Selecting a Phlebotomist Training Program near Potosi Wisconsin

Enrolling in the ideal phlebotomy training near Potosi WI is a critical first step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult undertaking to evaluate and compare all of the training options that are accessible to you. However it’s vital that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you get a quality education. In reality, most students begin the process by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Another option you may consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll review more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and should be part of your selection process also. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you pick the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online schools.

Phlebotomy Technician Career Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their principal task, there is in fact much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must 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 information. Afterward, paperwork has to be correctly completed in order 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 screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Potosi WI phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are responsible for making certain that samples are tested correctly utilizing the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they might be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?

The simplest answer is wherever there are patients. Their workplaces are numerous and varied, including Potosi WI hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood banks. They can be charged to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting samples from a particular type of patient. For example, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be drawing blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital setting would be collecting blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Certification and Licensing

There are primarily two kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in Potosi WI, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to complete and furnishes a general education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will include training to become a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they usually require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a four year program furnish a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. While not mandated in most states, a number of employers require certification prior to 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 several states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, like Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you pick a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a premium education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomy Online Training

First, let’s dispel one possible mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial portion of the course of study will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Potosi 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 prior to graduation. But since the non-practical part of the training can be attended online, it could be a more practical option for some students. As an additional benefit, a number of online programs are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenditures, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be minimized as well. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist school you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online might be the best option for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Since you now have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already decided on the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Wisconsin school is relevant as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomy online school. All of these decisions are an important component of the process for selecting a school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Following are some questions that you should ask about each of the Potosi WI colleges you are reviewing prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As mentioned previously, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed before working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Wisconsin or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for any exams you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you enroll in 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 a number of advantages to graduating from an accredited program aside from a guarantee of a premium education. To begin with, 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 financial aid or loans, which are typically not available for non-accredited colleges in Potosi WI. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable 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 colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to check the reputations of all colleges you are looking at. You can start 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 reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can even check with several Potosi WI area clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and see if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the Wisconsin school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Adequate Training Provided? To begin with, contact the Wisconsin regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Potosi WI phlebotomist program that you are looking at should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything lower than these minimums might signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide sufficient training.

Are Internships Included? Ask the Wisconsin colleges you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with area healthcare facilities. They are the ideal means to receive hands-on clinical training typically not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Potosi WI healthcare community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Getting your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Potosi WI health care community.

Are Class Times Conveniently Scheduled? And last, it’s important to make sure that the ultimate college you select provides classes at times that are compatible with your busy lifestyle. This is especially true if you choose to still work while attending school. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Potosi WI, make certain they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option also. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is in case you have to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Phlebotomist?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's advantageous to consider questions you may be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomy Tech candidates is "What drove you to choose Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what attributes and talents you possess that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of general interview questions, so you should prepare some ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are numerous factors 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 as well as the talents you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomist and the leading choice for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down a few ideas and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Select the Right Phlebotomy Program near Potosi WI

Making certain that you choose the ideal phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomy training programs can be found in a wide range of academic institutes, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive array of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Program offerings can differ slightly from state to state as each state has its own prerequisites when it pertains to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you need to diligently screen and compare each college prior to making your ultimate choice. By addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the best program for you. And with the proper training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Potosi WI.

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