Selecting a Phlebotomy School near Sharon Springs Kansas

Picking the right phlebotomy school near Sharon Springs KS is an essential initial step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging task to investigate and compare each of the training options that are available to you. However it’s important that you do your due diligence to ensure that you get a quality education. In reality, most potential students start their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional factor you may look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online classes 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 finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and must be part of your decision process too. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you select the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our conversation about online classes.

Phlebotomy Technician Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. While that is their principal task, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must verify that the tools being employed are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork needs to be properly completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab testing procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some Sharon Springs KS phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are accountable for making sure that samples are tested correctly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they may be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?

The simplest answer is wherever patients are treated. Their workplaces are many and diverse, including Sharon Springs KS hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a certain kind of patient. For example, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be collecting blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers solely. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients every day.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially 2 types of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Sharon Springs KS, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to finish and furnishes a general education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at community and junior colleges, they usually take 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program offer a more extensive background in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to become certified. Although not mandated in the majority of states, most employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. Some of the primary 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 phlebotomist, including California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a premium education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Training

To begin with, let’s resolve one possible misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial part of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Sharon Springs 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 prior to graduation. However since the non-practical part of the training can be accessed online, it could be a more practical option for some students. As an added benefit, some online colleges are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some costs, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be lowered also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy program you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (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 disciplined enough to study at home, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Now that you have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already chosen the kind of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Kansas college is significant as well as the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomy college. Each of these decisions are an important component of the procedure for choosing a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Following are several questions that you should ask about each of the Sharon Springs KS programs you are reviewing prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Kansas? As earlier discussed, each state has its own requirements 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 completed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Kansas or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you select should be accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited school in addition to an assurance of a premium education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited programs in Sharon Springs KS. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more attractive to future employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Reputation? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to investigate the reputations of all colleges you are looking at. 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 research internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also check with several Sharon Springs KS local clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and find out if they can provide any insights. As a closing thought, you can check with the Kansas school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Ample Training Provided? First, contact the Kansas regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Sharon Springs KS phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish adequate training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask the Kansas programs you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with area medical facilities. They are the ideal means to receive hands-on practical training frequently not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Sharon Springs KS medical community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Finding your first phlebotomist job will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation along with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Sharon Springs KS healthcare community.

Are Classes Available as Needed? Finally, it’s important to make sure that the ultimate school you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic schedule. This is especially true if you decide to continue working while attending college. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Sharon Springs KS, make sure they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option as well. And if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is in case you need to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomist job, it's important to consider questions you may be asked. Among the questions that interviewers frequently ask Phlebotomist prospects is "What compelled you to decide on Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not merely the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you need to ready a number of ideas about how you want to address them. Since there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomist and the leading candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down some ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can assist you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Find the Best Phlebotomy Course near Sharon Springs KS

Making sure that you select the most suitable 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 a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomy training programs are found in a wide range of educational institutions, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive array of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Course options can vary a bit from state to state as each state has its own mandates when it comes to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to thoroughly research and compare each school prior to making your final choice. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the best program for you. And with the appropriate training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Sharon Springs KS.

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