Picking a Phlebotomy School near Cedar Vale Kansas
Enrolling in the ideal phlebotomy school near Cedar Vale KS is a critical initial step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging task to analyze and compare each of the training options that are accessible to you. However it’s important that you perform your due diligence to make certain that you obtain a quality education. In reality, most prospective students begin their search by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Another factor you might consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll talk more about online schools later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to researching phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and should be part of your selection process as well. To assist in that effort, we will furnish a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you select the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our conversation about online schools.
Phlebotomy Technician Career Summary
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their primary duty, there is in fact much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the instruments being employed are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork needs to be properly completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some phlebotomists in fact work in Cedar Vale KS area labs and are in charge of making sure that samples are tested properly utilizing the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they can be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.
Where do Phlebotomists Practice?
The simplest answer is wherever patients are treated. Their workplaces are many and varied, including Cedar Vale KS 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 young children to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, based on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing blood samples from a specific kind of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be collecting blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients on a daily basis.
Phlebotomy Technician Education, Licensing and Certification
There are essentially 2 types of programs that provide phlebotomist training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes under a year to finish and offers a general education together with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest method to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at Cedar Vale KS junior and community colleges, they typically require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a four year program furnish a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, a number of Cedar Vale KS employers require certification before hiring technicians. A few of the main certifying organizations include:
- National Phlebotomy Association
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
- American Medical Technologists (AMT).
There are some states that do call for 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 phlebotomy training program that not only supplies a superior education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.
Phlebotomist Online Schools
To begin with, let’s resolve one likely misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial part of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved healthcare facility or an on-campus lab. Many courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-practical portion of the training may be attended online, it might be a more convenient alternative for some Cedar Vale KS students. As an additional benefit, some online schools are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist college you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Phlebotomist Programs
Now that you have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already selected the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the school is relevant in addition to the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomy school. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for choosing a program or school. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you should ask about all of the Cedar Vale KS colleges you are considering prior to making your final selection.
Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Kansas? As mentioned previously, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed before working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for Kansas or the state where you will be working and readies you for any exams you may have to take.
Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a respected national or regional accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many advantages to graduating from an accredited school in addition to an assurance of a premium education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are often unavailable for non-accredited programs. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more attractive to future employers in the Cedar Vale KS job market.
What is the College’s Reputation? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of any schools you are looking at. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also talk to a few Cedar Vale KS hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and see if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the Kansas school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.
Is Ample Training Provided? First, contact the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are considering should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums might indicate that the Cedar Vale KS training program is not expansive enough to provide sufficient training.
Are Internships Sponsored? Ask the programs you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with Cedar Vale KS healthcare 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 Cedar Vale health care community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Getting your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Find out if the colleges you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation as well as a substantial network of professional contacts within the Cedar Vale KS healthcare community.
Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s important to make sure that the final school you pick offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is especially true if you choose to continue working while going to college. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Cedar Vale KS, make sure they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option also. 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 ask what the make-up policy is in case you need to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.
Considering Phlebotomy Training near Cedar Vale KS?
Cedar Vale, Kansas
Cedar Vale is located at 37°6′18″N 96°30′3″W / 37.10500°N 96.50083°W / 37.10500; -96.50083 (37.104892, -96.500844).[9] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.76 square miles (1.97 km2), all of it land.[1]
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Cedar Vale has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[10]
As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 579 people, 251 households, and 144 families residing in the city. The population density was 761.8 inhabitants per square mile (294.1/km2). There were 342 housing units at an average density of 450.0 per square mile (173.7/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 91.5% White, 0.3% African American, 3.5% Native American, 0.2% Asian, and 4.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.9% of the population.
There were 251 households of which 30.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.8% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 42.6% were non-families. 37.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 19.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.98.
Enroll in the Right Phlebotomy Course near Cedar Vale KS
Making certain that you choose the right phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding health care career position. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality school. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs are found in a wide range of educational institutes, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive array of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program offerings can vary a bit across the country as each state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must diligently evaluate and compare each program prior to making your final selection. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the best program for you. And with the proper education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Cedar Vale KS.
Other Cool Cities in Kansas
Business Results 1 - 10 of 0
