Selecting a Phlebotomy Training Program near Assaria Kansas
Choosing the right phlebotomy training near Assaria KS is an important initial step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting undertaking to assess and compare each of the school alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s necessary that you do your due diligence to ensure that you obtain a superior education. In reality, most potential students begin their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another option you might consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll review more about online classes later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to researching phlebotomist training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors such as accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and should be part of your selection process too. 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 choose the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our discussion about online classes.
Phlebotomy Technician Job Description
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their primary responsibility, there is in fact far more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must confirm that the instruments being utilized are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample has to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork has to be properly filled out to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab testing procedure. 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. Many phlebotomists in fact work in Assaria KS area labs and are accountable for making certain that samples are analyzed properly utilizing the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they may be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.
Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?
The easiest response is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are many and varied, including Assaria KS medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be charged to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to seniors. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a particular type of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.
Phlebotomy Technician Education, Licensing and Certification
There are basically two kinds of programs that offer phlebotomy training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes less than a year to complete and provides a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at Assaria KS junior and community colleges, they normally take two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a four year program offer a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will probably want to become certified. Although not required in the majority of states, most Assaria KS employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. Some 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 a few states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, such as Nevada and California. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only offers a superior education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.
Online Phlebotomy Certificates and Degrees
First, let’s resolve one possible mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant component of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an approved healthcare facility or an on-campus lab. Many courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-clinical component of the training may be attended online, it might be a more convenient alternative for many Assaria KS students. As an added benefit, many online classes are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some costs, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be minimized also. Just verify that the online phlebotomy college you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (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 learn at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Phlebotomist Schools
Now that you have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already chosen the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the school is important as well as the tuition expense. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomy online program. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for selecting a school or program. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about all of the Assaria KS colleges you are considering before making your ultimate selection.
Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states call for certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Kansas or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for any exams you may be required 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 many benefits to graduating from an accredited school aside from an assurance of a quality education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to take a certification examination offered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited colleges. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the Assaria KS job market.
What is the Program’s Reputation? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of all schools you are looking at. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their students as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also check with several Assaria KS clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and find out if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can contact the Kansas school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been filed or if the schools are in full compliance.
Is Adequate Training Provided? To begin with, check with the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any phlebotomist program that you are considering should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums may signify that the Assaria KS training program is not comprehensive enough to provide sufficient training.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask the programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with Assaria KS health care facilities. They are the optimal way to get hands-on practical training often not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Assaria health care community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Finding your first phlebotomist job will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the schools you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Assaria KS health care community.
Are Classes Available as Needed? Finally, it’s crucial to verify that the ultimate school you choose provides classes at times that are compatible with your hectic lifestyle. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Assaria KS, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option also. Even if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is in case you need to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.
Considering Phlebotomy Training near Assaria KS?
Assaria, Kansas
Assaria is located at 38°40′49″N 97°36′15″W / 38.68028°N 97.60417°W / 38.68028; -97.60417 (38.680374, -97.604029).[9] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.19 square miles (0.49 km2), all of it land.[1]
As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 413 people, 159 households, and 122 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,173.7 inhabitants per square mile (839.3/km2). There were 171 housing units at an average density of 900.0 per square mile (347.5/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 98.3% White, 0.2% Native American, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.9% of the population.
There were 159 households of which 34.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.4% were married couples living together, 6.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 23.3% were non-families. 18.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 2.95.
The median age in the city was 39.7 years. 27.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.6% were from 25 to 44; 30.4% were from 45 to 64; and 13.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.8% male and 49.2% female.
Find the Ideal Phlebotomy Course near Assaria KS
Making certain that you choose the right phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare field. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a premium school. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are available in a wide range of academic institutes, such as community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive array of programs in medical care and health sciences. Course offerings can differ a bit across the country as every state has its own requirements when it comes to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you need to thoroughly research and compare each program prior to making your ultimate selection. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the right college for you. And with the appropriate training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Assaria KS.
Other Cool Cities in Kansas
Business Results 1 - 10 of 2
1 Reviews 1 Reviews 