Picking a Phlebotomist Training Program near Augusta Wisconsin

Enrolling in the ideal phlebotomist training near Augusta WI is an important first step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting undertaking to investigate and compare all of the school options that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s vital that you do your due diligence to make certain that you obtain a superior education. In reality, a large number of prospective students start the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Another option you might consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online classes 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 including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and need to be part of your selection process also. Toward that end, we will provide 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 address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online schools.

Phlebotomist Work Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal function, there is in fact far more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the tools being employed are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork needs to be accurately completed to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab testing procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Many Augusta WI phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are accountable for ensuring that samples are analyzed properly under the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they can be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?

The simplest response is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are numerous and diverse, including Augusta WI medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They may be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a particular type of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Training, Certification and Licensing

There are primarily two kinds of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Augusta WI, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to complete and provides a general education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomist. Offered at community and junior colleges, they typically take two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a four year program offer a more extensive background in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. While not mandated in most states, a number of employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. Some of the principal certifying agencies include:

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

There are some states that do call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, like California and Nevada. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you pick a phlebotomist training program that not only offers a quality education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomist Classes

To start with, let’s resolve one potential mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant part of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Augusta WI healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-clinical portion of the training can be accessed online, it might be a more convenient option for many students. As an added benefit, many online classes are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some costs, for instance those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened also. Just verify that the online phlebotomy program you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a premium education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online may be the right option for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Now that you have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already decided on 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 Wisconsin school is relevant as well as the tuition expense. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomy program. Each of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for selecting a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you need to ask about each of the Augusta WI programs you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As previously mentioned, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for Wisconsin or the state where you will be working and preps you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you pick should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited school in addition to a guarantee of a superior education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to take a certification exam offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited schools in Augusta WI. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Reputation? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to check out the reputations of all colleges you are looking at. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even talk to some Augusta WI area clinics or hospitals that you might have an interest in working for and see if they can provide any insights. As a closing thought, you can contact the Wisconsin school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Included? To begin with, check with the Wisconsin regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Augusta WI phlebotomist program that you are considering should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums may signify that the program is not expansive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out from the Wisconsin schools you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with area health care facilities. They are the ideal means to get hands-on practical training typically not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Augusta WI health care community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Finding your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation along with a large network of professional contacts within the Augusta WI healthcare community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s important to verify that the final college you choose provides classes at times that are compatible with your hectic schedule. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while going to school. If you need to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Augusta WI, make sure they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option also. And if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up procedure is in case you have to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's a good idea to review questions you may be asked. Among the things that interviewers frequently ask Phlebotomist applicants is "What made you choose Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what qualities and skills you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you should organize a number of ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Considering there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the abilities you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomist and the perfiect candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down some concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right Phlebotomist College near Augusta WI

Making sure that you select the ideal phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium program. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be available in a variety of educational institutions, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide array of programs in medical care and health sciences. Program offerings may vary slightly from state to state as each state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to thoroughly evaluate and compare each school before making your final choice. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the ideal college for you. And with the appropriate education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Augusta WI.

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