Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician Training Course near Jennings Kansas
Choosing the ideal phlebotomy technician training near Jennings KS is an essential initial step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult task to evaluate and compare each of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you get a quality education. In fact, most students start their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional option you might consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. We’ll review a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is far more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and need to be part of your decision process also. Toward that end, we will furnish a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomist schools you are reviewing to help you choose the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online training.
Phlebotomy Technician Work Summary
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their primary duty, there is actually so much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to confirm that the instruments being utilized are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample needs to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork must be accurately completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening process. The phlebotomist then transports 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 actually work in Jennings KS area labs and are in charge of making sure that samples are tested correctly utilizing the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they might be asked to train other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.
Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?
The easiest response is wherever they treat patients. Their work environments are many and varied, including Jennings KS hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood samples from a particular kind of patient. For instance, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be collecting blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. 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, Licensing and Certification
There are essentially 2 kinds of programs that offer phlebotomy training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to finish and furnishes a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at Jennings KS community and junior colleges, they usually take 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a four year program provide a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. While not required in the majority of states, a number of Jennings KS employers require certification prior to 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 several states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, such as Nevada and California. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only provides a premium education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.
Phlebotomy Online Certificates and Degrees
First, let’s resolve one likely misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A good portion of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be conducted 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 attended online, it might be a more practical alternative for some Jennings KS students. As an added benefit, some online colleges are more affordable than their traditional competitors. And some costs, for instance those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomy program you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can receive a premium education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online might be the best option for you.
Questions to Ask Phlebotomy Programs
Since you now have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already selected the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the campus is important in addition to the tuition expense. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online program. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the process for selecting a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Following are some questions that you need to ask about all of the Jennings KS colleges you are considering before making your final selection.
Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomist program that complies with the state specific requirements for Kansas or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for all exams you may be required to take.
Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited program in addition to an assurance of a premium education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more attractive to potential employers in the Jennings KS job market.
What is the School’s Reputation? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are considering. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also check with several Jennings KS clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and find out if they can offer 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 schools are in full compliance.
Is Sufficient Training Included? To begin with, contact the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any phlebotomist program that you are considering should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums might indicate that the Jennings KS training program is not expansive enough to furnish adequate training.
Are Internships Provided? Find out from the schools you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with Jennings KS healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to obtain hands-on practical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students develop relationships within the local Jennings medical community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Finding your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Jennings KS medical community.
Are Class Times Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s crucial to verify that the final school you pick offers classes at times that are compatible with your hectic lifestyle. This is especially true if you choose to still work while attending college. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Jennings KS, check that they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up policy is in case you have to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.
Considering Phlebotomy Training near Jennings KS?
Jennings, Kansas
The Jennings train depot was burned to the ground in August 1893. This is said to have been because the depot cat knocked over a kerosene lamp. Igniting nearby hay bales, leading to the loss of the depot overall.[citation needed]
Jennings is located at 39°40′49″N 100°17′38″W / 39.68028°N 100.29389°W / 39.68028; -100.29389 (39.680197, -100.293918).[14] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.27 square miles (0.70 km2), all of it land.[1]
As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 96 people, 50 households, and 30 families residing in the city. The population density was 355.6 inhabitants per square mile (137.3/km2). There were 89 housing units at an average density of 329.6 per square mile (127.3/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 99.0% White and 1.0% from two or more races.
There were 50 households of which 10.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.0% were married couples living together, 6.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.0% were non-families. 34.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 18% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.92 and the average family size was 2.37.
Enroll in the Right Phlebotomist School near Jennings KS
Making sure that you select the right phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality program. Phlebotomy training programs are found in a number of educational institutes, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide range of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program options may differ slightly across the country as every state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to carefully evaluate and compare each school prior to making your ultimate selection. By addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the ideal program for you. And with the proper education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Jennings KS.
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