your scores, you may need to take additional general studies course(s) along with the general studies courses required for your program.
Several options for waiving the ACCUPLACER test are available; view the waivers here.
Learn more about placement tests and how they are used at Western: Placement Testing.
Additional Requirements
To enroll in the Phlebotomy program, first apply for admission to the College, then read the program's Essential Functions and complete a background check. The last step for admission to the program will be to complete an Intent to Enroll form. You can find links to these documents below.
- Phlebotomy Essential Functions
- Background Check
- Contact the Welcome Center to make an appointment with an Admissions Coach to complete your Intent to Enroll form.
COVID-19 Vaccination Status
COVID-19 vaccination is not required to attend classes at Western Technical College, however some clinical sites who contract with Western for student rotations now have COVID-19 vaccination requirements. To prevent any potential interruption in your clinical/practicum/field classes, we are now requiring you to provide us with your COVID-19 vaccination status in order to plan for clinical rotations.
Software and Technology
Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.
If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form.
Computer/Laptop Hardware
- Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
- Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
- Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.
Software Needs
- Western uses the Blackboard Learning Management System. Some courses may use Zoom or Microsoft Teams to meet and work virtually. Visit our website for guidance on how to access and use these tools.
- Office 365 (available to download for free once you have a student email)
- Recommended web browsers: Chrome or Firefox
For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.
Campus Resources
- Western has several computer labs available. Visit our website to find open hours and locations on the La Crosse campus. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page.
- The Learning Commons has computers, webcams, and microphones available for in-house use. Our librarians recommend checking your local public library for computer access on the weekends. Staff members can also provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu or call 608-785-9198.
Need Assistance?
- Contact the Learning Commons! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.
Additional Information
Course Sequence and Delivery
The Phlebotomy Skills and Experience course is 3 credits and runs the entire length of the term. For the first half of the term, you will attend lecture and practice your skills in lab for two hours a day, two days a week. After you complete the lecture and lab portion of the course on campus, you will begin clinical rotations to obtain real-world experience. The clinical rotation consists of 64 hours and is completed during the second half of the course. You will be scheduled for at least two 4-hour blocks of time at your clinical site each week for a total of 8 hours per week.
The availability of clinical slots for Phlebotomy students is wholly dependent on the operational demands of our clinical partners. Clinical time may be held at any time between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on any weekday, Monday through Friday. Although our Clinical Coordinator will do her best to accommodate students’ work and class schedules, we are unable to determine in advance where and when students will be assigned to clinical. This information will be shared with students during the fourth week of class.