Find Phlebotomy Training Near Me in Oskaloosa KS 66066

Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician School near Oskaloosa Kansas

Oskaloosa KS phlebotomist taking blood sample Picking the right phlebotomy technician school near Oskaloosa KS is an essential first step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting task to assess and compare each of the school alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s vital that you perform your due diligence to make sure that you receive a quality education. In reality, most students start their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Another option you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll discuss more about online schools later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and must be part of your selection process too. Toward that end, we will furnish a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomist schools you are researching to help you select the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomist Job Summary

Oskaloosa KS phlebotomist holding blood sample A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their primary task, there is actually much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the tools being used are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample has to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork needs to be correctly filled out in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory testing procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers 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. Many phlebotomists actually work in Oskaloosa KS area labs and are responsible for ensuring that samples are tested correctly under the strictest 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 are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

Oskaloosa KS diagnostic lab blood analysis The most basic response is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are many and varied, such as Oskaloosa KS hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They may be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or young children to seniors. A number of phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood samples from a certain type of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from different patients every day.

Phlebotomy Training, Certification and Licensing

Oskaloosa KS phlebotomy lab There are essentially two kinds of programs that offer phlebotomy training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to complete and furnishes a basic education together with 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 phlebotomy degree, will include training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at Oskaloosa KS junior and community colleges, they typically take 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program provide a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will probably want to be certified. Although not mandated in the majority of states, many Oskaloosa KS employers require certification before employing technicians. A few 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 some states that do call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, such as California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a premium education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomist Schools

attending phlebotomy training classes online in Oskaloosa KS First, let’s dispel one possible mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial component of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved healthcare facility or an on-campus lab. A large number of courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-practical component of the training may be accessed online, it could be a more convenient option for some Oskaloosa KS students. As an added benefit, a number of online colleges are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some costs, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy program you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a superior education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Since you now have a basic understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already chosen the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the school is relevant as well as the cost of tuition. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomy online college. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the process for picking a program or school. But they are not the sole concerns when arriving at your decision. Following are a few questions that you need to ask about all of the Oskaloosa KS schools you are reviewing before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Kansas? As previously mentioned, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomist program that complies with the state specific requirements for Kansas or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for all examinations you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a respected national or regional accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of advantages to graduating from an accredited school in addition to a guarantee of a premium education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to take a certification examination offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more attractive to future employers in the Oskaloosa KS job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to check the reputations of any 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 research internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can also check with a few Oskaloosa KS hospitals or clinics that you may have an interest in working for and ask if they can provide any insights. As a closing thought, you can contact the Kansas school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Plenty of 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 classroom and practical. As a minimum, any phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums might signify that the Oskaloosa KS training program is not expansive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internships Provided? Ask the schools you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with Oskaloosa KS healthcare facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on practical training frequently not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Oskaloosa medical community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Landing your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the colleges you are looking at 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 a large network of professional contacts within the Oskaloosa KS medical community.

Are Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it’s important to verify that the ultimate program you choose offers classes at times that will accommodate your active schedule. This is especially important if you choose to still work while attending college. If you need to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Oskaloosa KS, make sure 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 attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up policy is should you need to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Considering Phlebotomy Training near Oskaloosa KS?

Oskaloosa, Kansas

Oskaloosa is located at 39°12′57″N 95°18′50″W / 39.21583°N 95.31389°W / 39.21583; -95.31389 (39.215849, -95.313800).[13] It is at the intersection of U.S. Route 59 and K-92, approximately 15 miles north of Lawrence. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.03 square miles (2.67 km2), of which, 1.02 square miles (2.64 km2) is land and 0.01 square miles (0.03 km2) is water.[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, Oskaloosa has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[14]

As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 1,113 people, 435 households, and 281 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,091.2 inhabitants per square mile (421.3/km2). There were 480 housing units at an average density of 470.6 per square mile (181.7/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 97.0% White, 0.2% African American, 0.8% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.9% of the population.

There were 435 households of which 33.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.2% were married couples living together, 16.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.4% were non-families. 29.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 3.03.

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Choose the Ideal Phlebotomy Training Program near Oskaloosa KS

Making sure that you select the right phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this gratifying health care field. As we have addressed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a quality program. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be offered in a variety of academic institutes, including junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive assortment of programs in medical care and health sciences. Course options can vary slightly across the country as every state has its own prerequisites when it comes to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must thoroughly evaluate and compare each school before making your final decision. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can select the best school for you. And with the appropriate education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Oskaloosa KS.