Phlebotomists are people trained to draw blood from a live person or animal for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. Phlebotomists are trained in a certification program; this program can be online, but must also include a certain number of hours of practical training in drawing blood. Phlebotomists collect blood primarily by performing venipuncture and, for collection of minute quantities of blood, fingersticks.[1] Blood may be collected from infants by means of a heel stick. Phlebotomists duties are to identify the patient, prepare paper work, prepare patient accordingly, perform the puncture, withdraw blood into containers or tubes, assess the degree of bleeding and pain, assess the patient after the phlebotomy procedure.   [Source of information from Wikipedia]

Now, using the same source [Wikipedia], search for the meaning of the word "Vein Access Technologist".  Below is a screen shot image of the result...

M. Gail Stotler, founder of Vein Access Technologies defines Vein Access as:

    Vein Access - this is the Locate a vein, Dilate a Vein, Grade a Vein and then Access that vein with needle portion of the following procedures - blood draw, IVs, injections of contrast, kidney dialysis and blood donation.  In the laboratory world this part of the process is called the 'pre-analytical phase'; in nursing and radiology this is called the 'starting an IV' phase; and in kidney dialysis it is called the "dialysis catheter placement, or the vascular access port placement'; and in blood donation it is called 'needle placement'.  As you can see, each discipline has their own name for this process.  In reality, it is the same process: Locate, Dilate, Grade and Access a vein.  The vein site selection differs from procedure to procedure, and the final indwelling position of the needle varies from procedure to procedure - but the first four steps are the same - no matter what the procedure - if you are using the new 21cVA technique (VAT method) for these vein access procedures.

    Vein Access Technician - cVAT -an individual, with or without any prior medical profession training and/or experience, who has been trained in the 21cVA and 21cPOC technique methods for vein access and point of care testing procedures for blood draws, IVs, Injection of Contrast, Kidney Dialysis, blood donations, heel sticks and fingers sticks.  This VATech holds a certificate of completion in vein access and POC training - but is not considered a specialist (technologist) in this field because they do no hold a Bachelors degree in any of the science related fields (i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Math, Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, or Biomedical Engineering).

    Vein Access Technologist - cVATechnologist - an individual who has been trained the 21cVA and 21cPOC technique methods for vein access and point of care testing procedures for blood draws, IVs, Injection of Contrast, Kidney Dialysis, blood donations, heel sticks and fingers sticks AND holds a Bachelors degree (or masters, PhD, MD or DO degree) in one of the related science fields (i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Math, Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, or Biomedical Engineering).  This science education foundation gives these individuals a more global understanding of the science behind the skill of vein access and the ability to move to the next level of training - Train-the-Trainer - to be able to teach this skill of vein access to other individuals - at the VATechnician, VATechnologist and VATrainer levels.

Vein Access Technologies (VAT) is working on many new and exciting opportunities that will soon impact the medical industry.  We are currently in the process of updating our new website and adding new training programs to our current schedule and a Newsletter that will provide information and updates about VAT on a monthly basis.

VAT is also working with several Universities and traveling around the United States to teach the new 21cVA blood draw method, the 21cPOC point of care technique, and to educate others on how our technique IS the "better blood draw".  With our new technique, whether you are the patient or the Phlebotomist drawing the blood, we are changing a procedure that is thousands of years old and it's about time blood draw is brought up to the 21st Century.

Currently, VAT teaches the new 21cVA procedure in East Alton, Illinois at our on-site training facility and our course is condensed (we teach only what is relevant to the course of study) so you can become a Certified Vein Access Technologist (cVAT) or Phlebotomist in only four (4) days.   We also offer Continued Education (CE) training for anyone in the medical field who needs additional training hours or certifications.  The difference is, you will WANT to learn what M. Gail Stotler teaches.  

Please stay tuned and continue to check back often as VAT will be posting or blogging about our "Train the Trainer" course (coming soon), VAT Mobile (our mobile blood draw station), and why we should be hired as your professional contract blood draw service!  

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Marie P. and Vicki N. are friends and co-workers who wanted to enhance their skill levels.   In less than one week, both Certified Nursing Assistants' became certified Vein Access Technologists (cVAT).  Congratulations to you both! 
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"Having Gail Stotler teach the VAT training program herself was definitely an honor!  To be able learn from the person who invented such an amazing technique does not happen often, especially, in the medical field.  I drove 2 hours each day to become one of the first cVAT's in my area.  I would highly recommend to anyone this program and if you are lucky enough to be in Gail's class, you will see and feel her passion about the importance of vein access and patient care."  Marie P.