Choosing a Phlebotomy Training Program near Swartz Creek Michigan

Selecting the ideal phlebotomy technician school near Swartz Creek MI is an essential first step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a challenging undertaking to investigate and compare each of the training alternatives that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you receive a quality education. In reality, a large number of prospective students start the process by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another option you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll review a bit more about online schools later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and should be part of your selection process also. 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 before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online schools.

Phlebotomy Tech Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their primary task, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must confirm that the instruments being employed are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork has to be correctly filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory screening procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some Swartz Creek MI phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are accountable for making certain that samples are analyzed correctly under the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they may be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The most basic response is wherever there are patients. Their workplaces are numerous and diverse, including Swartz Creek MI medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be tasked to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or young children to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting samples from a specific kind of patient. For example, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be collecting blood from senior patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital setting would be collecting blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from different patients every day.

Phlebotomist Training, Certification and Licensing

There are basically 2 kinds of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Swartz Creek MI, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to complete and offers a general education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they usually take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a four year program offer a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. While not required in most states, most employers look for certification before hiring technicians. A few 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 call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, including California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only offers a quality education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomist Online Training

To start with, let’s dispel one likely misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial portion of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Swartz Creek MI 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 in order to graduate. But since the non-clinical portion of the training can be accessed online, it can be a more practical alternative for many students. As an added benefit, a number of online classes are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy program you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can receive a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Since you now have a basic understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already selected the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Michigan college is important in addition to the tuition expense. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomist online school. All of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for choosing a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you need to ask about each of the Swartz Creek MI programs you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Michigan? As previously mentioned, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Michigan or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for all exams you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you pick should be accredited by a reputable regional or national accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many advantages to graduating from an accredited school in addition to a guarantee of a superior education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges in Swartz Creek MI. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Reputation? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to investigate the reputations of any schools you are looking at. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also check with some Swartz Creek MI area clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the Michigan school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Adequate Training Provided? To begin with, check with the Michigan regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any Swartz Creek MI phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything lower than these minimums may signify that the program is not expansive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out from the Michigan schools you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with area health care facilities. They are the optimal way to get hands-on practical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Swartz Creek MI healthcare community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Getting your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire if the schools you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Swartz Creek MI health care community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it’s important to confirm that the ultimate college you choose provides classes at times that are compatible with your active schedule. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Swartz Creek MI, make certain they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is in case you have to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Phlebotomist?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomist job, it's important to review questions you may be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomy Tech applicants is "What compelled you to decide on Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not just the private reasons you may have for being Phlebotomist, but also what characteristics and talents you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of standard interview questions, so you need to ready some ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the talents you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomist and the best candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down some ideas and topics that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Select the Ideal Phlebotomist College near Swartz Creek MI

Making certain that you choose the right phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this gratifying medical care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium school. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs are available 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. Training program options may differ slightly from state to state as every state has its own criteria when it concerns phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must thoroughly screen and compare each program before making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the best college for you. And with the proper education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Swartz Creek MI.

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