Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician Course near Rexford Kansas

Selecting the right phlebotomy school near Rexford KS is a critical first step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging task to investigate and compare all of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you obtain a quality education. In reality, most students start their search by considering two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another option you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll discuss more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is far 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 selection process as well. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you pick the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online schools.

Phlebotomy Tech Career Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their main function, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to verify that the instruments being utilized are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork has to be accurately completed in order to track the sample from the time 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 may be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Many Rexford KS phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are accountable for ensuring that samples are analyzed correctly utilizing the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they might be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The most basic answer is wherever patients are treated. Their work environments are many and diverse, including Rexford KS 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. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a particular type of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomists working in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Licensing and Certification

There are basically 2 types of programs that furnish phlebotomy training in Rexford KS, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to complete and provides a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they usually require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program offer a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will probably want to become certified. Although not mandated in most states, most employers look for certification before hiring technicians. Some 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 call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, including California and Nevada. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only provides a premium education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Schools

First, let’s dispel one likely mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A good part of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Rexford KS 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 part of the training may be accessed online, it could be a more convenient alternative for many students. As an added benefit, some online schools are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some expenditures, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced as well. Just verify that the online phlebotomy school you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can receive a superior education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Now that you have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already decided on the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Kansas college is significant in addition to the cost of tuition. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomist college. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the process for picking a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Following are a few questions that you should ask about each of the Rexford KS colleges you are looking at before making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Kansas or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for all examinations you may have to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited program in addition to a guarantee of a superior education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges in Rexford KS. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to future employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to check the reputations of all colleges you are considering. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can research online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can even check with some Rexford KS area hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and see if they can offer any insights. 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 Sufficient Training Included? First, contact the Kansas regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Rexford KS phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internships Included? Ask the Kansas programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with area health care facilities. They are the ideal way to obtain hands-on practical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Rexford KS healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Finding your first phlebotomist position will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation together with a large network of professional contacts within the Rexford KS health care community.

Are Classes Available as Needed? Finally, it’s critical to verify that the ultimate school you choose offers classes at times that are compatible with your busy lifestyle. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Rexford KS, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, confirm 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 should you have to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Phlebotomist?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomist job, it's advantageous to consider questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers often ask Phlebotomy Tech candidates is "What made you choose Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not just the private reasons you may have for being Phlebotomist, but also what qualities and skills you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, as well as a certain number of typical interview questions, so you need to prepare a number of strategies about how you want to answer them. Since there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the strengths you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but write down several concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right Phlebotomist College near Rexford KS

Making certain that you enroll in the right phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this fulfilling medical care field. As we have addressed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be available in a number of educational institutes, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive assortment of programs in medical care and health sciences. Training program options may differ a bit across the country as every state has its own criteria when it concerns phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to carefully evaluate and compare each school prior to making your ultimate selection. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the ideal college for you. And with the appropriate training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Rexford KS.

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