Choosing a Phlebotomist Training Program near Laurel Indiana

Enrolling in the right phlebotomist training near Laurel IN is an essential first step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting undertaking to assess and compare all of the training options that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you do your due diligence to make sure that you get a superior education. In fact, a large number of students begin the process by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Another factor you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. We’ll discuss more about online schools later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and need to 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 reviewing to help you pick the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomy Technician Work Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. While that is their main responsibility, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the instruments being utilized are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork has to be correctly completed to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Many Laurel IN phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are responsible for making certain that samples are analyzed correctly under the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they may be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The simplest answer is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are numerous and diverse, including Laurel IN medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to senior citizens. Some phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a specific type of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital setting would be collecting blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.

Phlebotomist Education, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially two kinds of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Laurel IN, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to complete and offers a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at community and junior colleges, they typically require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a four year program provide a more extensive background in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will probably want to get certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, most employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. A few 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 in order to practice as a phlebotomist, like Nevada and California. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a quality education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomy Online Classes

To start with, let’s dispel one possible misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A good component of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Laurel IN healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. A large number of courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-clinical component of the training may be attended online, it can be a more practical alternative for some students. As an additional benefit, many online schools are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenses, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomist school you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Since you now have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already decided on the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Indiana campus is important in addition to the tuition expense. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomist school. Each of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for choosing a program or school. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you should ask about each of the Laurel IN programs you are considering prior to making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Indiana? As earlier discussed, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states require certification, while some others require licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you might have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for Indiana or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for all examinations you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you select should be accredited by a reputable national or regional accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many advantages to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a superior education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Laurel IN. Last, graduating from an accredited school can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Reputation? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s important to check out the reputations of all schools you are considering. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their students as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even talk to some Laurel IN area hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and see if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the Indiana school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Provided? First, contact 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. As a minimum, any Laurel IN phlebotomist program that you are looking at should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums may indicate that the program is not expansive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internships Provided? Ask the Indiana colleges you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with local health care facilities. They are the ideal means to get hands-on clinical training frequently not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Laurel IN health care community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Getting your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the schools you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a high rate, signifying they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation together with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Laurel IN medical community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s crucial to confirm that the ultimate school you pick provides classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is especially true if you decide to still work while attending school. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Laurel 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 also. And if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up policy is should you need to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's advantageous to review questions you might be asked. One of the things that interviewers often ask Phlebotomist prospects is "What compelled you to pick Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the personal reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what attributes and talents you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of typical interview questions, so you must prepare a number of ideas about how you would like to answer them. Because there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Technician and the best choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but jot down several concepts and talking points that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Enroll in the Best Phlebotomy College near Laurel IN

Making sure that you enroll in the ideal phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this gratifying health care career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium program. Phlebotomy training programs can be found in a wide range of academic institutes, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive range of courses in medical care and health sciences. Program offerings can differ somewhat across the country as every state has its own mandates when it concerns phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you need to diligently evaluate and compare each college prior to making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can select the best program for you. And with the appropriate training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Laurel IN.

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