Picking a Phlebotomy Training Course near Augusta Kentucky

Selecting the ideal phlebotomy technician school near Augusta KY is an essential first step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult task to evaluate and compare all of the school alternatives that are available to you. However it’s important that you do your due diligence to make certain that you get a superior education. In reality, many potential students begin their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional factor you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. We’ll talk more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your decision process too. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you select the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our conversation about online classes.

Phlebotomy Tech Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their primary duty, there is in fact far more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the tools being employed are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample has to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork has to be accurately filled out in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab screening procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some phlebotomists actually work in Augusta KY area laboratories and are accountable for making certain that samples are tested correctly under the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they might be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The simplest response is wherever they treat patients. Their work environments are many and varied, including Augusta KY medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a particular kind of patient. For instance, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide variety of patients and would work with new patients each day.

Phlebotomist Education, Licensing and Certification

There are basically 2 kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomy training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to finish and furnishes a general education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at Augusta KY junior and community colleges, they normally take two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program provide a more extensive background in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will probably want to get certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, most Augusta KY employers require certification before employing technicians. Some of the key 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 prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, like California and Nevada. 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 prepares you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomy Certificates and Degrees

First, let’s dispel one possible 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 performed either in an approved healthcare facility or an on-campus lab. Many courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-clinical component of the training can be accessed online, it can be a more practical option for many Augusta KY students. As an additional benefit, a number of online schools are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenses, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist college you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can receive a quality education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Since you now have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already decided on the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the campus is important as well as the tuition expense. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomy program. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for selecting a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Following are several questions that you should ask about all of the Augusta KY programs you are considering prior to making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may 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 Kentucky or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for any examinations you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you enroll in 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 many benefits to graduating from an accredited school in addition to a guarantee of a premium education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to take a certification examination administered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited colleges. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to future employers in the Augusta KY job market.

What is the School’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 caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of all schools you are considering. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their graduates 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 even talk to several Augusta KY clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and find out if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can contact the Kentucky school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Enough Training Included? First, check with the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums may indicate that the Augusta KY training program is not expansive enough to furnish adequate training.

Are Internships Provided? Find out from the colleges you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with Augusta KY medical facilities. They are the optimal way to receive hands-on clinical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Augusta health care community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Finding your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Augusta KY health care community.

Are Class Times Conveniently Scheduled? And last, it’s critical to confirm that the ultimate program you pick offers classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is particularly important if you opt to still work while going to college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Augusta KY, make sure they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option also. And if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is in case you have to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Considering Phlebotomy Training near Augusta KY?

Select the Best Phlebotomy College near Augusta KY

Making certain that you pick the ideal phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding health care career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomy training programs are found in a variety of educational institutes, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide array of courses in medical care and health sciences. Training program options can vary a bit across the country as each state has its own mandates when it concerns phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must diligently evaluate and compare each school prior to making your ultimate decision. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the ideal college for you. And with the proper education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Augusta KY.

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