Picking a Phlebotomist School near Florence Kentucky
Selecting the right phlebotomy technician school near Florence KY is an important initial step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting undertaking to assess and compare each of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you perform your due diligence to make sure that you obtain a quality education. In reality, most students begin the process by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional option you might consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll review a bit more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and must be part of your decision process as well. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomist schools you are evaluating to help you pick the ideal one for you. But prior to doing 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 technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their primary responsibility, there is actually far more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to check that the instruments being utilized are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample must be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork needs to be accurately completed in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab testing procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Many phlebotomists actually work in Florence KY area labs and are in charge of making sure that samples are tested correctly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they may be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.
Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?
The quickest response is wherever there are patients. Their work places are many and diverse, such as Florence KY medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be charged to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a particular kind of patient. For instance, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients every day.
Phlebotomy Education, Licensing and Certification
There are basically 2 kinds of programs that provide phlebotomy training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program normally takes under a year to finish and furnishes a basic education together with 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, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at Florence KY community and junior colleges, they usually take two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program furnish a more expansive background in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will probably want to be certified. Although not mandated in most states, a number of Florence KY employers require certification before employing technicians. Some of the key certifying organizations 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 prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, including Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s important that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only supplies a premium education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.
Online Phlebotomist Certificates and Degrees
To begin with, let’s resolve one likely misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial part of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved healthcare facility or an on-campus lab. A large number of courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-clinical component of the training may be attended online, it could be a more convenient alternative for some Florence KY students. As an additional benefit, many online programs are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenditures, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomy school you choose 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 dedicated enough to learn at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Phlebotomist Schools
Now that you have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already selected 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 college is significant as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomy online program. All of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for selecting a school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Following are some questions that you need to ask about all of the Florence KY schools you are reviewing before making your ultimate decision.
Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Kentucky? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Kentucky or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for any exams you may be required to take.
Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you select 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 advantages to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a quality education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited schools. Last, graduating from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the Florence KY job market.
What is the School’s Ranking? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s important to check out 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 placement program. You can research internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even talk to a few Florence KY clinics or hospitals that you might have an interest in working for and find out if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the Kentucky school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.
Is Ample Training Included? To begin with, check with the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are considering should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums might signify that the Florence KY training program is not comprehensive enough to provide sufficient training.
Are Internships Included? Find out from the programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with Florence KY healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to get hands-on clinical training often not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Florence medical community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Finding 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 percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation as well as an extensive network of professional contacts within the Florence KY health care community.
Are Classes Available as Needed? And last, it’s crucial to confirm that the final college you select provides classes at times that are compatible with your hectic lifestyle. This is especially important if you choose to still work while going to college. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Florence KY, make sure they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option also. And if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask 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 Florence KY?
Florence, Kentucky
The Florence area was originally known as Crossroads, because of the convergence of several roads from Burlington and Union at Ridge Road (now U.S. 25). By 1821, the area was known as Maddentown for Thomas Madden, a Covington attorney who owned a farm on the Burlington Pike. When Madden moved away, the area became known as Connersville in 1828 for Jacob Conner, a settler who assumed responsibility for the growing town. The town was finally renamed to Florence because there was another Connersville in Harrison County. The name presumably is for Florence, Italy, but the specific etymology is unclear.[4][5] It was incorporated on January 27, 1830, and grew quickly after the completion of the Covington-Lexington Turnpike in 1836.[6]
Florence is located in eastern Boone County at 38°59′36″N 84°38′33″W / 38.99333°N 84.64250°W / 38.99333; -84.64250 (38.993225, -84.642602).[7] U.S. Routes 25, 42, and 127 pass through the center of Florence, leading northeast in a concurrency 11 miles (18 km) to downtown Cincinnati. Interstates 75 and 71 pass through the western part of Florence, with access from exits 178 through 182.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.3 square miles (26.8 km2), of which 10.3 square miles (26.7 km2) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km2), or 0.43%, is water.[3]
As of the census[8] of 2000, there were 23,551 people, 9,640 households, and 6,073 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,385.6 per square mile (921.1/km2). There were 10,322 housing units at an average density of 1,045.6 per square mile (403.7/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 92.44% White, 2.67% African American, 0.26% Native American, 1.50% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 1.58% from other races, and 1.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.80% of the population.
Enroll in the Ideal Phlebotomist Course near Florence KY
Making sure that you pick the right phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a superior school. Phlebotomy training programs can be available in a number of academic institutes, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive assortment of programs in medical care and health sciences. Program offerings may differ somewhat from state to state as each state has its own requirements when it pertains to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly research and compare each school prior to making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the right school for you. And with the proper training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Florence KY.
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