Selecting a Phlebotomy Training Program near Dodgeville Wisconsin

Selecting the ideal phlebotomy technician school near Dodgeville WI is an essential initial step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a challenging undertaking to investigate and compare each of the school alternatives that are available to you. However it’s vital that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you obtain a superior education. In fact, a large number of prospective students begin the process by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Another option you may look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is much more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables including reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your decision process as well. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you select the best one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our conversation about online training.

Phlebotomist Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their principal task, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to verify that the tools being utilized are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork must be correctly filled out to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory testing process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Dodgeville WI phlebotomists actually work in labs and are accountable for making certain that samples are tested correctly utilizing the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they can be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The quickest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are numerous and diverse, including Dodgeville WI hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to seniors. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a specific kind of patient. For instance, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be collecting blood from older 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 setting would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients each day.

Phlebotomist Education, Licensing and Certification

There are basically 2 kinds of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Dodgeville WI, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to complete and offers a general education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they typically require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program provide a more expansive background in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. Although not required in most states, many employers look for certification before hiring technicians. A few of the main 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 call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, like California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a superior education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomy Online Classes

To start with, let’s resolve one likely mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A good part of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Dodgeville WI healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-practical component of the training can be accessed online, it might be a more practical option for some students. As an additional benefit, some online colleges are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist college you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a quality education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Now that you have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already decided on the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Wisconsin college is relevant as well as the cost of tuition. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomist program. All of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for choosing a program or school. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about each of the Dodgeville WI schools you are considering prior to making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As previously mentioned, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for Wisconsin or the state where you will be working and preps you for any exams you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable 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 has not received accreditation, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are often unavailable for non-accredited programs in Dodgeville WI. Finally, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to future employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to investigate the reputations of all colleges you are looking at. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also check with some Dodgeville WI area hospitals or clinics that you may have an interest in working for and find out if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Wisconsin school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Provided? To begin with, check with the Wisconsin regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Dodgeville WI phlebotomist program that you are considering should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums may indicate that the program is not expansive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask the Wisconsin programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with area health care facilities. They are the ideal way to obtain hands-on practical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Dodgeville WI medical community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Landing your first phlebotomist job will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a high rate, signifying they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Dodgeville WI healthcare community.

Are Class Times Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s critical to verify that the ultimate program you select provides classes at times that are compatible with your active schedule. This is particularly true if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Dodgeville WI, make sure they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is should you have to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's helpful to review questions you may be asked. One of the questions that interviewers often ask Phlebotomy Technician candidates is "What drove you to choose Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomist, but also what qualities and skills you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, as well as a certain number of typical interview questions, so you should ready several approaches about how you would like to answer them. Since there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the strengths you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Technician and the best choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but take down some ideas and talking points that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can help you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Enroll in the Right Phlebotomist Course near Dodgeville WI

Making sure that you select the most suitable phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding healthcare career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior college. Phlebotomist training programs are offered in a wide range of educational institutions, such as community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive assortment of programs in medical care and health sciences. Course offerings may differ slightly from state to state as each state has its own requirements when it concerns phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must diligently evaluate and compare each program before making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the best college for you. And with the proper training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Dodgeville WI.

Learn About Dodgeville Wisconsin

 

 

More Interesting Wisconsin Cities

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Delafield WI 53018

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Almond WI 54909

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Milwaukee WI 53201

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Ontario WI 54651

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Campbellsport WI 53010

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Nashotah WI 53058

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Menomonie WI 54751

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Juda WI 53550

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Adams WI 53910

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Mauston WI 53948