Selecting a Phlebotomy School near Lancaster Wisconsin

Enrolling in the ideal phlebotomy technician training near Lancaster WI is an essential first step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting undertaking to analyze and compare all of the training options that are available to you. However it’s necessary that you perform your due diligence to ensure that you receive a quality education. In reality, a large number of students begin their search by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another factor you may look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll review a bit more about online schools later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and must be part of your decision process as well. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you pick the best one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomy Technician Career Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. While that is their primary duty, there is in fact far more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to verify that the instruments being utilized are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample must be correctly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork has to be correctly filled out to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Many Lancaster WI phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are in charge of making certain that samples are analyzed correctly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they may be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The simplest response is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are numerous and varied, including Lancaster WI hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be charged to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a particular kind of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Certification and Licensing

There are basically 2 types of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Lancaster WI, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program normally takes under a year to complete and furnishes a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they usually require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program provide a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will probably want to get certified. Although not required in most states, many employers require certification before hiring technicians. A few of the primary 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 in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, like Nevada and California. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you select a phlebotomist 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.

Online Phlebotomy Training

First, let’s dispel one likely mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant portion of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Lancaster WI healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical part of the training may be accessed online, it could be a more convenient alternative for many students. As an added benefit, some online classes are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenditures, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist school you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality 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 best option for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Now that you have a basic understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already picked the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Wisconsin college is significant in addition to the tuition expense. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomist online program. All of these decisions are an important component of the process for picking a school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Following are several questions that you need to ask about each of the Lancaster WI schools you are considering before making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As previously mentioned, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomist program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Wisconsin or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for any examinations you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you choose should be accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited program aside from a guarantee of a superior education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges in Lancaster WI. Finally, graduating 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 minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to check out the reputations of any colleges you are considering. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place 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 even check with a few Lancaster WI local hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and see if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can contact the Wisconsin school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Ample Training Provided? To begin with, check with the Wisconsin 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 Lancaster WI phlebotomy program that you are considering should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums may indicate that the program is not expansive enough to provide sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask the Wisconsin programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with area healthcare facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on clinical training typically not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop relationships within the local Lancaster WI health care community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Finding your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Ask if the schools you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation together with a large network of professional contacts within the Lancaster WI healthcare community.

Are Class Times Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s crucial to make sure that the final school you choose offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic schedule. This is particularly important if you choose to still work while going to school. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Lancaster WI, make certain they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option also. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is in case you have to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Phlebotomist?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's a good idea to review questions you could be asked. One of the things that recruiters typically ask Phlebotomy Technician candidates is "What compelled you to select Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not just the personal reasons you may have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what attributes and talents you possess that make you good at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of standard interview questions, so you must ready a number of strategies about how you would like to answer them. Since there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you along with the strengths you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Tech and the leading choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but take down several ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Select the Best Phlebotomy Course near Lancaster WI

Making certain that you select the ideal phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding health care field. As we have covered in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be available in a wide range of academic institutions, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive array of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program offerings can differ a bit across the country as every state has its own criteria when it pertains to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to thoroughly screen and compare each program before making your ultimate decision. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the best college for you. And with the appropriate training, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Lancaster WI.

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