Selecting a Phlebotomy School near Lincoln Kansas

Choosing the right phlebotomy technician school near Lincoln KS is an important initial step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting undertaking to analyze and compare all of the school alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s vital that you perform your due diligence to make sure that you receive a quality education. In fact, many students begin their search by considering two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Another option you may consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is far more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and need to be part of your selection process too. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you select the best one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomy Technician Work Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal task, there is actually much more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the tools being employed are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork has to be correctly filled out 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 tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some Lincoln KS phlebotomists actually work in labs and are responsible for making sure that samples are analyzed properly under the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they may be asked to train other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The easiest response is wherever patients are treated. Their work environments are numerous and diverse, such as Lincoln KS hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be charged to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a specific kind of patient. For example, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide variety of patients and would work with different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Certification and Licensing

There are primarily 2 types of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in Lincoln KS, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to complete and offers a general education together 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 phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they normally require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a 4 year program furnish a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. Although not required in the majority of states, most employers look for certification prior to employing technicians. A few of the principal certifying agencies 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 phlebotomist, like California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a premium education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Schools

To start with, let’s resolve one possible misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A good part of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Lincoln KS healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. A large number of courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-practical component of the training may be accessed online, it can be a more practical option for many students. As an added benefit, many online programs are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenditures, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened as well. Just verify that the online phlebotomy program you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Since you now have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already decided on the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Kansas campus is significant in addition to the tuition expense. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomy online college. All of these decisions are a critical component of the process for selecting a program or school. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Following are some questions that you need to ask about all of the Lincoln KS programs you are considering prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Kansas? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed before working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for Kansas or the state where you will be working and readies you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a respected regional or national accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to a guarantee of a quality education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Lincoln KS. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Reputation? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, 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 students as part of their job placement program. You can screen internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also contact several Lincoln KS local hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and find out if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the Kansas school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Included? To begin with, contact the Kansas 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. At a minimum, any Lincoln KS phlebotomist program that you are looking at should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internships Included? Ask the Kansas schools you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with regional health care facilities. They are the optimal way to obtain hands-on practical training often not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Lincoln KS healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Landing your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the schools you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation along with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Lincoln KS health care community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? And last, it’s critical to make sure that the final college you choose offers classes at times that are compatible with your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while attending college. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Lincoln KS, check that they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option as well. And if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is in case you have to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's helpful to consider questions you could be asked. One of the things that recruiters often ask Phlebotomy Tech applicants is "What drove you to select Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what attributes and abilities you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, in addition to a significant number of typical interview questions, so you need to organize a number of ideas about how you want to answer them. Because there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the talents you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down some ideas and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Find the Best Phlebotomy College near Lincoln KS

Making sure that you choose the most suitable phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding medical care field. As we have covered in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior college. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are found in a wide range of educational institutions, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive array of programs in medical care and health sciences. Course offerings can differ somewhat from state to state as each state has its own requirements when it pertains to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to diligently evaluate and compare each school prior to making your ultimate selection. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the best program for you. And with the proper education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Lincoln KS.

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