Government-backed phlebotomy apprenticeship scheme: build your future in healthcare
Start your healthcare career early—without debt or delay. This youth apprenticeship program provides paid, hands-on phlebotomy training to eligible individuals ages 16 and older, including instruction from certified professionals and real-world clinical experience. You can receive training at an SSM Health clinic without the stress of tuition.
Why Phlebotomy
Phlebotomists are essential diagnostic professionals at the heart of clinical care:
📌 Key Responsibilities: Assist with blood draws, maintain sterile conditions, support laboratory processes, and ensure accurate patient identification.
🏥 Work Settings: Hospitals, outpatient labs, emergency healthplexes, and physician offices.
📊 Impact: Lab results drive 70% of medical decisions—phlebotomists are on the front line of patient outcomes.
Why This Apprenticeship Stands Out
A Paid Head Start in Healthcare
💰 Earn while you learn: After applying, you can receive a training subsidy of $14 per hour, but you need to complete 400 hours of clinical training.
🎓 Education-Supported: Designed for students concurrently enrolled in a Career Tech phlebotomy program.
🚗 Convenient & Local: Train at SSM Health’s Healthplex South Lab in Mustang, Oklahoma—no relocation needed.
Training That Builds Confidence & Credentials
🧪 Hands-On Learning: Under supervision, assist with venipuncture, capillary draws, sample delivery, and administrative support.
👩⚕️ Mentorship: Partner with certified lab professionals for one-on-one guidance, skill-building, and evaluation.
🧼 Safety & Compliance: Learn HIPAA and OSHA-aligned lab safety protocols, including maintaining sterile equipment and proper specimen handling.
Certification & Career Pathways
📘 Career Prep: Gain exposure to phlebotomy fundamentals, which can later support certification through NCCT, NHA, or ASPT. 🎯 Workforce Readiness: Build experience and references toward employment in hospitals, diagnostic labs, and allied health careers. 📈 Growth Outlook:
- Entry-level phlebotomist (post-certification): $35,000–$42,000/year
- Career path options: Medical Lab Assistant, Patient Care Tech, or Clinical Research Assistant
- Long-term potential: SSM Health offers tuition coverage for further education through its FlexPath Funded program.
Real Youth Success Stories
From High School Lab to Hospital Floor Taylor Nguyen, 17 | Oklahoma City, OK
Taylor participated in SSM Health’s 2024 Youth Apprenticeship Program while completing a vocational technical phlebotomy course. She gained experience processing lab orders and managing patient admissions while receiving a stipend for her training. Now: Accepted into a nursing program with a recommendation letter from her lab supervisor.
“This program showed me that healthcare isn’t just a dream—it’s a plan.”
Launching Early into Clinical Work Isaiah Brooks, 18 | Mustang, OK
Isaiah was matched with a mentor who trained him in specimen collection and CLIA-compliant testing. Now: Applying for full-time phlebotomy roles at SSM after graduation.
“I didn’t just learn—I contributed. I walked into senior year as a student and left as a future health professional.”
How to Apply in 4 Steps
1️⃣ Confirm Eligibility
- Must have a high school diploma (minimum age 16)
- Demonstrated reliability, maturity, and academic progress
- Able to complete 400 hours during the 2025–26 academic year
2️⃣ Build a Strong Application
- Resume: Focus on teamwork, attention to detail, and community service
- Tip: Include school leadership roles or health-related volunteer hours
- Letter: Highlight interest in healthcare and readiness to learn
3️⃣ Apply Through SSM Health
- Search “Youth Apprenticeship – Phlebotomy” at SSM Health's website
- Program location: SSM Healthplex Mustang, OK
- Scheduled Weekly Hours: 15 hours/week (variable shifts)
Jumpstart Your Healthcare Journey
This government-supported apprenticeship combines clinical experience, paid training, and mentorship—right from your senior year. With direct exposure to the medical field, it opens doors to college, certifications, and in-demand healthcare careers.