Selecting a Phlebotomist School near Springfield Ohio

Enrolling in the right phlebotomist school near Springfield OH is a critical first step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting undertaking to assess and compare all of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you get a superior education. In fact, most potential students begin the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Another option you may consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll talk more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is far 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 must be part of your decision process also. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our discussion about online training.

Phlebotomist Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. While that is their main function, there is in fact far more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must confirm that the tools being utilized are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork has to be accurately filled out to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Springfield OH phlebotomists actually work in labs and are responsible for making sure that samples are analyzed correctly under the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they can be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The easiest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are many and diverse, such as Springfield OH hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to senior citizens. Some phlebotomists, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a certain type of patient. For instance, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be collecting blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.

Phlebotomist Training, Licensing and Certification

There are basically two kinds of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Springfield OH, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program normally takes less than a year to complete and furnishes a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will include training to become a phlebotomist. Available at community and junior colleges, they typically require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program furnish a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. Although not required in the majority of states, most employers look for certification before employing technicians. A few 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 prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, such as California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a quality education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomy Training

To start with, let’s resolve one likely mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial part of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Springfield OH 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 component of the training can be accessed online, it might be a more convenient option for many students. As an added benefit, a number of online colleges are less expensive than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy college you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a premium education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomist Programs

Since you now have a basic understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already decided on the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Ohio campus is significant in addition to the cost of tuition. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomy online college. All of these decisions are an important part of the process for selecting a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you need to ask about all of the Springfield OH schools you are considering prior to making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Ohio? As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomist program that complies with the state specific requirements for Ohio or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for any exams you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you enroll in should be accredited by a respected regional or national accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited school in addition to an assurance of a premium education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are often not available for non-accredited schools in Springfield OH. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Reputation? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to check out the reputations of any schools you are considering. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their students 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 even check with a few Springfield OH area clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the Ohio school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Ample Training Included? First, check with the Ohio 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 Springfield OH phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums may indicate that the program is not expansive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internships Provided? Ask the Ohio schools you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with local medical facilities. They are the ideal means to get hands-on practical training often not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Springfield OH health care community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Getting your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Ask if the schools you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation together with a large network of professional contacts within the Springfield OH healthcare community.

Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s crucial to make sure that the final college you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is particularly true if you opt to still work while going to college. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Springfield OH, check that they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option as well. And if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is in case you need to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's a good idea to review questions you may be asked. Among the questions that interviewers frequently ask Phlebotomist applicants is "What drove you to pick Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not just the private reasons you might have for being Phlebotomist, but also what attributes and skills you have that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to Phlebotomy, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to organize several ideas about how you would like to answer them. Since there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down some concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Find the Ideal Phlebotomist Program near Springfield OH

Making certain that you select the most suitable phlebotomist training is an important first step toward your success in this gratifying health care field. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be offered in a number of educational institutions, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive range of programs in medical care and health sciences. Course offerings may vary a bit from state to state as every state has its own requirements when it concerns phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to carefully evaluate and compare each school before making your ultimate choice. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the ideal school for you. And with the appropriate education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Springfield OH.

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