Choosing a Phlebotomist School near Logan Kansas
Enrolling in the right phlebotomy school near Logan KS is an important initial step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a challenging undertaking to assess and compare each of the school alternatives that are available to you. However it’s vital that you perform your due diligence to ensure that you obtain a superior education. In reality, many prospective students begin the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Another option you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll review a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and need to be part of your selection process too. Toward that end, we will supply 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 before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online classes.
Phlebotomy Technician Job Summary
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their main function, there is in fact far more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the tools being employed are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork must be properly filled out in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory 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 infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. A number of phlebotomists in fact work in Logan KS area labs and are responsible for making sure that samples are tested correctly under the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they can be asked to train other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.
Where do Phlebotomists Practice?
The most basic response is wherever they treat patients. Their work environments are many and varied, such as Logan KS hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be charged to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a specific kind of patient. For example, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients every day.
Phlebotomy Technician Training, Certification and Licensing
There are essentially two types of programs that furnish phlebotomist training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes less than a year to complete and provides a general education along 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 include training to become a phlebotomist. Offered at Logan KS community and junior colleges, they usually take two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a four year program furnish a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will probably want to become certified. While not mandated in most states, most Logan KS employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. Some of the main 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 require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, like California and Nevada. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you pick a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a superior education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.
Phlebotomy Online Colleges
To begin with, let’s dispel one potential misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial component of the course of study will be clinical 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 prior to graduation. But since the non-clinical portion of the training can be attended online, it could be a more practical alternative for many Logan KS students. As an added benefit, some online schools are less expensive than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced as well. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy college you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can receive a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges
Now that you have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already chosen the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the campus is relevant in addition to the cost of tuition. Maybe you have decided 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 concerns when making your decision. Following are several questions that you should ask about each of the Logan KS schools you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection.
Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As earlier discussed, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed before working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for Kansas or the state where you will be working and readies you for any examinations you may be required to take.
Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you choose should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to a guarantee of a premium education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited programs. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to future employers in the Logan KS job market.
What is the Program’s Reputation? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to check the reputations of all colleges you are reviewing. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their students as part of their job assistance program. You can screen online school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can also contact a few Logan KS clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and find out if they can provide any insights. As a closing thought, you can check with the Kansas school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.
Is Plenty of Training Included? First, contact the state regulator where you will be working 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 considering should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums might signify that the Logan KS training program is not expansive enough to offer sufficient training.
Are Internships Sponsored? Find out from the programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with Logan KS medical facilities. They are the optimal way to receive hands-on clinical training typically not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Logan healthcare community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Getting your first phlebotomist position will be much 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 positions, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation together with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Logan KS medical community.
Are Class Times Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s important to verify that the final school you pick offers classes at times that are compatible with your active schedule. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Logan KS, make sure they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option also. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is in case you have to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.
Considering Phlebotomy Training near Logan KS?
Logan, Kansas
Logan is located at 39°39′44″N 99°34′16″W / 39.66222°N 99.57111°W / 39.66222; -99.57111 (39.662269, -99.571160).[11] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.51 square miles (3.91 km2), all land.[1]
As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 589 people, 261 households, and 169 families residing in the city. The population density was 390.1 inhabitants per square mile (150.6/km2). There were 311 housing units at an average density of 206.0 per square mile (79.5/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 99.3% White, 0.5% from other races, and 0.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.5% of the population.
There were 261 households of which 24.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.3% were married couples living together, 6.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.2% were non-families. 33.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.85.
The median age in the city was 45.2 years. 27% of residents were under the age of 18; 2.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.3% were from 25 to 44; 26.9% were from 45 to 64; and 23.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 45.7% male and 54.3% female.
Find the Ideal Phlebotomy Training Program near Logan KS
Making certain that you enroll in the ideal phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this gratifying medical care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomy training programs can be available in a wide range of academic institutes, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide assortment of programs in medical care and health sciences. Training program offerings can vary a bit across the country as every state has its own requirements when it pertains to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must thoroughly research and compare each school before making your ultimate choice. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the ideal program for you. And with the proper training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Logan KS.
Other Cool Cities in Kansas
Business Results 1 - 10 of 0
