Picking a Phlebotomist Training Program near Shepherdsville Kentucky

Choosing the right phlebotomist school near Shepherdsville KY is a critical initial step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult undertaking to evaluate and compare each of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you get a superior education. In reality, a large number of prospective students begin the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Another factor you might consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll review more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and must be part of your selection 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 assessing to help you choose the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomy Technician Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. While that is their primary task, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the tools being utilized are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample needs to be correctly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork must be correctly completed to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory screening process. 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 Shepherdsville KY phlebotomists actually work in labs and are accountable for making sure that samples are analyzed correctly utilizing the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they may be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The simplest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are numerous and diverse, including Shepherdsville KY hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be charged to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a specific type of patient. For instance, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomist Training, Licensing and Certification

There are primarily two kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in Shepherdsville KY, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to finish and furnishes a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomy tech. Available at community and junior colleges, they usually require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program provide a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. Although not mandated in the majority of states, most employers require certification before hiring technicians. A few of the main 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 require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, like Nevada and California. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a quality education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomy Classes

To start with, let’s dispel one likely mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A good component of the course of study will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Shepherdsville KY 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 prior to graduation. However since the non-practical portion of the training may be attended online, it might be a more practical alternative for many students. As an additional benefit, a number of online classes are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some costs, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist college you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the best option for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Now that you have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already picked the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Kentucky campus is relevant in addition to the tuition expense. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomist program. Each of these decisions are an important part of the process for choosing a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Following are some questions that you should ask about all of the Shepherdsville KY schools you are looking at prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Kentucky? As previously mentioned, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomy program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Kentucky or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for any examinations you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a respected national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited school in addition to a guarantee of a quality education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to take a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited schools in Shepherdsville KY. Last, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of any schools you are considering. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job assistance program. You can screen online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also contact some Shepherdsville KY area hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and find out if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the Kentucky school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Adequate Training Provided? First, contact the Kentucky regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Shepherdsville KY phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums may indicate that the program is not expansive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Ask the Kentucky colleges you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with area healthcare facilities. They are the optimal way to receive hands-on clinical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Shepherdsville KY health care 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 assistance of a job placement program. Ask if the schools 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 substantial network of professional contacts within the Shepherdsville KY health care community.

Are Class Times Available as Needed? Finally, it’s crucial to verify that the final program you pick provides classes at times that are compatible with your hectic lifestyle. This is especially true if you choose to continue working while going to school. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Shepherdsville KY, make certain they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option also. Even if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is in case you need to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Want to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's important to review questions you could be asked. Among the things that interviewers often ask Phlebotomist prospects is "What drove you to pick Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not only the private reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomist, but additionally what qualities and abilities you possess that make you good at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of routine interview questions, so you should organize several approaches about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the talents you possess that make you an outstanding Phlebotomist and the best candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but jot down a few concepts and topics that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Find the Best Phlebotomy School near Shepherdsville KY

Making sure that you enroll in the ideal phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this fulfilling medical care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomy training programs are found in a number of educational institutions, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive array of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program offerings can vary a bit from state to state as every state has its own requirements when it concerns phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you need to carefully screen and compare each program before making your ultimate selection. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the right school for you. And with the appropriate education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Shepherdsville KY.

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