Choosing a Phlebotomist Training Program near Lake Preston South Dakota

Enrolling in the ideal phlebotomy school near Lake Preston SD is a critical initial step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult task to evaluate and compare all of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s important that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you obtain a quality education. In fact, a large number of prospective students start their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Another factor you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll review a bit more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and should be part of your selection process also. To assist in that effort, 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 prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our conversation about online schools.

Phlebotomist Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their primary function, there is actually far more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the instruments being employed are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample has to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork has to be correctly filled out to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers 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. Many Lake Preston SD phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are responsible for making sure that samples are analyzed correctly using the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they may be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The easiest response is wherever patients are treated. Their workplaces are numerous and diverse, such as Lake Preston SD hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be charged to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting samples from a particular type of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Training, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially two types of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Lake Preston SD, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program normally takes less than a year to finish and provides a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomy tech. Available at community and junior colleges, they typically take 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a 4 year program furnish a more extensive background in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will probably want to become certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, most employers look for certification before hiring technicians. A few of the key certifying organizations 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, like Nevada and California. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s important that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a premium education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomy Online Training

To start with, let’s dispel one possible misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant part of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Lake Preston SD healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-practical component of the training may be accessed online, it may be a more convenient alternative for some students. As an added benefit, a number of online colleges are less expensive than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomy school you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a premium education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the right option for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Since you now have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already picked the kind of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the South Dakota campus is significant in addition to the tuition expense. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomist school. All of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for picking a school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you need to ask about each of the Lake Preston SD colleges you are looking at prior to making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states call for certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you might have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that complies with the state specific requirements for South Dakota or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you pick 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 school in addition to an assurance of a superior education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited programs in Lake Preston SD. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Ranking? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to investigate the reputations of any schools you are looking at. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their students as part of their job assistance program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also check with a few Lake Preston SD area clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and find out if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can contact the South Dakota school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Adequate Training Provided? First, check with the South Dakota 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 Lake Preston SD phlebotomy program that you are considering should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out from the South Dakota programs you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with local health care facilities. They are the optimal way to get hands-on practical training frequently not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Lake Preston SD healthcare community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Landing your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Lake Preston SD health care community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it’s crucial to verify that the ultimate school you choose offers classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is particularly true if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Lake Preston SD, check that they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is should you need to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you might be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers typically ask Phlebotomy Technician prospects is "What drove you to decide on Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting 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 pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to prepare several approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomist and the leading choice for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down some ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Enroll in the Best Phlebotomy Program near Lake Preston SD

Making certain that you pick the right phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding health care field. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium school. Phlebotomy training programs are found in a variety of educational institutes, including junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide array of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Program options can vary slightly from state to state as each state has its own criteria when it pertains to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly screen and compare each program prior to making your final decision. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can select the right college for you. And with the proper training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Lake Preston SD.

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