Picking a Phlebotomy Course near Bloomington Indiana

Selecting the right phlebotomy technician school near Bloomington IN is an important first step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult undertaking to analyze and compare each of the training options that are accessible to you. However it’s vital that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you get a superior education. In fact, many prospective students start their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another option you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables including reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and must be part of your selection process too. To assist in that effort, we will furnish a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you pick the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online training.

Phlebotomy Tech Work Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their primary function, there is in fact much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to verify that the instruments being used are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample must be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork needs to be accurately completed to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab testing process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Bloomington IN phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are accountable for making certain that samples are tested properly utilizing the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they may be required to train other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The most basic response is wherever they treat patients. Their work environments are many and varied, including Bloomington IN medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They may be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a particular type of patient. For instance, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide variety of patients and would work with new patients every day.

Phlebotomy Training, Certification and Licensing

There are primarily 2 types of programs that furnish phlebotomy training in Bloomington IN, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes less than a year to complete and offers a general education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at junior and community colleges, they normally require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a four year program furnish a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will probably want to be certified. While not required in the majority of states, many employers require certification prior to employing technicians. Some of the key certifying organizations include:

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

There are some states that do call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, like California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a superior education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Colleges

To start with, let’s dispel one potential mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant part of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Bloomington 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. But since the non-clinical component of the training may be accessed online, it may be a more practical option for many students. As an additional benefit, a number of online programs are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some costs, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just verify that the online phlebotomy school you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a superior education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the best option for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Since you now have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already chosen the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Indiana school is significant as well as the cost of tuition. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomist college. Each of these decisions are an important part of the process for selecting a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you need to ask about all of the Bloomington IN schools you are considering before making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Indiana? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomy program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Indiana or the state where you will be working and readies you for any examinations you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you pick should be accredited by a respected regional or national accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to an assurance of a superior education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to take a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are typically not available for non-accredited programs in Bloomington 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 School’s Ranking? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of all schools you are looking at. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can screen internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also talk to a few Bloomington IN area hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and ask if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can contact the Indiana school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Ample Training Included? To begin with, contact the Indiana regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any Bloomington IN phlebotomy program that you are looking at should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internships Included? Ask the Indiana schools you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with area healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to receive hands-on clinical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Bloomington IN health care community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Available? Getting your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the schools you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Bloomington IN healthcare community.

Are Class Times Available as Needed? Finally, it’s crucial to verify that the final school you choose offers classes at times that will accommodate your busy schedule. This is particularly true if you opt to still work while attending college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Bloomington IN, make sure they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, confirm it is an option also. Even if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is in case you have to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's helpful to consider questions you could be asked. Among the things that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomist candidates is "What made you select Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not merely the private reasons you may have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but also what characteristics and talents you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of general interview questions, so you should organize a number of approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you along with the abilities you have that make you an outstanding Phlebotomist and the best choice for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down several ideas and topics that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Find the Right Phlebotomist College near Bloomington IN

Making sure that you choose the most suitable phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this gratifying health care career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are offered in a wide range of academic institutes, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive assortment of courses in medical care and health sciences. Training program offerings can vary slightly from state to state as every state has its own prerequisites when it concerns phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to thoroughly evaluate and compare each school before making your ultimate decision. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the right program for you. And with the appropriate training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Bloomington IN.

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