By The Flight Attendant Nextdoor
When I (The Flight Attendant Nextdoor) made the decision to return to school for nursing, I knew I wanted to build a healthcare foundation first with the time I had available as I prefer not to show up to my first nursing lecture hoping to keep up; I want to walk in already understanding key clinical skills, comfortable around needles, and confident about patient interaction.
That’s what led me to phlebotomy training.
For many, the traditional path to nursing school is simple: get accepted, attend orientation, and learn venipuncture once the program begins. But for me, choosing the nontraditional route of phlebotomy training before nursing school has all the requirements built in for my clinicals (CPR training, health checks etc) . It’s not just a stepping stone—it’s a skill-building experience that’s preparing me mentally, emotionally, and technically for what’s ahead.
In this post, I’m sharing:
- What my phlebotomy training program looks like (chapter by chapter)
- Why learning venipuncture early is the right move for me
- The incredible free money perks that support my journey
- How this route aligns with my nursing school goals and flight attendant schedule
- A realistic look at my up coming study schedule and time management plan (I’m setting up now)
- Tips for anyone considering phlebotomy as a pathway into healthcare
Whether you’re thinking about nursing school or simply exploring new healthcare career paths, I hope this helps you make an informed decision.
Why I Chose Phlebotomy Training Before Nursing School
Phlebotomy may seem like a small part of healthcare; but in reality, it’s a powerful entry point and pre analysis for patients. It teaches you how to collect blood samples, communicate with patients, and handle biological specimens accurately and safely. These are skills that translate directly into nursing and other medical professions.
For me, this route makes sense for a few key reasons:
- Phlebotomy is hands-on. It’s one of the fastest ways to get comfortable with venipuncture; something every nurse will need to master.
- It builds confidence. Learning how to draw blood and interact with patients early on helps reduce the anxiety many students feel during nursing clinicals. In addition, learning hospital software is one less hurdle to jump while balancing the care of sick patients.
- It opens up job opportunities. Once I’m certified, I’ll be able to work as a phlebotomist while attending nursing school part-time. In hospitals directly or via agency. There are also traveling phlebotomists.
- It’s financially supported. My phlebotomy training is grant-funded, which means many of my essentials are covered.
- It’s aligned with my flight attendant schedule. As someone who will be flying about 8–10 days per month, I needed something flexible and strategic.
Inside My Phlebotomy Training Program
My phlebotomy course is structured into five core chapters, each designed to build both knowledge and practical skill. I’m currently about halfway through, and each module has deepened my understanding of how vital phlebotomy is in patient care.
Let’s break it down:
Chapter 1: The Phlebotomist
This is where everything begins. We learned what it truly means to be a phlebotomist—not just someone who draws blood, but someone who plays a crucial role in the diagnostic process.
Key lessons:
- Understanding the responsibilities and scope of a phlebotomist’s role
- Patient interaction and bedside manner
- Infection control and safety precautions
- Legal and ethical responsibilities
- Professionalism in healthcare environments
This chapter reminded me of my early days in flight attendant training; safety, customer service, and situational awareness are key in both fields.
Chapter 2: Blood Cells and Vessels
Before you can draw blood, you need to understand what’s beneath the surface. This chapter took us into the human circulatory system, focusing on veins, arteries, and the cellular components of blood.
Key lessons:
- Anatomy and physiology of veins and arteries
- Differences between veins, arteries, and capillaries
- Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
- How blood composition impacts testing
- Common venipuncture sites and their characteristics
This foundation is essential. The more you understand the body, the more precise and confident you become with your technique. I’ll take this knowledge into nursing school as we go over the anatomy of the cardiovascular system.
Chapter 3: Methods of Specimen Collection
Now we get into technique. This chapter focuses on how we collect blood and other specimens accurately.
Key lessons:
- Venipuncture vs. capillary puncture
- Order of draw
- Tube colors and their additives
- Labeling and handling specimens
- Infection prevention during collection
I’ve found this chapter to be both challenging and empowering. Mastering technique means respecting both the science and the human being in front of you.
Chapter 4: Specimen Collection and Transport
What happens after the blood is drawn matters just as much as the draw itself. In this chapter, we learned about the transportation and processing of specimens.
Key lessons:
- Proper labeling and identification
- Chain of custody procedures
- Maintaining specimen integrity during transport
- Lab communication and documentation
- Avoiding pre-analytical errors
This is where accuracy meets accountability. One mislabeled tube can impact patient outcomes, so attention to detail is everything.
Chapter 5: Procedures for Special Phlebotomy
Finally, we cover specialized procedures, which can include working with pediatric or geriatric patients, handling difficult draws, or performing specific tests.
Key lessons:
- Special collections (e.g., blood cultures, timed draws)
- Working with challenging veins or patients with special needs
- Pediatric and neonatal draws
- Advanced safety procedures
- Working in high-pressure environments (like hospitals or emergency settings)
This chapter has been exciting to me because it mirrors the adaptability I’ve already built as a flight attendant; every passenger is different, and so is every draw.
CPR Certification: A Familiar Skill in a New Setting
One thing that made this program feel instantly aligned with my current roll is CPR certification.
As flight attendants, we train annually for in-flight emergencies; including CPR and AED use. In phlebotomy, CPR is also required because healthcare environments can be unpredictable, and patient safety always comes first.
- My official CPR certification will be valid for 2 years
- It’s included in the program cost
- I’ll be certified before my externship begins
Having this skill already under my belt makes the learning curves smooth, and it’s reassuring to know it’s also a cornerstone of nursing.
Externship & Certification Goals
After completing the coursework, I’ll enter my externship, where I’ll need to complete:
- 100 blood draws
- Work in a supervised clinical environment
- Meet competency requirements for certification
Once I hit those milestones, I can sit for my certification exam through NHA (National Healthcareer Association) or ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology)(both highly respected credentials in healthcare.
And after certification? I plan to:
- Add IV certification (a valuable skill for licensed practical nursing)
- Consider CPR instructor certification
- Begin working as a phlebotomist prior to starting nursing school
My Phlebotomy Grant Perks: Support That Makes a Difference
One of the biggest blessings on this journey has been my grant program, which provides tangible support while I complete training and prepare for employment.
Here’s what’s included:
- Transportation support – getting to class and clinical sites without added stress.
- Education/employment attire and supplies – scrubs, lab coats, and essentials covered.
- Technology support – access to a Chromebook or computer to complete coursework.
- Certification and licensing fees – professional exams, clearances, and fees are funded.
- Employment clearances – background checks, drug testing, and health requirements.
This support system has allowed me to focus on learning; not using resources on how to afford the process.
Nursing School: What Comes Next
I’m thrilled to share that I’ve already:
Passed my TEAS test on the first try- Received my acceptance letter for part-time nursing school
Begun preparing for background checks, immunizations, and health screenings, (I want to have most wrapped up in the next 2 weeks)
Once nursing school begins, my schedule will look like this:
Class & Clinical Schedule
- Class time: 5.5 hours per day, 2 times per week = 11 hrs weekly
- Clinical time: 7 hours per day, 4 times per month = 28 hrs monthly
My Study Plan: Balancing Flight Attendant Life & Nursing School
Juggling nursing school with flying part-time is going to require intention and structure but that’s nothing new as schedules change each month. As someone who’s balanced unpredictable flight schedules for years, I’ve built a realistic study plan that respects my energy and goals.
Recommended study ratio: 2 hours of study for every 1 hour of class or clinical time.
Activity | Weekly Hours | Monthly Hours |
Class | 11 hrs | 44 hrs |
Clinical | 7 hrs/week avg | 28 hrs |
Study Time (Class) | 22 hrs | — |
Study Time (Clinical) | 14 hrs | 56 hrs |
| 36 hrs | — |
I plan to:
- Dedicate 1 standing day off each week to organize my studies
- Study 2–4 hours per day, six days a week
- Fly part-time (8–10 days per month)
- Take one day off per week to rest and reset
This structure allows me to build consistency while giving myself grace. Some material will click quickly. Other topics may require extra focus. But either way, I’m setting myself up to succeed.
Why Phlebotomy or similar May Make Sense as a Pre-Nursing Step
If you’re considering nursing school or just curious about healthcare; phlebotomy is one of the smartest entry points. Here’s why:
- Short training period (often 6–12 weeks)
- Low cost or grant opportunities
- High employability—phlebotomists are in demand in hospitals, labs, clinics, and mobile services
- Skill development that translates directly into nursing: venipuncture, specimen handling, patient care, and charting
- Confidence booster before your first nursing clinical will be all set to engage effectively
- Flexible work that you can gain skills from, network and add grounded financial support through nursing school
Multiple nurses I’ve spoken to have said they have taken a similar (step ladder) route before starting their nursing programs. I feel more prepared for learning because it’s been a while since the last time I’ve been a test taking student because of this decision.
Tips If You’re Considering Phlebotomy Before Nursing School
If this route sounds appealing, here are a few practical tips to help you get started:
- Research local training programs — Community colleges and allied health centers often offer affordable phlebotomy courses.
- Look for grants or workforce development programs — Many states have funding available for in-demand healthcare roles.
- Consider your schedule carefully — If you work or have other responsibilities, choose a program that fits your lifestyle.
- Take CPR seriously — It’s a skill that saves lives and builds confidence.
- Be prepared for externship hours — Hands-on experience is essential for certification.
- Start brushing up on anatomy & physiology early—especially veins and arteries.
- Connect with classmates and instructors—building your network now will help when it’s time to apply for jobs or nursing school.
- Remember your “why.” This journey requires commitment, but it’s deeply rewarding.
How This Journey Feels So Far
Halfway through my program, I can say with confidence: this was the right decision for me to reengage with my studies.
Phlebotomy has grounded me in care. It’s given me a deeper understanding of the cardiovascular system , patient interaction, and the precision required in healthcare and confidently answered one of my questions on the TEAS test as a result. It’s bridging my roll as a flight attendant with my future as an aspiring nurse; both roles centered on care, calm, and quick thinking.
The nontraditional route doesn’t make your path less valid. It makes it uniquely mine and perhaps yours too.
Final Thoughts
If you’re standing at the crossroads of your next chapter—whether that’s healthcare, nursing, or a fresh start—know this: you don’t have to follow a single straight path.
Phlebotomy is giving me the skills, structure, and confidence to step into nursing school not as a beginner, but as someone already connected to the work.
I’m still flying, still growing, and still answering the call on my life—this time with a stethoscope and needle in hand.
This isn’t just a career pivot. It’s a purpose pivot.
Have questions about my phlebotomy training journey? Drop them in the comments or send me a message. If this helped you, share it with someone who might be considering this path, too. 
#GroundedInCare #PhlebotomyTraining #NursingSchoolPrep #FlightAttendantNextdoor #HealthcareJourney #VenipunctureSkills #NonTraditionalPath #FutureNurse #TEAS #PhlebotomyExternship
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