Selecting a Phlebotomist Course near Lincoln Nebraska

Enrolling in the right phlebotomy technician training near Lincoln NE is a critical first step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting task to analyze and compare each of the training options that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you perform your due diligence to make sure that you get a quality education. In fact, a large number of potential students start their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional option you may consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll review 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 closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and need to be part of your decision process as well. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you choose the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our conversation about online classes.

Phlebotomy Technician Work Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their primary function, there is actually far more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the tools being utilized are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork needs to be accurately filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory screening process. The phlebotomist then transports 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 Lincoln NE phlebotomists actually work in labs and are responsible for ensuring that samples are analyzed correctly utilizing the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they might be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The easiest response is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are numerous and diverse, including Lincoln NE medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting samples from a certain kind of patient. For instance, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be collecting blood from older 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 range of patients and would work with new patients each day.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Certification and Licensing

There are essentially 2 kinds of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Lincoln NE, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to finish and furnishes a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they normally take two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program provide a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will probably want to get certified. While not required in the majority of states, many 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 phlebotomist, including California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only provides a premium education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomist Online Colleges

First, let’s resolve one likely mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial portion of the course of study will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Lincoln NE 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. But since the non-practical portion of the training can be attended online, it may be a more practical alternative for some students. As an added benefit, many online programs are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some costs, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened as well. Just verify that the online phlebotomist college you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a quality education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomist Programs

Now that you have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already selected the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Nebraska campus is important as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomist school. Each of these decisions are an important part of the process for selecting a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Following are some questions that you need to ask about each of the Lincoln NE schools you are looking at before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As previously mentioned, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomist program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Nebraska or the state where you will be working and readies you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you enroll in should be accredited by a respected regional or national accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited school aside from an assurance of a superior education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges in Lincoln NE. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Reputation? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to check the reputations of any schools you are considering. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen online school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also talk to some Lincoln NE local hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and see if they can provide any insights. As a closing thought, you can contact the Nebraska school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Ample Training Included? To begin with, contact the Nebraska regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Lincoln NE phlebotomist program that you are considering should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Find out from the Nebraska colleges you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional medical facilities. They are the ideal way to get hands-on clinical training frequently not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Lincoln NE health care community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Finding your first phlebotomist job will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the schools you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation as well as an extensive network of professional contacts within the Lincoln NE medical community.

Are Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it’s crucial to make sure that the ultimate program you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Lincoln NE, make certain they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option also. Even if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up policy is in case you need to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Want to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's important to review questions you may be asked. Among the things that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomy Tech candidates is "What compelled you to choose Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomist, but also what qualities and abilities you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of standard interview questions, so you need to prepare some strategies about how you want to respond to them. Considering there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the strengths you have that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Technician and the best choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down several ideas and talking points that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can help you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Select the Ideal Phlebotomist School near Lincoln NE

Making certain that you enroll in 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 quality school. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs are found in a variety of academic institutions, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive array of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program options can vary a bit from state to state as every state has its own requirements when it pertains to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to thoroughly screen and compare each program before making your ultimate decision. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the ideal program for you. And with the proper training, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Lincoln NE.

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