Selecting a Phlebotomist Training Program near Auburn Kentucky
Choosing the right phlebotomist training near Auburn KY is an important initial step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a challenging undertaking to investigate and compare all of the school options that are accessible to you. However it’s vital that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you get a quality education. In reality, a large number of potential students begin their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Another option you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online schools later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is much more to checking out phlebotomist training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and should be part of your decision process too. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomist schools you are evaluating to help you choose the best one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online schools.
Phlebotomist Work Description
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their main responsibility, there is actually much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the tools being employed are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample has to be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork has to be properly filled out to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing process. 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 infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Many phlebotomists in fact work in Auburn KY area labs and are accountable for making sure that samples are tested correctly under the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they might be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.
Where are Phlebotomists Employed?
The easiest response is wherever there are patients. Their workplaces are numerous and varied, including Auburn KY hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or young children to seniors. A number of phlebotomists, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing blood from a specific type of patient. For instance, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide variety of patients and would work with new patients each day.
Phlebotomist Education, Certification and Licensing
There are basically 2 types of programs that offer phlebotomist training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes under a year to finish and furnishes a general education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomist. Offered at Auburn KY community and junior colleges, they typically take 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a 4 year program offer a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. Although not required in the majority of states, many Auburn KY employers look for certification before employing technicians. A few of the primary certifying organizations include:
- National Phlebotomy Association
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
- American Medical Technologists (AMT).
There are some states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, including Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a superior education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.
Online Phlebotomy Schools
First, let’s resolve one likely mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant component of the program of studies will be practical 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 part of the training may be accessed online, it can be a more practical alternative for some Auburn KY students. As an added benefit, a number of online schools are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened as well. Just verify that the online phlebotomist college you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges
Now that you have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already chosen the kind of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the campus is relevant as well as the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online school. All of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for selecting a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Following are a few questions that you should ask about each of the Auburn KY colleges you are reviewing prior to making your final selection.
Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states require certification, while some others require licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for Kentucky or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for all examinations you may have to take.
Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you pick should be accredited by a highly regarded regional or national accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited program aside from an assurance of a premium education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited programs. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more desirable to future employers in the Auburn KY job market.
What is the Program’s Reputation? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to check out the reputations of any colleges you are considering. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their students as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also contact some Auburn KY clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and see if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can contact the Kentucky school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.
Is Ample Training Included? To begin with, check with 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. As a minimum, any phlebotomist program that you are considering should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums might signify that the Auburn KY training program is not comprehensive enough to furnish adequate training.
Are Internships Included? Ask the colleges you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with Auburn KY healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to obtain hands-on practical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Auburn medical community. And they are a plus on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Getting your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation as well as a substantial network of professional contacts within the Auburn KY medical community.
Are Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it’s critical to confirm that the final college you pick provides classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while going to school. If you need to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Auburn KY, make sure they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to attend 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 should you need to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.
Considering Phlebotomy Training near Auburn KY?
Auburn, Kentucky
Auburn is a home rule-class city[2] in Logan County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was 1,444 at the 2000 census. Originally called Federal Grove, the present name dates from the 1860s; it was named after Auburn, New York from where some settlers had come.[3] It was originally incorporated by the state assembly in 1865 and later reincorporated in 1878.[4]
As of the census[7] of 2000, there were 1,444 people, 584 households, and 397 families residing in the city. The population density was 821.8 people per square mile (316.8/km²). There were 653 housing units at an average density of 371.6 per square mile (143.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 90.86% White, 6.86% African American, 0.14% Native American, 0.14% Asian, and 2.01% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.69% of the population.
There were 584 households out of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.5% were married couples living together, 12.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.0% were non-families. 29.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.88.
In the city, the population was spread out with 23.6% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 19.7% from 45 to 64, and 19.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 79.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 76.8 males.
Select the Best Phlebotomy Course near Auburn KY
Making certain that you choose the most suitable phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this gratifying health care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a quality program. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are offered in a number of academic institutions, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide range of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Program options may vary slightly across the country as every state has its own requirements when it concerns phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly screen and compare each program before making your ultimate decision. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the best school for you. And with the appropriate training, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Auburn KY.
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