Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Stickney South Dakota

Selecting the right phlebotomist training near Stickney SD is a critical initial step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult undertaking to investigate and compare each of the training options that are available to you. However it’s vital that you do your due diligence to make certain that you obtain a quality education. In reality, a large number of potential students start their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional option you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll review more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and must 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 evaluating to help you pick the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomist Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their primary function, there is actually much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the tools being utilized are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork has to be accurately completed 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 may be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some Stickney SD phlebotomists actually work in labs and are in charge of making certain that samples are analyzed correctly utilizing the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they might be asked to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The quickest response is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are many and diverse, such as Stickney SD hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be charged to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a particular type of patient. For instance, 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 solely. In contrast, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.

Phlebotomist Training, Certification and Licensing

There are basically two kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomy training in Stickney SD, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to finish and offers a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they typically require 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program offer a more extensive background in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will probably want to be certified. While not required in the majority of states, many employers require certification before employing technicians. Some of the primary certifying agencies include:

• National Phlebotomy Association
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• American Medical Technologists (AMT)

There are several states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, like California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a premium education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomist Online Certificates and Degrees

First, let’s resolve one likely mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A good component of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Stickney SD healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. A large number of courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-clinical portion of the training can be attended online, it could be a more convenient option for some students. As an added benefit, some online colleges are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some expenditures, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced as well. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy college you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can receive a premium education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the best option for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

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 might have already chosen the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the South Dakota college is relevant in addition to the cost of tuition. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomist college. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for picking a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you should ask about each of the Stickney SD programs you are considering before making your ultimate selection.

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

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you pick should be accredited by a reputable 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 program in addition to an assurance of a superior education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited schools in Stickney SD. Last, graduating from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Reputation? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to check the reputations of any colleges you are reviewing. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even talk to several Stickney SD local clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the South Dakota school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Ample Training Provided? To begin with, contact the South Dakota 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. As a minimum, any Stickney SD phlebotomy program that you are considering should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internships Included? Ask the South Dakota programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional health care facilities. They are the ideal way to receive hands-on practical training frequently not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Stickney SD healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Available? Getting your first phlebotomist job will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Find out if the schools you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a higher rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Stickney SD healthcare community.

Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s critical to verify that the ultimate program you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic schedule. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while attending college. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Stickney SD, check that they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option also. And if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up procedure is should you need to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Phlebotomist?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomist job, it's helpful to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomist prospects is "What drove you to pick Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not just the private reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomist, but also what attributes and abilities you have that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of routine interview questions, so you need to ready a number of ideas about how you want to respond to them. Since there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the talents you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomist and the best candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but jot down a few concepts and talking points that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Select the Best Phlebotomist College near Stickney SD

Making certain that you pick the most suitable phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this fulfilling health care field. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior college. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs are found in a wide range 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 somewhat across the country as every state has its own requirements when it pertains to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must diligently screen and compare each school prior to making your final selection. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can pick the best program for you. And with the appropriate education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Stickney SD.

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