Regardless of where you reside in Ohio, free training may be available if you know where to look. Before we explore the potential scholarship and free training options in Ohio, let’s see what being a phlebotomist entails.
What Does A Phlebotomist Do?
Phlebotomy training programs teach future phlebotomists about the process of drawing blood from patients. A high school diploma or GED is usually required prior to enrollment into a training program.
The length of training depends on several factors. For example, on-the-job training may be available if you are currently employed in healthcare. This may include working as a phlebotomist-in training under the supervision of a qualified medical professional. Training generally takes about one year if you are currently employed part-time.
Free Training Opportunities in this State
The following are examples of available scholarships for phlebotomy students in Ohio:
Mercy College
2221 Madison Ave. Toledo, OH 43604
The phlebotomy program at Mercy College is composed of a comprehensive curriculum that includes 50 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of laboratory instruction in a clinical externship. The clinical part of training is typically 40 hours a week during a three-week period.
Students interested in scholarship opportunities may qualify for the “Innovative and Traditional Education Scholarship” program. This scholarship opportunity provides financial awards to eligible students. The money comes directly from fundraising efforts. The scholarship is awarded twice a year and the amount of the award is determined by the amount of funds that were raised during the year.
Cincinnati State Workforce Development Center
10100 Reading Rd. Cincinnati, OH 4521
The Cincinnati Workforce Development Center offers a comprehensive phlebotomy program that helps students become familiar with blood collection and venipuncure skills. The combination of classroom and laboratory work includes classes in anatomy/physiology, puncture methods, and blood collection procedures. At the conclusion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the national Health Career Association certification test.
Columbus State Community College
5100 Cornerstone Dr-OH 43015
Men and women enrolled in the Phlebotomy Course at Columbia State Community College may benefit from the Federal Pell Grant to help cover costs. This grant is provided through the Federal Government and distributed to students in each of the states. If a student is not taking 12 credit hours in a given semester, they can still receive partial financial aid and in some cases it is enough to cover tuition. Students will not receive more than $5730 per year though amounts very dependent on credits taken, financial need and an overall need in the state and nation at the time.
An individual will not be considered for this grant until they have completed the FASFA application for the upcoming academic season. There is a limit to how much of a grant from Pell, one can receive in their lifetime which is something to keep in mind. The Federal Pell Grant is intended to help those who have a low enough income and definite financial need to be able to continue their education after they have graduated from high school. That being said, this grant is also available for individuals who do not immediately attend college.
Lorain County Community College
1005 N Abbe Rd-Elyria, OH 44035
Students who are planning to take Phlebotomy at Lorain County Community College may have a unique opportunity to have their training paid for them. This is the case if the current or prospective student is already employed within Lorain County. A lot of employers in that county will pay for individuals to further their education if they will then work for that employer in their new field. If you are working for some type of health care provider and have decided you want to work for their Phlebotomy Department, there is a real possibility they will provide tuition reimbursement for you if the employer is based in Lorain County.
The amount of reimbursement offered will depend on where and for whom the person works. How they manage tuition reimbursement in terms of when they provide you with funds for your education will also depend on the company you are working for. You should talk to your employer if you know or even if you want to know if they will offer benefits that help you to obtain your training at Lorain County Community College. Keep in mind that an employer may require that a person work for them for a specified number of months or even years after receiving this educational financing assistance.
Low Cost Training Options
Ohio School of Phlebotomy
7 Aldrich Rd, Columbus, OH 43214
This school provides training for individuals who wish to become phlebotomists. They also offer a medical assistant training course. Their course will last for six weeks and classes will meet two times each week. The Phlebotomy training is currently being offered for $650. Students will be given the instruction they need to properly handle lab specimens. They will know what safely measures need to be taken for their patient’s well-being as well as their own.
This program is designed to ensure that individuals have the background and experience they need to work in the role of a phlebotomy technician.
Cuyahoga College
2900 Community College Avenue, Cleveland, OH
This college provides a short-term certificate program in Laboratory Phlebotomy. Students will cover many instructional areas during this course. They will learn about medical terminology, human biology and related topics. Students will learn how to collect blood in the proper manner including blood collection for specialized testing.
Students will also need to complete a clinical rotation for eight weeks. During that time they will work with patients of various ages and collect samples for many types of blood tests. Students will receive credit hours for their training. Some students opt to use these credits to enroll in the Medical Laboratory Associate’s Degree Program.
Sinclair Community College
444 West Third Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402
The Sinclair Community College Phlebotomy Program consists of two sessions. During the sessions students will learn the skills they need to take on the role of a phlebotomist in a clinical setting. Part of the training program is completing 100 hours of clinical training. During that time, students will be able to perform many lab draws and lab specimen collections.
Men and women can learn more about this certificate training program by talking to an advisor at 1-888-722-2883. Sinclair community college offers a variety of certificate programs including several in the healthcare related fields. This community college is known for offering excellent quality education at some of the most affordable rates in Ohio. Discuss tuition and any financial assistance options when contacting the admissions advisor.
Institutions That Might Help You
Office of Workforce Development
P.O. Box 1618
Columbus, OH 43216-1618
Fax: (614) 728-8366
Phone: 1-888-296-7541
Adams Country Workforce Connections
19221 State Route 136
P.O. Box 188
Winchester, OH 45697
800 233-7891
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
30 E. Broad Street, 32nd Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
1-877-852-0010
Ohio Workforce Investment Corporation
1111 E. Broad St.
Suite 201
Columbus, Ohio 43205
Ready to be a Phlebotomist? Here’s what you might be up against!
The following two questions are examples that prospective phlebotomists may encounter during the examination:
Question:
Which one of the following veins is the preferred choice for venipuncture?
- basilic vein
- cephalic vein
- median cubital vein
- cutaneous vein
Answer:
C – The median cubital vein is located close to the center of the antecubital area. It is larger than other veins and is the preferred choice for venipuncture. It is usually closer to the surface and more stationary than other veins. This makes it the least painful and easiest to puncture.
Question:
This vein is located on the inner side of the antecubial area and is typically the last choice for venipuncture:
- cephalic vein
- basilic vein
- cubital vein
- antecubital vein
Answer:
B – The basilica vein is a large vein that is located on the inner side of the antecubital area. It is the last choice for puncture because of the likelihood that it may role, which increases accidental puncture of the posterior or anterior medial cutaneous nerve. Another reason that it is not typically well-suited for venipuncture is due to the fact that punctures in this area are typically more painful than other areas.
Salary Information
The average salary for a phlebotomist in Ohio is $33,485 per year. The salary ranges may vary depending on the city or other important factors including your education, skills and experience levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the program? The entire program is approximately two semesters long.
Is the program offered in the evenings or on weekends? Some schools offer the programs only during the day in the summer, spring and fall. If you’re someone who’s working, you may have to fix flexible hours at your workplace in order to accommodate your daily schedule.
Is financial aid available? Usually yes but it is better to contact the Financial Aid Department at your school for current information.
What are the requirements for entering the program? You need to be 18 years or older and provide a high school diploma (or equivalent).