Selecting a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Argonia Kansas
Choosing the right phlebotomy technician training near Argonia KS is a critical first step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult task to evaluate and compare all of the school alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you receive a quality education. In fact, most students begin their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another factor you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. We’ll talk more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is far more to researching phlebotomist training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables such as accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and should be part of your selection process too. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomist 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 then resume our discussion about online classes.
Phlebotomy Tech Career Summary
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their main task, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to confirm that the tools being utilized are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample must be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork has to be properly completed to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab testing process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of phlebotomists actually work in Argonia KS area laboratories and are in charge of ensuring that samples are analyzed properly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they might be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.
Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?
The quickest response is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are numerous and diverse, including Argonia KS hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing blood samples from a certain type of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be drawing blood from older 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 range of patients and would collect samples from new patients each day.
Phlebotomy Education, Licensing and Certification
There are primarily two types of programs that offer phlebotomist training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to complete and furnishes a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at Argonia KS junior and community colleges, they normally require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program provide a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. Although not mandated in the majority of states, a number of Argonia KS employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. A few of the key certifying agencies include:
- National Phlebotomy Association
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
- American Medical Technologists (AMT).
There are some states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, including California and Nevada. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a quality education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.
Online Phlebotomist Training
First, let’s dispel one possible mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A good part of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. A large number of courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-clinical component of the training may be attended online, it could be a more practical option for many Argonia KS students. As an added benefit, a number of online colleges are less expensive than their on-campus competitors. And some expenditures, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomist program you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a premium education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.
Subjects to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges
Now that you have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already picked the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the school is significant as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomist school. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for selecting a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Following are a few questions that you need to ask about all of the Argonia KS schools you are reviewing before making your ultimate decision.
Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As earlier discussed, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for Kansas or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for all exams you may have to take.
Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a quality education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to take a certification examination offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited colleges. Last, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to future employers in the Argonia KS job market.
What is the Program’s Ranking? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to check the reputations of all colleges you are reviewing. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can also talk to several Argonia KS hospitals or clinics that you may have an interest in working for and find out if they can offer any insights. As a closing thought, you can contact the Kansas school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in total compliance.
Is Enough Training Included? To begin with, check with the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any 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 less than these minimums may signify that the Argonia KS training program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.
Are Internships Provided? Find out from the schools you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with Argonia KS medical facilities. They are the optimal means to receive hands-on practical training typically not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Argonia healthcare community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Finding your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Find out if the schools you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Argonia KS medical community.
Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it’s critical to confirm that the final school you pick provides classes at times that will accommodate your hectic schedule. This is particularly true if you choose to still work while going to college. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Argonia KS, check that they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option also. And if you have decided to attend online, with the practical 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 because of emergencies or illness.
Considering Phlebotomy Training near Argonia KS?
Argonia, Kansas
Argonia was founded in 1881. It was named for the ship Argo in Greek mythology.[7] In 1887, Susanna M. Salter became the first woman to win political office in United States history when she was elected Mayor of Argonia as a member of the Prohibition Party.[8]
Argonia is located at 37°15′55″N 97°45′58″W / 37.26528°N 97.76611°W / 37.26528; -97.76611 (37.265299, -97.766123).[9] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.66 square miles (1.71 km2), all of it land.[1]
As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 501 people, 216 households, and 135 families residing in the city. The population density was 759.1 inhabitants per square mile (293.1/km2). There were 244 housing units at an average density of 369.7 per square mile (142.7/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 96.6% White, 0.8% African American, 0.6% Native American, and 2.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.6% of the population.
There were 216 households of which 32.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.4% were married couples living together, 13.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.5% were non-families. 33.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.96.
Find the Right Phlebotomist School near Argonia KS
Making certain that you pick the ideal phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this fulfilling healthcare career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality school. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are available in a variety of academic institutions, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide array of programs in medical care and health sciences. Course options may differ a bit across the country as each state has its own criteria when it concerns phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly research and compare each school prior to making your final decision. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the right college for you. And with the appropriate training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Argonia KS.
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