Dallas ISD Phlebotomy & EKG Program

Dallas ISD offers this training at three Career Institutes—North, East, and South—depending on which high school a student attends. Each Career Institute serves a set group of high schools across the district. For example, students from W.T. White, Hillcrest, or North Dallas High Schools will be sent to Career Institute North, while students from South Oak Cliff, Kimball, or Roosevelt attend Career Institute South.

Classes are built into the school day. Morning and afternoon sessions are available, and transportation is provided by DISD. Students are picked up from their home high school and returned before the end of the school day, ensuring they can still participate in regular activities, electives, or sports.

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This program is designed to expose students to diagnostic healthcare work through hands-on learning. Students receive instruction in areas like:

• Blood specimen collection (venipuncture and capillary)
• Specimen handling and transport
• Patient preparation and safety
• Lab documentation and procedures
• EKG reading and placement
• Infection control and workplace safety

Because it’s part of a broader health science track, students may also get to explore careers beyond phlebotomy and EKG, such as pharmacy tech, patient care, or lab analysis.

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One of the biggest strengths of this program is its emphasis on practical, hands-on training. Students won’t just read about blood collection—they’ll practice these skills in school labs or healthcare partner facilities under supervision. These practicum experiences could include internships, shadowing, or simulations, depending on availability.

This exposure gives students a solid feel for the field and makes it easier for them to transition into work-based roles or healthcare training programs after high school. Many students leave with a head start in both college and career.

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Students in this program are eligible to earn multiple industry-recognized certifications before graduation. The exact certifications may vary but can include:

• CPR-AED
• OSHA-10
• Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
• EKG Technician certification (when available)
• Other healthcare and lab-related credentials

These certifications help students become job-ready. Graduates are positioned to apply for entry-level jobs in hospitals, clinics, or labs right after high school. For those who plan to pursue a healthcare degree later, this program lays a strong foundation.

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This program is open only to high school students enrolled in Dallas ISD. There are no grade point average requirements, but students must attend one of the high schools assigned to one of the three Career Institutes. Here are the key prerequisites:

• Must be a current student at a Dallas ISD high school
• Must sign up through school choice forms (typically in January/February)
• Must be willing to participate in the half-day program at the designated Career Institute
• Must maintain appropriate behavior and attendance to stay in good standing

Students do not apply to the Career Institutes directly—they sign up through their high school counselor as part of their course selection.

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DISD ensures the logistics of this program work smoothly for families. Each student is bussed daily between their home campus and the Career Institute. Morning students attend first and return by lunchtime. Afternoon students eat lunch at the institute and are returned in time for regular dismissal and after-school bus routes. Late buses are also available in case of missed transportation.

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Courses at the Career Institutes follow Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards and are taught by industry-certified professionals. Instructors bring field experience and up-to-date training methods. Equipment used in training reflects industry-standard technology, preparing students for real-world applications of what they learn.

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This program isn’t just about giving students skills—it’s part of Dallas ISD’s larger effort to create career pathways that lead directly to employment or further education. The Career Institutes aim to close the gap between school and the workforce by equipping young adults with practical tools to succeed. Whether a student enters the workforce or pursues college after graduation, they’ll be prepared.

For the community, it creates a pipeline of future healthcare workers who are trained locally and ready to support local hospitals, clinics, and public health organizations.

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