Picking a Phlebotomist Course near Bixby Oklahoma
Selecting the ideal phlebotomy school near Bixby OK is an essential initial step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult task to assess and compare each of the school alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s vital that you perform your due diligence to ensure that you receive a superior education. In fact, most prospective students start their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another option you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online schools later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is much more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and must be part of your decision process too. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you choose the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online training.
Phlebotomy Technician Work Summary
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. While that is their primary responsibility, there is in fact far more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the instruments being used are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample has to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork needs to be correctly completed to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab screening process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some Bixby OK phlebotomists actually work in labs and are accountable for making sure that samples are tested correctly utilizing the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they can be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.
Where are Phlebotomists Employed?
The simplest response is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are numerous and diverse, including Bixby OK medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They may be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting samples from a certain kind of patient. For example, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns solely. 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 different patients each day.
Phlebotomy Training, Certification and Licensing
There are essentially two kinds of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Bixby OK, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes under a year to complete and furnishes a general 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, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at community and junior colleges, they typically require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a four year program furnish a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to be certified. While not required in the majority of states, a number of employers look for certification before employing 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 prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, such as California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only furnishes a quality education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.
Phlebotomy Online Classes
To start with, let’s dispel one possible mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial portion of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Bixby OK 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. But since the non-clinical part of the training may be attended online, it might be a more convenient alternative for many students. As an added benefit, some online colleges are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenses, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be minimized also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy school you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a premium education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the best choice for you.
Points to Ask Phlebotomist Programs
Now that you have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already chosen the kind of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Oklahoma school is important as well as the cost of tuition. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomist online college. Each of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for picking a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Following are several questions that you should ask about each of the Bixby OK schools you are considering prior to making your final selection.
Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As mentioned previously, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may have 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 Oklahoma or the state where you will be working and preps you for any examinations you may have to take.
Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to an assurance of a premium education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are often not available for non-accredited schools in Bixby OK. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the job market.
What is the College’s Reputation? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist 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 all colleges you are reviewing. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their students as part of their job assistance program. You can research internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also check with some Bixby OK area clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and find out if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the Oklahoma school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in total compliance.
Is Adequate Training Provided? First, check with the Oklahoma regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Bixby OK phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide adequate training.
Are Internships Sponsored? Ask the Oklahoma programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with local medical facilities. They are the optimal means to obtain hands-on practical training typically not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Bixby OK health care community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Getting your first phlebotomist job will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Find out if the programs you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation together with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Bixby OK medical community.
Are Class Times Conveniently Scheduled? And last, it’s critical to make sure that the ultimate program you choose provides classes at times that are compatible with your busy schedule. This is particularly true if you choose to continue working while going to college. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Bixby OK, check that they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option as well. And if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is in case you need to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.
Why Did You Want to Be a Phlebotomist?
When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you may be asked. Among the questions that recruiters frequently ask Phlebotomy Tech prospects is "What made you select Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not just the private reasons you may have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what qualities and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to ready several strategies about how you want to address them. Considering there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Technician and the leading choice for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down several ideas and talking points that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can help you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.Enroll in the Right Phlebotomist Program near Bixby OK
Making sure that you pick the right phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this fulfilling healthcare career position. As we have covered in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs are offered in a number of educational institutes, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive array of programs in medical care and health sciences. Training program offerings may vary somewhat across the country as each state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you need to carefully screen and compare each college before making your ultimate selection. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the right college for you. And with the appropriate training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Bixby OK.
Learn About Bixby Oklahoma
Bixby, Oklahoma
Bixby is a city in Tulsa and Wagoner counties in the U.S. state of Oklahoma, and is a suburb of Tulsa. The population was 13,336 at the 2000 census and 20,884 in the 2010 census, an increase of 56.6 percent[3] In 2010, Bixby became the 19th largest city in Oklahoma. It is nicknamed "The Garden Spot of Oklahoma" for its rich agrarian heritage. Though one of the fastest growing communities in Oklahoma, it remains a sod-growing center and a popular location for purchasing fresh vegetables. The per capita income of $36,257 is the highest in the Tulsa Metropolitan area and is more than 50 percent higher than the state average.[4] In 2009, CNN Money.com placed Bixby No. 67 on its list of 100 Best Places to Live.[5]
Alexander Posey, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) nation, and his family settled in the area now known as Bixby in the late 1800s. He founded a community that was initially known as "Posey on Posey Creek," and included two saloons, a blacksmith shop and a general store. The town became a government town site with a post office in 1895. Located in the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Indian Territory, Bixby was named in honor of Tams Bixby, a chairman of the Dawes Commission.[6] The original 80-acre (32 ha) town site plat was approved by the Dawes Commission in 1902. Many settlers were attracted to the area by the rich, though sometimes swampy river bottom land. In 1904 the Midland Valley Railroad laid tracks and built a depot about 1/2 mile north of the original town of Bixby.[7] This created factions that briefly split Bixby into two towns. The new part of town was deliberately surveyed so that the new streets did not align with the existing ones. However, businesses in the original town soon moved to the new location and built permanent brick buildings there. Bixby incorporated as an independent, self-governing town in 1906, with a population of 400 and an area of 160 acres (0.25 sq mi).[6] The first mayor, recorder and five aldermen were elected in February, 1907. In 1911, a two-story brick schoolhouse was built on Main Street. Bixby Central Elementary is now near the original site. A traffic bridge was built over the Arkansas River in 1911, and for a time was said to be the longest bridge west of the Mississippi River.
The Bixby Bulletin, the town's first newspaper, began publication in February, 1905. It continued publication until 2005. A second paper, the Bixby Journal existed only from 1907 until 1910.[6]
Bixby was impacted and enriched by the discovery of nearby natural gas deposits in 1905-1906 and oil fields in 1913, but farming remained the backbone of the community well into the 20th Century.[6] Early farmers focused on production of cotton, wheat and alfalfa in the rich river bottom. During the 1930s, truck farming of vegetables slowly replaced those crops. In 1941 Bixby became an important regional center for shipping produce by railroad. It was at that time that Bixby was christened with its nickname "The Garden Spot of Oklahoma," a designation still carried on the town seal and public vehicles. Cantaloupes, potatoes, radishes, squash, turnips, spinach and sweet corn were shipped from Bixby all over the U.S. In time, the majority of the truck farms were converted to the production of sod, typically Bermuda grass, or developed for residential and other purposes. Only a small percentage of Bixby residents now work in agriculture, but the town continues to celebrate its earthy roots with the yearly "Green Corn Festival" in June.
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