Whether you’re considering a career change or taking your first step into the world of healthcare, finding the right phlebotomy training program is essential. We understand that budget considerations and personal preferences play a significant role in this decision. That’s why we’ve created this resource to help you explore various training options that cater to your needs.
Our mission is to provide you with a one-stop destination for information on phlebotomy programs in St. Louis. We believe that access to quality education should be available to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of in-person, online, and potentially free phlebotomy classes for you to review.
But that’s not all. We also recognize that financial stability is a vital aspect of your career journey. That’s why we provide insights into local salary data for phlebotomists in the St. Louis area, allowing you to make informed decisions about your future career.
Whether you’re seeking traditional classroom-based learning, the flexibility of online courses, or even exploring opportunities for free training, we’ve got you covered. Your path to becoming a certified phlebotomist in St. Louis starts here. Let’s embark on this journey together, finding the right program that fits your budget and goals.
St. Louis School of Phlebotomy
The St. Louis School of Phlebotomy offers a comprehensive 7-week Phlebotomy program designed to equip beginners with the skills and knowledge needed for success in the field. Located on-site, this program places a strong emphasis on hands-on experience, ensuring that every student gains practical exposure to blood drawing techniques. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you’ll have the opportunity to perform blood draws with supervision, preparing you for various scenarios, including special patient needs and challenging draws.
The program encompasses six weeks of in-depth lectures, discussions, and practical lab instruction, followed by a crucial 40-hour clinical externship. During the externship, which typically spans one week, you’ll work at a local patient service center, hospital, or clinic, gaining valuable real-world experience. While it demands a significant time commitment, the externship is an invaluable part of the program, providing a solid clinical foundation for your career as a phlebotomist.
Course content covers a wide range of essential topics, including HIPAA and patient rights, universal precautions and safety measures, venipuncture techniques using vacutainers, butterflies, and syringes, as well as finger and heel sticks. Additionally, you’ll delve into medical laboratory terminology, the proper use of test tubes, and professionalism in the workplace. The program even covers special procedures such as bleeding times, blood cultures, and glucose tolerance testing, offering a well-rounded education.
To be eligible for the program, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma, GED, or international high school diploma equivalency. The tuition and fees for the Phlebotomy program are as follows: a $50 registration fee, $500 for tuition, a $150 laboratory fee, $100 for books and supplies, and a $100 externship fee.
Externships are coordinated by the school and conducted at clinical facilities throughout the greater St. Louis area, as well as in Missouri and Illinois. These placements may require various health-related checks, including TB tests, drug screens, and criminal background checks, depending on the specific facility.
Successful completion of the Phlebotomy Program gives you the option to sit for the National Healthcareer Association’s (NHA) Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) examination, although this is not mandatory for employment.
For those seeking a more accelerated path, the St. Louis School of Phlebotomy also offers a 4-week Accelerated Phlebotomy course. This intermediate-level program is designed for individuals with prior clinical or educational experience in healthcare. It covers similar topics to the 7-week program but condenses the curriculum into a shorter timeframe. The course consists of lectures, discussions, and practical instruction, and eligibility is determined based on prior qualifications.
The St. Louis School of Phlebotomy is a reputable institution approved by the Missouri Department of Higher Education, ensuring quality education for its students. Whether you choose the 7-week program or the accelerated option, your journey into the world of phlebotomy begins here, guided by experienced instructors and supported by hands-on training that prepares you for a rewarding career in healthcare.
| Program Information | Details |
| Cost | $750 |
| Program Duration | 7 weeks for Phlebotomy program; 4 weeks for Accelerated Phlebotomy program |
| Class Schedules | 7-week program: Two sessions per week for 6 weeks, followed by a 40-hour clinical externship. Accelerated program: Two sessions per week for 4 weeks. |
| Prerequisites | 18 years of age or older, High School Diploma, GED, or International High School Diploma Equivalency, Experience or Education in Healthcare or a related field (for Accelerated Phlebotomy) |
| Certification Eligibility | Eligible to sit for the National Healthcareer Association’s (NHA) Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) examination upon completion (optional) |
| Location | 6717 Vernon Ave., St. Louis, MO 63130 |
| Phone | (314) 881-8346 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | https://stlphleb.com/ |
| Job Placement | No |
| Online Classes? | No |
| Free Classes? | No |
Phlebotomy Training Specialists
The Phlebotomy Training Specialists (PTS) program in St. Louis offers a structured and comprehensive training course for aspiring phlebotomists. Let’s dive into the key details of their program.
Class Structure and Fees: PTS provides flexibility in class schedules to accommodate different preferences. They offer National AM classes, National PM classes, and National WKD classes, making it easier for students to find a schedule that suits them. The course consists of 48 hours of in-class training, which includes bookwork, hands-on practice, and practical examinations.
For those considering the financial aspect, the tuition and fees are as follows: The class tuition is $810, and there’s a National Exam fee of $115, bringing the total for tuition and the exam fee to $925. To secure a spot in the class, a $100 deposit is required, but it’s essential to note that this deposit is non-refundable after the 72-hour cancellation period ends. PTS understands that not everyone can pay the full amount upfront, so they offer flexible payment options, allowing students to discuss extensions with their Student Services team.
Class Prerequisites: PTS has kept their prerequisites simple and accessible. To enroll in their phlebotomy program, students must be 18 years or older, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and provide proof of it. Previous experience in phlebotomy is not required, making this program suitable for beginners.
Payment Policies: Understanding that every student’s financial situation is unique, PTS has designed payment policies that are accommodating. They require only the deposit upfront to secure a seat in the class. Students then have the flexibility to pay the remaining balance up to halfway through their class. Payments can be conveniently made online through the Student Portal or over the phone with Student Services. PTS also offers options like financing and early registration, allowing students to plan their payments in advance.
Financial Aid and Government Funds: It’s important to note that PTS is a private institution and does not accept financial aid. However, they do accept vouchers from third-party payers willing to cover private education costs.
| Program Information | Details |
| Cost | $925 (Includes tuition and National Exam fee) |
| Program Duration | 4-6 weeks, depending on class schedule |
| Class Schedules | National AM, National PM, National WKD classes |
| Prerequisites | Age 18+, High School diploma or equivalent |
| Certification Eligibility | Eligible to take the National Exam |
| Location | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Phone | (701) 404-9434 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | https://www.phlebotomyusa.com/ |
| Job Placement | No |
| Online Classes? | No |
| Free Classes? | No |
St. Charles Community College
St. Charles Community College offers a comprehensive six-week Phlebotomy course designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in hospitals, clinical labs, and physician offices. The course includes classroom instruction, mandatory labs, and 120 clinical hours, providing hands-on experience in blood collection techniques and specimen handling.
The program features an online class component with mandatory Zoom sessions and on-campus lab days. Clinical internships are also part of the curriculum, offering practical experience in venipunctures and patient data management. It’s important to note that while the college does not administer the national certification exam, the curriculum is designed to prepare students for the exam if they choose to pursue it.
Classroom instruction is a combination of online coursework, Zoom meetings, and in-person labs held at the Center for Healthy Living on the Dardenne Creek Campus. The clinical hours, which are a crucial part of the program, run 4-5 days a week and are strictly daytime shifts. Individual clinical schedules are coordinated between students and clinical facilities.
Before beginning clinical hours, students must pass a urine drug screening and fulfill various vaccination requirements, including flu, MMR, Hepatitis B, and COVID vaccines.
Registration prerequisites include applying to St. Charles Community College and completing background screening requirements. Tuition for the course is $775, which covers both the class and clinical components. A required textbook, “Phlebotomy Worktext and Procedures Manual,” is also part of the course materials.
| Program Information | Details |
| Cost | $775 (Tuition & Clinical); Additional book cost |
| Program Duration | 6 weeks |
| Class Schedules | Online, Mandatory Labs, Clinical Internship |
| Prerequisites | High school graduate or equivalent, background screening, vaccination requirements |
| Certification Eligibility | Prepares students for the national certification exam (not administered on campus) |
| Location | St. Charles Community College, Dardenne Prairie, MO |
| Phone | 636-922-8284 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | https://www.stchas.edu/ |
| Job Placement | No |
| Online Classes? | Yes (Online class component) |
| Free Classes? | No |
How to Find Free Phlebotomy Training in St. Louis
Finding ways to reduce or even cover the tuition costs for phlebotomy programs can be a smart financial move. Here are some strategies to consider:
- Scholarships and Grants: Start your search by looking for scholarships and grants specifically aimed at healthcare or phlebotomy students. Many organizations, both local and national, offer financial assistance to aspiring healthcare professionals. These funds can significantly reduce your tuition burden, and some might even cover the entire cost of your program.
- Community College Options: Consider enrolling in a phlebotomy program at a community college. Community colleges often have lower tuition rates compared to private institutions or specialized schools. Additionally, they may offer financial aid packages, scholarships, or work-study programs to help students cover their expenses.
- Work-Study Programs: Explore work-study opportunities within the healthcare field. Some hospitals or medical facilities offer tuition reimbursement or assistance programs in exchange for a commitment to work for them after completing your phlebotomy training. This not only helps with tuition but also provides job security post-graduation.
- Employer Sponsorship: If you are already working in a healthcare setting, check if your current employer offers tuition reimbursement or sponsorship for further education. Many healthcare facilities are willing to invest in their employees’ education, especially if it benefits the organization.
- Online Courses: Look for online phlebotomy courses. These programs often have lower tuition costs than traditional in-person classes, and you can continue working while you study, helping to cover your expenses.
- Community Resources: Some local organizations, such as workforce development boards or nonprofits, offer financial assistance to individuals pursuing healthcare careers. Contact these organizations to inquire about available programs and funding opportunities.
- Apprenticeships: In some regions, phlebotomy apprenticeships are available, allowing you to learn on the job while earning a wage. While these programs may not be entirely free, you can gain valuable experience and offset some of your training costs.
Remember to research thoroughly, apply for scholarships and grants early, and explore all available avenues to reduce your tuition expenses. Investing time in finding financial support can lead to a more affordable path to your phlebotomy career.
Phlebotomist Salaries in St. Louis
Phlebotomy salaries in St. Louis compare favorably to both the national and state averages. Here’s a breakdown of the data:
- United States: The national average hourly wage for phlebotomists is $19.51, resulting in an annual salary of $40,580.
- Missouri: Phlebotomists in Missouri earn an average hourly wage of $17.80, which translates to an annual salary of $37,020.
- St. Louis: In St. Louis, phlebotomists receive an average hourly wage of $18.81, leading to an annual salary of $39,120.
Phlebotomy salaries in St. Louis are slightly higher than the state average in Missouri but still slightly below the national average. However, it’s essential to consider the cost of living in each area when assessing salary levels. While St. Louis may have a lower average salary than the national figure, the lower cost of living in the region can offset this difference, making it an attractive option for phlebotomists.
| # of Phlebotomists | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary | |
| United States | 135,500 | $ 19.51 | $ 40,580 |
| Missouri | 1,990 | $ 17.80 | $ 37,020 |
| St. Louis | 750 | $ 18.81 | $ 39,120 |