Find Phlebotomy Training Near Me in Overbrook KS 66524

Choosing a Phlebotomist Training Program near Overbrook Kansas

Overbrook KS phlebotomist taking blood sample Choosing the right phlebotomist training near Overbrook KS is a critical initial step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult undertaking to evaluate and compare all of the training alternatives that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you receive a quality education. In fact, many potential students begin their search by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional factor you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. We’ll talk more about online schools later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is far more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and should be part of your selection process as well. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomist schools you are evaluating to help you pick the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our discussion about online schools.

Phlebotomy Tech Career Summary

Overbrook KS phlebotomist holding blood sample A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. While that is their main responsibility, there is actually much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the tools being employed are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample has to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork has to be correctly filled out to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers 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 in fact work in Overbrook KS area labs and are responsible for making sure 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 collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

Overbrook KS diagnostic lab blood analysis The easiest response is wherever they treat patients. Their work environments are many and diverse, including Overbrook KS hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a specific type of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be drawing blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomist Training, Licensing and Certification

Overbrook KS phlebotomy lab There are basically 2 kinds of programs that offer phlebotomy training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes under a year to complete and furnishes 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, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomist. Available at Overbrook KS junior and community colleges, they normally require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program provide a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will probably want to get certified. Although not required in the majority of states, a number of Overbrook KS employers look for certification before employing technicians. A few of the principal 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 prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, like California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only furnishes a premium education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomist Online Schools

attending phlebotomy training classes online in Overbrook KS To begin with, let’s resolve one likely misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial component of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. Numerous courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical component of the training may be attended online, it may be a more practical option for some Overbrook KS students. As an added benefit, a number of online programs are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenditures, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist school you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a premium education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the best option for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Now that you have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already chosen the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the campus is significant as well as the tuition expense. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomy program. Each of these decisions are an important component of the process for selecting a program or school. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Following are several questions that you need to ask about all of the Overbrook KS colleges you are considering prior to making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Kansas? As earlier discussed, each state has its own regulations 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 amount of practical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Kansas or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you pick should be accredited by a reputable regional or national accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to a guarantee of a superior education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification exam offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the Overbrook KS job market.

What is the Program’s Reputation? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to check out the reputations of all schools you are considering. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their students as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also check with several Overbrook KS hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and see if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the Kansas school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Included? First, contact the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any phlebotomist program that you are considering should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums may signify that the Overbrook KS training program is not expansive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Ask the programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with Overbrook KS healthcare facilities. They are the ideal means to receive hands-on clinical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Overbrook healthcare community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Landing your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are looking at offer 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 school has both an excellent reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Overbrook KS medical community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s critical to verify that the ultimate college you choose offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is particularly important if you decide to still work while attending school. If you need to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Overbrook KS, check that they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option as well. And if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is in case you need to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Considering Phlebotomy Training near Overbrook KS?

Overbrook, Kansas

Overbrook is located at 38°46′48″N 95°33′26″W / 38.78000°N 95.55722°W / 38.78000; -95.55722 (38.779969, -95.557202).[10] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.55 square miles (1.42 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, Overbrook has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[11]

As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 1,058 people, 411 households, and 253 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,923.6 inhabitants per square mile (742.7/km2). There were 448 housing units at an average density of 814.5 per square mile (314.5/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 97.0% White, 0.3% African American, 1.4% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.2% of the population.

There were 411 households of which 32.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.4% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.4% were non-families. 35.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 20.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 3.19.

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Choose the Right Phlebotomy Course near Overbrook KS

Making sure that you choose the ideal phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding medical care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality school. Phlebotomist training programs can be offered in a variety of academic institutions, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive assortment of courses in medical care and health sciences. Course options may vary a bit from state to state as every state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly research and compare each school before making your ultimate selection. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the ideal program for you. And with the appropriate education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Overbrook KS.