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Ballad Health is offering comprehensive, hands-on phlebotomy training through a new program that will provide a path to a career in health care.

The Ballad Health Phlebotomy Program will offer free phlebotomy training, including hands-on experience, at the Ballad Health Training Center in Blountville. The program includes 52 hours of classroom training and 100 hours of experience in a clinical setting in exchange for a 12-month service agreement as a phlebotomist at any Ballad Health facility.

“This program will be a great way to strengthen our phlebotomy pipeline in the Appalachian Highlands,” said Leslee Collins, system director for Ballad Health’s clinical education. “What makes our program special is that we fulfill not only classroom requirements, but the clinical requirements needed to complete the national phlebotomy certification exam, which often ends up being a barrier for those seeking to pursue a career in phlebotomy.”

The program’s first class launches in April, and its next class is currently accepting applications through Monday, May 5. The next class is scheduled from 4 to 8 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, from Monday, June 9, to Monday, Aug. 18. Those who complete the program must commit to a 12-month service agreement as a phlebotomist in a Ballad Health facility.

Those who participate will receive a robust introduction to each area of work performed by phlebotomists, including:

– American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification
– Anatomy and physiology
– Communication skills
– Ethical, legal and regulatory considerations
– Infection prevention
– Laboratory equipment use
– Medical terminology
– Specimen collection and processing

“Our hope with this program is that it enables those who want a career in health care to pursue one,” Collins said. “The program’s curriculum is designed to ensure that we’ll be able to put even more skilled, qualified phlebotomists in hospitals across the Appalachian Highlands, helping us achieve high-quality health care that everyone in the region deserves.”

To register for the Ballad Health Phlebotomy Program, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED, but high school students with a projected graduation date within six months are also welcome to apply.

Applicants must also complete a criminal and health-related board background check (this does not apply to existing Ballad Health team members), be compliant with the Ballad Health vaccination policy and other health-related requirements (a physical with a drug screen), and perform eight hours of job shadowing with a Ballad Health phlebotomist, which will be scheduled as part of the application process. The program only accepts those who live in an eligible state and county, which you can find listed at www.balladhealth.org/careers/phlebotomy-training, along with an upcoming class schedule and a link to apply to the program.

Ballad Health offers competitive pay and benefits in addition to opportunities for professional growth and development. The Ballad Health benefits package includes medical, dental and vision insurance, prescription drug coverage, short-term and long-term disability, a health savings account, a retirement plan, counseling and a flexible spending account.