The Lifelong Learning Center
310 South Curtis Street
Missoula, MT 59801
(406) 549-8765
Phlebotomy
The Phlebotomy program emphasizes the necessary skills for you to function as an importan
t member of the laboratory team under the direction and supervision of a certified phlebotomist. Students are given opportunities to develop a variety of skills in both classroom and clinical settings.What qualities and abilities are necessary?
A good bedside manner and thoroughness are essential skills for phlebotomists. Close attention to detail is especially important. Small differences or changes in test substances or numerical readouts can be crucial for patient care. Phlebotomists must also exhibit good analytical judgment and the ability to work under pressure. Manual dexterity and normal color vision are also highly desirable.
What are the duties of a Phlebotomist?
Specific duties may differ by position and location, but the average job for a phlebotomist includes:
- Drawing blood from patients or donors
- Assembling equipment
- Conversing with patients to allay fear of procedure
- Labeling and storing blood containers for processing
- Testing blood samples to screen donors
- Analyzing information and making appropriate recommendations
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, phlebotomy is expected to continue to be in high demand through 2014 as the volume of laboratory tests continues to increase with both population growth and the development of new types of tests. American Medical Technologists report that opportunities for phlebotomists have increased significantly as many places move to hire three shifts of technicians.
Am I required to be licensed or certified?
Currently, Montana does not have license or certification requirements.
What can I expect to be paid as a Phlebotomist?
According to the American Society for Clinical Pathology, average hourly wages for phlebotomists vary by specialty, workplace, and experience levels. In 2005, phlebotomists earned an average $10.50 an hour when working in a physician’s office, while those working in a hospital earned an average of $11.45 an hour. Positions available in the Missoula area are comparable with national average.
Length of Program:
The Phlebotomy program consists of 75 hours of instruction. Instruction will be held in the classroom (evenings) and off-site in a clinical setting (early morning). The off-site training hours will be announced and assigned to students during the classroom portion of the program. The off-site training will occur in a hospital setting which allows for hands-on training with patients. Instruction includes Healthcare CPR.
Application Requirements:
You will need to submit the following to be considered for admission to the Phlebotomyprogram:
- Completed Application Form
- Results from the Test of Adult Basic Education (T.A.B.E.). The cost is $10, call 542-4015 to schedule an appointment.
- Completed County Criminal Background Check that includes every county you have resided in for the past 8 years.
One option is to obtain the background check from mybackgroundcheck.com. This report will take approximately 2-5 days to be returned via e-mail– plan ahead.- Select "Order Now"
- Scroll down to County Criminal Search-Search for any criminal convictions in a County
- Select the number of counties you have lived in within the last two years,then scroll down to bottom of page click Order.
- Follow instructions to progress through the next pages
- Each county checked will apply an additional fee
- Complete the process with payment by credit card
Cost of Program:Returned results with the detail report must be attached to application for consideration of placement into the program.
Costs associated with the Phlebotomy program are as follows:
- Tuition $369
- Supplies may be required
- Text required and available for purchase in the Adult Education Bookstore
Once you have been admitted into the Phlebotomy program, you will need to provide proof of the following:
- TB test results taken within the past 12 months
- Current MMR, Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, and Tetanus immunizations
- Payment of Tuition
The Lifelong Learning Center will complete additional exclusion confirmation prior to clinical training through the Office of Inspector General and General Services Administration.
Certification:
Certification of Completion is rewarded upon successful completion of the program.
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