Local vocational nurse hones skills through Blinn’s Phlebotomy Technician Program

Phlebotomy specialization will increase Jared Cravens’ employability in the medical industry

September 28, 2018

A self-proclaimed jack-of-all-trades, Jared Cravens has delved into a variety of jobs since graduating from high school.

After years spent waiting tables and repairing and servicing vehicles, Cravens chose to return to school to become a vocational nurse. 

While working as a licensed vocational nurse at CHI St. Joseph Hospital in Bryan, the Crockett native decided to switch careers yet again, this time to hone his favorite aspect of the job through the Blinn College District’s Phlebotomy Technician Program.

“It is a very exciting yet nervous experience when you insert a needle for the first time,” Cravens said. “Once I became comfortable with the procedure, it became very simple and routine. Having that nursing experience has given me the confidence I needed to pursue phlebotomy, and I am excited to become certified in this occupation through Blinn.”

Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, donation, or research. They may explain the procedure to patients, and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.

Administered by Blinn’s Division of Technical and Community Programs, Blinn’s three-month Phlebotomy Technician Program educates students in a variety of blood collection methods using proper techniques and precautions. Students learn state-of-the-art skills for collecting with vacuum devices, syringes, capillary skin puncture, butterfly needles, and blood culture specimen collection on adults, children, and infants. The program emphasizes medical safety through infection prevention, proper patient identification, proper specimen labeling, specimen handling, and quality assurance.

The program consists of three courses, including 96 hours in the classroom and 116 hours in a clinical setting. The classroom portion focuses on theoretical mastery of phlebotomy rules, regulations, and practices, and students must pass a skills test before Blinn arranges the clinical portion of their education.

Course curriculum is designed and implemented based on nationally recognized training, assessment, and certification standards set forth by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Courses are taught by faculty comprised of licensed phlebotomists whose classes are structured to promote quality student-instructor interaction.

“Our curriculum is very straight-forward and consistent, so it easy to follow and understand,” Cravens said. “We are encouraged to be interactive, which helps us to be comfortable with one another when we undergo the hands-on portion of the class.”

Upon successful completion of the program, Blinn provides a certificate of completion. Students are encouraged to further their credentials by applying for national certification through the ASCP or another recognized organization.

Job opportunities abound in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and blood donor centers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, phlebotomy technicians earn an average median wage of $16.19 per hour, and job openings are expected to grow 25 percent between 2016 and 2026.

“Phlebotomy is a very in-demand, versatile career,” said Instructor Sandra Washington. “This program provides students with the skills needed to succeed as a phlebotomy technician, and also is an excellent opportunity to build a foundation for nursing school or other career avenues in the medical field.”

Blinn will offer the first course of a new section of its Pharmacy Technician Program beginning Wednesday, Oct. 10. The $550 course will run through Wednesday, Dec. 12.

Blinn also will offer HVAC Pre-Apprenticeship Training, Plumbing Pre-Apprenticeship Training, Professional Truck Driving, Shielded Metal Arc Welding I, Certified Medication Aide Refresher, and Electrician License Renewal courses in October.

Blinn’s technical and community education courses are designed to provide students the knowledge and ability they need to enter the workforce immediately after completion of the courses. Many of these courses do not require a high school diploma and enrollment is fast and easy. As most of these courses are non-credit, students do not need to go through the College’s admissions process to enroll. Programs vary in length and are offered with daytime, evening, and weekend options.

Business owners can enroll their employees in Blinn Technical and Community Education courses using Texas Workforce Commission Skills Development and Skills for Small Business funds, and Blinn staff can help businesses complete the request form. Blinn also offers students access to scholarships through the Blinn College Foundation, private grants, and Workforce Solutions.

For more information or to register for these courses, visit the Blinn Post Office Campus at 301 Post Office Street in Bryan. For additional information, visit www.blinn.edu/workforce or call 979-209-7205.