Phlebotomy training?

Factual Questions
1

Hello! I was wondering how one studies to be a phlebotomist (sp?). I am referring, of course, to the people that draw blood for testing. I ask this question because my wife is very sick and we are trying to get a diagnosis for Cushing’s Disease, but it requires that she get blood taken at midnight frequently. I had a far-fetched idea that perhaps I could learn to take blood from her myself so we could avoid going to the hospital at midnight all the time where we have to wait and be exposed to germs.

So, am I crazy for thinking this? Any information would be helpful!

TIA

–FCOD

2

I know of two ways, one of which is helpful. The junior college I attended before going on to a university had a few programs in the medical field - CNA, LVN, and phlebotomy. They were more like vocational programs than traditional college classes, with labs and the whole nine. I was a student worker and did some delivering to their building from time to time. So it may be that your local community college might have a program. I don’t recall how long it took to become certified, though.

(My friend’s wife is a phlebotomist, but did her training in the Army, which is probably not helpful to you.)

3

A long ago housemate of mine also did her training at the local JC. As I recall, it only took around six weeks.

4

You could probably hire a phlebotomist through a company that provides private nursing care. That would probably be cheaper, safer, and quicker than being trained as a phlebotomist yourself.

5

In addition to JC there may be a local for-profit vocational college teaching this.

Where I am there’s a local “Educational Institution” that trains phlebotomy and vocational nursing grads. Just make sure the place has accreditation.

And I agree with Gus, unless you want to pursue a career in phlebotomy this could be a fairly expensive undertaking.

6

I figured as much. Thanks everyone!

–FCOD

7

I know only that my niece is taking phlebotomy as a prerequisite college course for the nursing program.

8

Cheapest way to get trained would be your local community college.
Don’t know if they’d demand pre-requisite classes or not.
On edit: quickest might be one of those weird little tech institues. They’ll be 8 times as expensive, at least around here, but I expect their greed might lead to them scheduling you sooner.
On second edit: my wife just verified the local community college she attends offers a certificate. She believes 6 weeks should suffice.

9

One thing to remember - some blood samples are very time-sensitive (they don’t last forever in the tube) so you may still end up having to run the sample to the hospital or lab pretty promptly even if you do do the phlebotomy itself at home.

10

There is a service that serves shut ins, they come take the blood, you book the appointment and the time, as you wish.

The one I used was connected to the lab. The cost was $15Can, very reasonable. Check it out!

And good luck.