There are currently three free phlebotomy training opportunities available in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, each offering a different path into healthcare. These programs vary in structure, schedule, and eligibility, but all provide no-cost access to phlebotomy education.
1. Dallas Independent School District
This free phlebotomy training program is open to Dallas ISD high school students and takes place at one of the district’s Career Institutes: East, North, or South. Students are assigned to a location based on their home high school and attend part of their day at the institute while continuing regular classes at their main campus.
Classes include both phlebotomy and EKG training and are part of a larger Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway. Students get hands-on experience through school labs, internships, or mentorships. Transportation is provided, and there are no tuition or supply costs.
Participants can earn up to four industry certifications by graduation. There are no grade requirements to enroll, and students sign up through their school counselors when filling out their course selection sheets. All instructors hold relevant certifications and teach using Texas-approved curriculum standards.
| Category | Details |
| Price | Free for Dallas ISD high school students |
| Format | In-person at Career Institute locations with lab-based and practicum experiences |
| Duration | Multi-year program as part of high school CTE pathway |
| Schedules | Students attend part of the day at their Career Institute and the rest at their home high school; transportation is provided |
| Address | Multiple locations depending on home high school, including Career Institute North, East, and South |
2. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center
This free phlebotomy training is offered through the Empowering the Masses Certified Phlebotomy Program. It’s a 10-week course targeted toward individuals interested in starting a healthcare career. Classes are expected to begin virtually, and there’s no tuition cost to attend.
Details about the program are limited. It’s unclear if classes are held at the community center itself or another location, what days and times they meet, and whether certification is included upon completion. Eligibility requirements aren’t listed, and there’s no information on how often the classes are offered.
Because of the lack of information, it’s important to call 972-460-6316 directly to ask about schedules, requirements, and whether certification is guaranteed. This opportunity may be ideal for some, but it’s best to verify all details before committing.
| Category | Details |
| Price | Free |
| Format | Virtual (upcoming classes expected to begin online) |
| Duration | 10 weeks |
| Schedules | Not specified; must call for details |
| Address | 2922 MLK Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75215 |
3. CTK Healthcare & Career Institute
CTK offers a free phlebotomy and EKG training opportunity as part of its larger Patient Care Technician (PCT) program for students who qualify for federal financial aid through FAFSA. While the listed phlebotomy seminar is priced at $1,599, students who are eligible for financial aid may have their full tuition covered—though this depends on individual eligibility. Prospective students are encouraged to speak directly with the school’s financial aid office to confirm whether they qualify.
The PCT program includes training in phlebotomy, EKG, vital signs, CPR, First Aid, medical terminology, and basic patient care skills. Students also learn to use electronic health records and perform hands-on tasks in labs and clinical settings. The program is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level jobs in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
To apply, students must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, complete an interview, pass a criminal background check, and register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy as a technician trainee. Admission is selective, and the program includes both lecture and lab components.
Although the school emphasizes affordability and small class sizes, there’s limited public information about exact start dates, class times, or schedules. CTK is located in Irving, Texas, near major highways and public transit, making it accessible for students in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Anyone interested should call the school directly for current class availability and FAFSA assistance.
| Category | Details |
| Price | $1,599 (phlebotomy seminar); FAFSA available and may cover full cost |
| Format | In-person with hands-on labs and lecture-based instruction |
| Duration | Not explicitly stated; part of multi-skill Patient Care Technician (PCT) program |
| Schedules | Not specified; contact school for details |
| Address | 3455 N Belt Line Rd #203, Irving, TX 75062 |
🔍 Skip the Search!
We’ve already sorted the top local and online options—just pick what works for you.
Our Thoughts
Choosing a free or low-cost phlebotomy program in the Dallas-Fort Worth area can open the door to a fast, rewarding career in healthcare—but the right fit depends on your current situation, goals, and flexibility. Here’s our in-depth, objective recommendation on how to navigate the options available and who each program may be best suited for.
🔍 At a Glance: Which Program Might Be Best for You?
| If You Are… | Consider This Program | Why |
| A current high school student in Dallas ISD | Dallas ISD Career Institutes | Most structured, comprehensive & certification-rich — with built-in transportation. |
| An adult looking for flexible, no-cost training | MLK Community Center / Empowering the Masses | Fastest and most flexible option, if it fits — but confirm details by calling. |
| A recent high school grad or adult learner | CTK Healthcare & Career Institute | Most in-depth, job-focused training with dual skills — often fully covered by FAFSA. |
Dallas ISD Career Institutes: Best for High Schoolers
This program is a no-brainer for current Dallas ISD students. It’s completely free, includes EKG and phlebotomy, offers up to four certifications, and builds in real hands-on training. Plus, transportation is included, and the curriculum aligns with state standards.
What makes this stand out:
- No eligibility barriers — no GPA requirement
- Certifications + job readiness right out of high school
- A rare early-start advantage in healthcare while finishing school
Recommendation: If you’re in high school and serious about healthcare, speak with your school counselor and prioritize enrolling. This is one of the most robust, zero-cost healthcare pathways available in Texas for teens.
MLK Community Center / Empowering the Masses: Promising but Unclear
This 10-week program could be a great option—if everything lines up. It’s expected to be offered online, making it ideal for adults needing virtual flexibility. But here’s the catch: very little concrete info is published. Certification availability, schedule, location, and even eligibility are unknown.
Why it might work for you:
- Completely free
- Potentially fast and virtual — great for adults juggling jobs or caregiving
- Hosted by a trusted community institution
Recommendation: Call 972-460-6316 before considering enrollment. Ask specifically:
- Is certification included?
- What days/times are classes?
- Is it fully online or in-person at any point?
- Who’s eligible and how often it’s offered?
Due to the uncertainty, we recommend treating this as a maybe unless verified.
CTK Healthcare & Career Institute: Best for Career-Ready Adults
CTK’s phlebotomy and EKG program is embedded in their Patient Care Technician training—a comprehensive, skills-heavy path into entry-level healthcare jobs. While the listed price is $1,599, FAFSA often covers full tuition if you’re eligible.
What sets it apart:
- Widest scope of healthcare training (CPR, vital signs, records management, and more)
- Strong job placement support and small class sizes
- Good location near transit in Irving
Who it’s ideal for: Adults (18+) with a high school diploma or GED looking to gain employable skills quickly and enter a job-ready healthcare field.
Recommendation: If you’re serious about becoming a phlebotomist and have (or can get) your FAFSA paperwork in order, call their financial aid office at 214-441-3556 and ask about full coverage.
📞 Why You Should Always Call the Program
No matter which program you’re interested in, call or email the school directly. Here’s why:
- You’ll get real-time details: schedules, upcoming dates, certification guarantees, class formats
- You can ask about additional hidden costs (textbooks, uniforms, background checks)
- You’ll make a personal connection, which can help if you need flexibility or special accommodations
Final Word: Trust the Process, but Verify Everything
Each of these options could be a perfect fit depending on where you are in life. Here’s a quick wrap-up:
| Program | Best For | Highlights | Caution |
| Dallas ISD Career Institutes | High school students | Career-aligned, certifications, free | Only available to current Dallas ISD students |
| MLK Community Center | Adults needing free virtual training | Online, short-term | Lack of clear info—must call |
| CTK Healthcare & Career Institute | Adults ready for hands-on training | Deep skills, financial aid available | Must qualify for FAFSA; selective admissions |
By reaching out to the programs that interest you most, you’ll ensure you don’t miss out on valuable opportunities—or waste time on ones that won’t meet your needs.
Start with a call. Ask smart questions. And take the next step toward a career in healthcare with confidence.