Selecting a Phlebotomist School near Marion Kansas

Choosing the right phlebotomy technician school near Marion KS is an important initial step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult undertaking to analyze and compare each of the school options that are accessible to you. However it’s important that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you get a superior education. In fact, many prospective students start their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional option you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors such as accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and should be part of your decision process too. 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 pick the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online classes.

Phlebotomist Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their primary task, there is actually so much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must verify that the instruments being used are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork must be correctly completed in order to track the sample from the point 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 can be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Marion KS phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are responsible for making sure that samples are tested properly under the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they might be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The easiest answer is wherever patients are treated. Their work environments are numerous and varied, including Marion KS hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a particular kind of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be collecting blood from senior patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomist Training, Certification and Licensing

There are essentially two types of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Marion KS, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes under a year to complete and offers a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will include training to become a phlebotomist. Offered at junior and community colleges, they typically take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program provide a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not mandated in the majority of states, most employers require certification prior to employing technicians. A few of the main certifying organizations include:

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

There are several states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, including California and Nevada. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you pick a phlebotomist training program that not only provides a premium education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomy Online Certificates and Degrees

To start with, let’s resolve one potential misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial portion of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Marion KS 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 prior to graduation. But since the non-clinical portion of the training can be attended online, it may be a more convenient option for many students. As an added benefit, many online schools are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenditures, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced also. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist college 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 obtain a quality education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online might be the best option for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Since you now have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already picked the kind of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Kansas campus is relevant as well as the cost of tuition. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomy program. All of these decisions are an important component of the procedure for choosing a program or school. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Following are a few questions that you need to ask about each of the Marion KS schools you are considering prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Kansas? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for Kansas or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable national or regional accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited program aside from an assurance of a quality education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are typically not available for non-accredited schools in Marion KS. Finally, graduating from an accredited college can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Ranking? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to check the reputations of all colleges you are considering. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also check with some Marion KS local hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and see if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can contact the Kansas school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Enough Training Provided? To begin with, check with the Kansas regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Marion KS phlebotomy 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 below these minimums may signify that the program is not expansive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Find out from the Kansas schools you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional health care facilities. They are the ideal way to get hands-on clinical training often not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop relationships within the local Marion KS medical community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Finding your first phlebotomist job will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Find out if the colleges you are looking at provide 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 together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Marion KS health care community.

Are Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it’s critical to make sure that the ultimate program you select provides classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is especially important if you opt to still work while going to school. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Marion KS, check that they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up policy is should you have to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's advantageous to review questions you might be asked. Among the things that recruiters typically ask Phlebotomy Tech applicants is "What drove you to decide on Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not just the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what qualities and talents you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to organize some approaches about how you would like to answer them. Considering there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Technician and the ideal choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but jot down several ideas and talking points that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Choose the Right Phlebotomist College near Marion KS

Making sure that you enroll in the most suitable phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare career position. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomy training programs can be offered in a variety of academic institutions, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive assortment of programs in medical care and health sciences. Training program options can vary a bit across the country as every state has its own criteria when it pertains to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to carefully research and compare each program prior to making your final decision. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the right school for you. And with the proper education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Marion KS.

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