Picking a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Mendon Michigan

Enrolling in the right phlebotomy technician school near Mendon MI is an important initial step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult undertaking to assess and compare each of the training options that are accessible to you. However it’s vital that you do your due diligence to make sure that you get a superior education. In reality, a large number of potential students start the process by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Another option you may consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll review more about online schools later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables such as accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and need to be part of your decision process as well. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our discussion about online schools.

Phlebotomist Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their primary function, there is in fact much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the tools being used are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork must be accurately filled out 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 infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Many Mendon MI phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are accountable for making sure that samples are tested correctly using the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they may be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The easiest response is wherever there are patients. Their work places are numerous and diverse, such as Mendon MI medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be tasked to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a particular 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 working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers solely. In contrast, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.

Phlebotomist Education, Certification and Licensing

There are primarily two types of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Mendon MI, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to finish and offers a general education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest method to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they normally take two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a 4 year program offer a more extensive background in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not required in the majority of states, many employers require certification before 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 in order to practice as a phlebotomist, such as California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only offers a premium education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomist Classes

To begin with, let’s resolve one likely mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A good portion of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Mendon MI healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-clinical part of the training can be attended online, it may be a more convenient option for some students. As an added benefit, a number of online programs are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some expenditures, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy program you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a superior education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Since you now 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 wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Michigan school is significant as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomist college. All of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for selecting a school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when arriving at your decision. Following are a few questions that you should ask about all of the Mendon MI schools you are considering prior to making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Michigan? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws 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. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for Michigan or the state where you will be working and readies you for all examinations you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you choose should be accredited by a reputable national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of advantages to graduating from an accredited program in addition to a guarantee of a premium education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are often not available for non-accredited schools in Mendon MI. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Ranking? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of any schools you are reviewing. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also talk to some Mendon MI area clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and see if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Michigan school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Included? To begin with, check with 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 classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Mendon MI phlebotomist program that you are looking at should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums may signify that the program is not expansive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out from the Michigan colleges you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with local healthcare facilities. They are the ideal way to obtain hands-on practical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Mendon MI health care community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Available? Landing 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, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation together with a large network of professional contacts within the Mendon MI medical community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it’s crucial to verify that the ultimate college you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your busy lifestyle. This is especially true if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Mendon MI, make sure they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, 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 completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is should you need to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomist job, it's a good idea to review questions you may be asked. One of the things that interviewers often ask Phlebotomy Technician candidates is "What compelled you to decide on Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not just the private reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomist, but also what attributes and talents you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, in addition to a significant number of typical interview questions, so you should prepare a number of approaches about how you want to address them. Considering there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomist and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down several concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Select the Best Phlebotomist School near Mendon MI

Making certain that you choose the right phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding medical care career position. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomy training programs are available in a number of educational institutions, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive array of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Course options may differ somewhat across the country as each state has its own criteria when it pertains to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly research and compare each program before making your final decision. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the best college for you. And with the appropriate training, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Mendon MI.

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