Phlebotomy Training Schools near Pittsburg KS 66762 - Find Phlebotomist Schools Near You

Selecting a Phlebotomy Training Program near Pittsburg Kansas

Pittsburg KS phlebotomist taking blood sample Selecting the ideal phlebotomy technician training near Pittsburg KS is an essential first step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a challenging task to analyze and compare each of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you obtain a quality education. In reality, most potential students begin the process by considering two 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 more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors including reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and should be part of your decision process also. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you choose the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our conversation about online training.

Phlebotomy Tech Job Summary

Pittsburg KS phlebotomist testing blood sample A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. While that is their primary task, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to verify that the instruments being utilized are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample must be correctly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork needs to be properly completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. A number of Pittsburg KS phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are responsible for making certain that samples are analyzed properly using the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they might be asked to train other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The easiest answer is wherever patients are treated. Their work places are numerous and varied, including Pittsburg KS hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be charged to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to seniors. A number of phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a specific kind of patient. For example, those practicing 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 drawing blood from mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide variety of patients and would work with different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Education, Certification and Licensing

Pittsburg KS phlebotomist holding blood sample There are essentially 2 kinds of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Pittsburg KS, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes under a year to finish and provides a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will include training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at community and junior colleges, they typically require 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a four year program provide a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not mandated in the majority of states, a number of employers require certification prior to employing technicians. A few 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 call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, like Nevada and California. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only supplies a premium education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Classes

attending phlebotomy training online in Pittsburg KS To start with, let’s resolve one potential mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial component of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Pittsburg KS healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-clinical part of the training can be attended online, it can be a more practical alternative for some students. As an added benefit, many online programs are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be lowered as well. Just verify that the online phlebotomy program you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive 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 ideal choice for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Now that you have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already chosen the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Kansas campus is significant 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 process for picking a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Following are several questions that you need to ask about each of the Pittsburg KS colleges you are looking at before making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As earlier discussed, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomist program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Kansas or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you pick should be accredited by a reputable national or regional accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many advantages to graduating from an accredited program aside from an assurance of a quality education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are typically not available for non-accredited programs in Pittsburg KS. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are considering. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen online school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even talk to several Pittsburg KS local clinics or hospitals that you might have an interest in working for and ask if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Kansas school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Enough Training Included? First, check with the Kansas 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 Pittsburg KS phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internships Provided? Ask the Kansas schools you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional medical facilities. They are the optimal way to receive hands-on practical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Pittsburg KS healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Finding your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Find out if the colleges you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation along with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Pittsburg KS healthcare community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s critical to make sure that the final school you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your busy schedule. This is especially true if you choose to continue working while attending college. If you need to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Pittsburg KS, check that they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is should you have to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's advantageous to consider questions you could be asked. One of the things that interviewers often ask Phlebotomy Technician prospects is "What made you pick Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomist, but also what characteristics and abilities you have that make you good at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you should ready some approaches about how you want to answer them. Because there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the abilities you have that make you an outstanding Phlebotomist and the best choice for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down a few ideas and topics that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Find the Ideal Phlebotomy College near Pittsburg KS

Making certain that you enroll in the right phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding health care career position. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a premium program. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs are found in a wide range of educational institutions, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive range of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Course offerings may vary a bit from state to state as every state has its own criteria when it concerns phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to thoroughly research and compare each program prior to making your final choice. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the ideal college for you. And with the appropriate training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Pittsburg KS.

Learn About Pittsburg Kansas

Pittsburg, Kansas

Pittsburg is a city in Crawford County, Kansas, United States, located in Southeast Kansas near the Missouri state border. It is the most populous city in Crawford County and southeastern Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 20,233.[6]

On October 23, 1864, a wagon train of refugees had come from Fort Smith, Arkansas, and was escorted by troops from the 6th Kansas Cavalry under the command of Col. William Campbell. These were local men from Cherokee, Crawford, and Bourbon counties. Their enlistment was over, and they were on their way to Fort Leavenworth to be dismissed from service. They ran into the 1st Indian Brigade led by Maj. Andrew Jackson Piercy near the current Pittsburg Waste Water Treatment Plant. They continued to the north when a small group of wagons broke away in an unsuccessful rush to safety. The Confederate troops caught up with them and burned the wagons. The death toll was three Union soldiers and 13 civilian men who had been with the wagon train. It was likely that one of the Confederates had also been killed. A granite marker memorial for the "Cow Creek Skirmish" was placed near the Crawford County Historical Museum on October 30, 2011.[7]

Pittsburg sprang up in the fall of 1876 on a railroad line being built through the neighborhood.[8] It was named after Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,[9] and maps of the time give the town's name as "New Pittsburgh". George Hobson and Franklin Playter are credited with being the city's founders, establishing a government after its beginnings as a coal mining camp in the 1870s. The city was incorporated in 1879.[10] The “New” was dropped upon incorporation of the City as a third class city on June 21, 1880, with M. M. Snow as its first Mayor. In 1892 it was advanced to a city of the second class, in 1905 Pittsburg attained the rank of first class. During this period, the 'h' was dropped from the official spelling, as the name was pronounced with a "berg" ending, and not a "burra" ending (Scottish). For this reason, the United States Board on Geographic Names altered the city's official name as part of a country-wide standardization effort. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania similarly lost its 'h' from 1891 to 1911, before winning a rare name reversal following a twenty-year appeal.

The first dwelling was built by J. T. Roach in July 1876.[11] The first post office in Pittsburg was established in August, 1876. The post office's name was spelled as Pittsburgh and New Pittsburgh for some time before 1894.[12] In 1910, the population of Pittsburg was over 14,000.

The location could not be found.