Selecting a Phlebotomy Training Program near Sellersburg Indiana

Choosing the ideal phlebotomy school near Sellersburg IN is a critical first step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting undertaking to evaluate and compare each of the school alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s vital that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you receive a superior education. In reality, many potential students begin the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional option you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and should be part of your selection process as well. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you choose the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online schools.

Phlebotomy Technician Career Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. While that is their principal duty, there is actually so much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to confirm that the tools being employed are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be correctly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork has to be accurately completed to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory testing procedure. 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. Many Sellersburg IN phlebotomists actually work in labs and are accountable for making certain that samples are analyzed properly using the highest quality assurance 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 are Phlebotomists Employed?

The simplest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are numerous and diverse, such as Sellersburg IN medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be charged to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or young children to senior citizens. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a particular kind of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients each day.

Phlebotomist Training, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially two types of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Sellersburg IN, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to complete and furnishes a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they typically take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a four year program furnish a more extensive background in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will probably want to become certified. Although not required in the majority of states, many employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. Some of the principal 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 require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, like California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only supplies a quality education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomist Online Training

To begin with, let’s resolve one likely mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial part of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Sellersburg 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-practical portion of the training can be accessed online, it could be a more convenient alternative for many students. As an additional benefit, a number of online schools are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenses, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomist school you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a premium education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal option for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Now that you have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already picked the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Indiana school is significant in addition to the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomy online school. All of these decisions are an important component of the procedure for selecting a school or program. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you need to ask about each of the Sellersburg IN programs you are looking at before making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As previously mentioned, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of practical training completed before working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for Indiana or the state where you will be working and readies you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you choose should be accredited by a reputable 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 a guarantee of a superior education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification exam offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited schools in Sellersburg IN. Last, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Reputation? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to check out the reputations of any schools you are considering. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even check with several Sellersburg IN local clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and see if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the Indiana school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Adequate Training Provided? First, contact the Indiana regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Sellersburg IN phlebotomy program that you are considering should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to provide sufficient training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out from the Indiana programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with area healthcare facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on clinical training frequently not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Sellersburg IN healthcare community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Finding your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Find out if the colleges you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation as well as a substantial network of professional contacts within the Sellersburg IN medical community.

Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s crucial to confirm that the final school you select provides classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is especially true if you decide to still work while attending college. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Sellersburg IN, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option as well. And if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up policy is in case you have to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician job, it's important to consider questions you may be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers typically ask Phlebotomy Tech applicants is "What compelled you to pick Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not just the personal reasons you may have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but also what characteristics and skills you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to ready a number of ideas about how you would like to address them. Because there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the talents you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomist and the leading choice for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down several concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can help you to prepare your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Choose the Best Phlebotomy Program near Sellersburg IN

Making sure that you select the right phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this fulfilling health care field. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be available in a number of academic institutions, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide range of courses in medical care and health sciences. Program offerings may differ a bit from state to state as every state has its own mandates when it concerns phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must carefully research and compare each program before making your ultimate selection. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the right school for you. And with the appropriate education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Sellersburg IN.

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