Selecting a Phlebotomy School near Argos Indiana

Enrolling in the ideal phlebotomist school near Argos IN is an essential initial step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging undertaking to analyze and compare all of the school options that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s vital that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you obtain a quality education. In fact, a large number of prospective students start their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Another option you may look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll talk more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors including reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and must be part of your selection process too. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you choose the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomist Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their primary function, there is in fact far more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must confirm that the tools being utilized are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be correctly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork has to be accurately completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory screening process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Many Argos IN phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are responsible for making sure that samples are analyzed properly using the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they can be asked to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The easiest response is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are numerous and varied, such as Argos IN medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They may be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or young children to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing blood from a specific kind of patient. For instance, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients each day.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Licensing and Certification

There are primarily two types of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Argos IN, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to complete and provides a general education together with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they usually take 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a four year program offer a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will probably want to get certified. While not required in most states, most employers require certification prior to employing technicians. Some of the primary certifying agencies include:

• National Phlebotomy Association
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• American Medical Technologists (AMT)

There are several states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, including Nevada and California. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a superior education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomist Certificates and Degrees

To begin with, let’s dispel one likely misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial part of the course of study will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Argos IN healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-practical part of the training may be attended online, it can be a more practical alternative for many students. As an added benefit, many online programs are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some expenditures, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened also. Just verify that the online phlebotomy school you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can receive a quality education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomy Programs

Now that you have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already chosen the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Indiana campus is significant as well as the cost of tuition. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomy online school. Each of these decisions are an important component of the procedure for picking a school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you need to ask about all of the Argos IN programs you are looking at prior to making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Indiana? As mentioned previously, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Indiana or the state where you will be working and prepares you for any exams you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you pick should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many advantages to graduating from an accredited school aside from an assurance of a superior education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to take a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are often not available for non-accredited programs in Argos IN. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to investigate the reputations of all schools you are considering. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can also check with some Argos IN area clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and find out if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Indiana school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Enough Training Provided? First, check with the Indiana regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Argos IN phlebotomist program that you are looking at should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums might indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask the Indiana programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with regional healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to obtain hands-on practical training often not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Argos IN healthcare community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Landing your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Ask if the schools you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation together with a large network of professional contacts within the Argos IN health care community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s critical to verify that the final school you pick offers classes at times that are compatible with your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Argos IN, make sure they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option as well. And if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is should you have to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Become a Phlebotomist?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's helpful to reflect on questions you may be asked. Among the questions that recruiters typically ask Phlebotomist applicants is "What compelled you to decide on Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not just the personal reasons you may have for being Phlebotomist, but also what attributes and skills you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you need to ready a number of strategies about how you want to respond to them. Since there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Technician and the leading candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down some concepts and talking points that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can help you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Select the Ideal Phlebotomist Program near Argos IN

Making certain that you enroll in the ideal phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding healthcare career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a quality school. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be available in a variety of educational institutions, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive assortment of programs in medical care and health sciences. Course options may differ slightly across the country as each state has its own mandates when it comes to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to diligently evaluate and compare each program before making your ultimate choice. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the best college for you. And with the proper training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Argos IN.

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