Picking a Phlebotomist Training Program near Dewitt Michigan

Enrolling in the right phlebotomist school near Dewitt MI is an important first step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult undertaking to analyze and compare each of the training options that are accessible to you. However it’s necessary that you do your due diligence to ensure that you receive a quality education. In fact, many potential students begin their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Another factor you might consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and should be part of your selection process too. To assist in that effort, we will furnish a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you choose the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online schools.

Phlebotomy Technician Career Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. While that is their main responsibility, there is actually so much more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must confirm that the tools being used are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork has to be correctly completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab testing process. The phlebotomist then delivers 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 Dewitt MI phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are responsible for ensuring that samples are analyzed properly utilizing the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they may be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The most basic answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are many and varied, including Dewitt MI hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be charged to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a certain kind of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide variety of patients and would work with new patients each day.

Phlebotomy Training, Certification and Licensing

There are essentially two kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in Dewitt MI, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to finish and furnishes a general education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at community and junior colleges, they typically require 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a four year program offer a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will probably want to become certified. Although not mandated in the majority of states, a number of employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. Some of the key certifying agencies 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 in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, such as Nevada and California. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you pick a phlebotomist training program that not only provides a superior education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomist Online Schools

To begin with, let’s resolve one likely misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant component of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Dewitt MI healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-clinical part of the training may be attended online, it might be a more practical alternative for some students. As an added benefit, many online schools are more affordable than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, for instance those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened as well. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist school you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the best option for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Now that you have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already selected the kind of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Michigan campus is important in addition to the cost of tuition. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomy online program. 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. Below we have provided some questions that you need to ask about each of the Dewitt MI programs you are looking at prior to making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As earlier discussed, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Michigan or the state where you will be working and readies you for any exams you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you select should be accredited by a highly regarded regional or national accrediting organization, for example 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 premium education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited programs in Dewitt MI. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Reputation? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to check out the reputations of all colleges you are considering. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can even contact several Dewitt MI area hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and find out if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can contact the Michigan school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Ample Training Provided? To begin with, contact the Michigan 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. As a minimum, any Dewitt MI phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask the Michigan colleges you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with regional health care facilities. They are the ideal way to receive hands-on practical training typically not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop relationships within the local Dewitt MI healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Finding your first phlebotomist position will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the colleges you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a higher rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Dewitt MI medical community.

Are Class Times Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s crucial to make sure that the ultimate college you pick provides classes at times that are compatible with your hectic lifestyle. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Dewitt MI, make certain they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, confirm it is an option also. And if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up procedure is in case you have to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Want to Be a Phlebotomist?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's important to review questions you may be asked. One of the things that hiring managers frequently ask Phlebotomist candidates is "What compelled you to pick Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not just the personal reasons you might have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what attributes and talents you have that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of general interview questions, so you must prepare several ideas about how you want to answer them. Since there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Technician and the best candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down a few concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Select the Best Phlebotomy Course near Dewitt MI

Making certain that you choose the right phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding healthcare field. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomy training programs can be available in a number of academic institutions, such as community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide range of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Program options may differ slightly from state to state as every state has its own mandates when it comes to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must diligently evaluate and compare each program before making your final choice. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can pick the right school for you. And with the proper education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Dewitt MI.

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