Picking a Phlebotomy Training Course near Howard Kansas
Picking the ideal phlebotomist training near Howard KS is a critical first step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging undertaking to assess and compare all of the training options that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you do your due diligence to ensure that you obtain a superior education. In fact, most prospective students start the process by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another option you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll talk 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 cheapest or the closest one. Other variables such as accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your decision process also. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you select the best one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our discussion about online schools.
Phlebotomy Tech Work Description
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their main function, there is actually much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the instruments being utilized are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork must be properly completed in order to track the sample from the point 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 tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of phlebotomists actually work in Howard KS area labs and are accountable for ensuring that samples are analyzed properly under the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they might be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.
Where do Phlebotomists Practice?
The easiest response is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are numerous and diverse, such as Howard KS hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be charged to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomy techs, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a specific type of patient. For example, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be collecting blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients every day.
Phlebotomy Training, Certification and Licensing
There are essentially 2 kinds of programs that provide phlebotomist training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to complete and offers a general education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at Howard KS community and junior colleges, they normally take 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program offer a more extensive background in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, a number of Howard KS employers look for certification before employing technicians. Some 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 several states that do call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, such as Nevada and California. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only supplies a premium education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.
Online Phlebotomist Training
To start with, let’s resolve one possible mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial part of the course of study will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved healthcare facility or an on-campus lab. A large number of courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical component of the training may be accessed online, it could be a more practical alternative for some Howard KS students. As an additional benefit, a number of online programs are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenditures, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced as well. Just verify that the online phlebotomist school you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges
Since you now have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already selected the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the campus is important as well as the cost of tuition. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomy program. All of these decisions are an important component of the procedure for choosing a school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you need to ask about all of the Howard KS colleges you are looking at prior to making your final decision.
Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As earlier discussed, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you might have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that fulfills 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 School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting organization, such as 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 premium education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are often unavailable for non-accredited schools. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to future employers in the Howard KS job market.
What is the Program’s Ranking? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to investigate the reputations of any schools you are looking at. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their students as part of their job placement program. You can research online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even check with several Howard KS clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Kansas school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.
Is Enough Training Included? First, check with the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums might indicate that the Howard KS training program is not expansive enough to furnish adequate training.
Are Internships Provided? Ask the programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with Howard KS health care facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on clinical training often not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Howard health care community. And they are a plus on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Landing your first phlebotomist job will be much 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 college has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Howard KS healthcare community.
Are Classes Available as Needed? Finally, it’s important to verify that the ultimate school you select provides classes at times that will accommodate your hectic schedule. This is particularly true if you decide to still work while going to school. If you need to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Howard KS, check that they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option as well. And if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is in case you have to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.
Considering Phlebotomy Training near Howard KS?
Howard, Kansas
Howard was founded in 1870, and it was incorporated as a city in 1877.[8] Howard was named after Oliver O. Howard, a Union Army general during the Civil War and founder of Howard University.[9][10] The first post office in Howard was established in February, 1870.[11]
Howard is located at 37°28′7″N 96°15′47″W / 37.46861°N 96.26306°W / 37.46861; -96.26306 (37.468517, -96.263014).[12] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.70 square miles (1.81 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, Howard has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[13]
As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 687 people, 318 households, and 176 families residing in the city. The population density was 981.4 inhabitants per square mile (378.9/km2). There were 415 housing units at an average density of 592.9 per square mile (228.9/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 95.1% White, 1.6% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 2.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.1% of the population.
Select the Best Phlebotomist School near Howard KS
Making certain that you choose the most suitable phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this gratifying health care field. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomy training programs can be offered in a variety of academic institutes, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive assortment of programs in medical care and health sciences. Program options may vary a bit across the country as every state has its own prerequisites when it comes to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to carefully research and compare each college before making your final choice. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the right program for you. And with the proper training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Howard KS.
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