phlebotomy program before applying to nursing school

[dr3amygirl]

Hi everyone im new here!! and as everyone else I really wanna get into nursing school!! i have a bachelors degree in health science already and im taking my prereqs right now... only got A&P1 done tho... but im taking child psych this winter and A&P2 spring 2010, also planning to take chem and microbio in the summer and next fall... long way to go i know... but im sure i can do it =D

I am a medical assistant in a community health center and I do vitals and prep patients b4 they see the MD, and i just learned to draw blood and im really excited cuz im really interested in doing that so i looked up some phlebotomy courses and I saw this 7-week program for 500 bucks and after the program i can sit for the NHA exam, if i pass then i can be a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT). What do you guys think? would it be too unnecessary to be certified as a phlebotomy technician when I wanna become an RN in the future? or would it look better to have that on my application? will it help to get in nursing school in some way?

let me know what you guys think =D

[yellowfluffball]

well, I'm in a nursing program in oregon getting my BSN and they didn't even require or give points for having your CNA certification let alone phlebotomy, it probably would give you good experience to do IVs, but it might not give you extra points to get into a nursing program. I wish my nursing program gave us more time to practice IVs, we got a day with the IV nursing and couple of times on medsurg floor.

[lele2be]

I'm not sure that it'll be helpful to you, getting into nursing school but the experience is good and the money can be great! (from what I hear)..esp at like quest diagnostics and such!! I actually thought about doing that for the money and experience..but I didn't have the option with going to school full time and working part time..if you can do it I totally would!!

[Strwbrywne]

This is my last semester taking my pre-req's and I plan to apply in May for clinicals (RN). I will not actually start clinicals until Spring of 2011, so I decided to get certified in Phlebotomy while I wait for clinicals to start. I applied in Dec and will know my Feb 1st if I have a spot to take Phlebotomy in the summer. I have been told having my certificate will help once I graduate with my RN. Not to mention, working as a Phlebotomist part-time while attending Nursing School would not hurt as it will give me a great opportunity to network.

Good Luck to you!

[caliotter3]

It totally depends upon the individual programs whether or not this certification will help you to be admitted. I suggest inquiring at each of the programs where you intend to apply to find out first hand. I also agree that working in this area while in school, just as working in any other health care job, can be a help, both income-wise, and for experience. I took a phlebotomy course while in nursing school to help with my skills but unfortunately the course did not lead to eligibility for certification. I still felt that the clinical experience was worth it to me. Weigh the pros and cons and go for it if it seems worthwhile.