Picking a Phlebotomy Technician School near South Haven Michigan

Selecting the ideal phlebotomist training near South Haven MI is an essential initial step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting undertaking to investigate and compare each of the school options that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s vital that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you obtain a superior education. In fact, many students start their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional factor you might look into is whether to attend classes online 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 much more to comparing 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 also. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you select the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online schools.

Phlebotomy Tech Work Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. While that is their main 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 utilized are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample has to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork has to be correctly filled out to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory testing process. 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 South Haven MI phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are in charge of making certain that samples are tested properly under the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they might be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Practice?

The quickest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are many and varied, including South Haven MI medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or young children to senior citizens. Some phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a particular type of patient. For instance, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be collecting blood from senior patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide variety of patients and would work with different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Education, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially 2 types of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in South Haven MI, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to complete and provides a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at community and junior colleges, they normally take two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program offer a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. Although not mandated in most states, most employers look for certification before hiring technicians. Some of the main certifying organizations include:

• National Phlebotomy Association
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• American Medical Technologists (AMT)

There are a few states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, including California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a superior education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomist Online Certificates and Degrees

To start with, let’s dispel one possible misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant portion of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved South Haven 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. But since the non-clinical component of the training may be accessed online, it might be a more convenient option for some students. As an additional benefit, many online programs are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenses, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomy program you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can receive a quality education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomy Programs

Now that you have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already picked the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Michigan school is relevant in addition to the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online program. All of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for choosing a program or school. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about each of the South Haven MI schools you are considering prior to making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Michigan? As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Michigan or the state where you will be working and prepares you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you choose should be accredited by a reputable national or regional accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of advantages to graduating from an accredited program aside from a guarantee of a quality education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to take a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited colleges in South Haven MI. Last, 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 Program’s Ranking? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are considering. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also talk to a few South Haven MI area hospitals or clinics that you may have an interest in working for and ask if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the Michigan school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Adequate Training Provided? First, contact the Michigan regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any South Haven MI phlebotomy program that you are considering should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums might signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask the Michigan colleges you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with local health care facilities. They are the optimal means to obtain hands-on clinical training often not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local South Haven MI healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Landing your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the South Haven MI healthcare community.

Are Classes Available as Needed? And last, it’s crucial to make sure that the ultimate school you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your active schedule. This is particularly important if you opt to still work while attending school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near South Haven MI, make certain they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option also. 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 procedure is should you have to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's helpful to review questions you might be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers frequently ask Phlebotomy Tech candidates is "What compelled you to pick Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not just the private reasons you may have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what attributes and skills you have that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating specifically to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of standard interview questions, so you should prepare several approaches about how you want to answer them. Since there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the talents you possess that make you an outstanding Phlebotomist and the leading candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down some concepts and talking points that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Choose the Right Phlebotomist Program near South Haven MI

Making sure that you choose the most suitable phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this gratifying medical care field. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality program. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs are offered in a wide range of academic institutions, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive array of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Program options may differ a bit across the country as every state has its own prerequisites when it comes to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must diligently screen and compare each college prior to making your ultimate decision. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the best school for you. And with the proper education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in South Haven MI.

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