Selecting a Phlebotomy Technician School near Fountain Run Kentucky
Enrolling in the right phlebotomy technician school near Fountain Run KY is a critical first step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult task to assess and compare all of the training options that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s vital that you perform your due diligence to make sure that you get a quality education. In reality, most students begin the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional factor you may consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. We’ll discuss more about online schools later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is a lot more to researching phlebotomist training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors such as accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and must be part of your decision process too. Toward that end, we will furnish a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are researching to help you pick the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online training.
Phlebotomy Technician Work Description
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their primary duty, there is in fact far more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to check that the tools being utilized are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork has to be properly 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 in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Many phlebotomists actually work in Fountain Run KY area laboratories and are in charge of making certain that samples are tested properly under the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they might be required to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.
Where are Phlebotomists Employed?
The quickest response is wherever there are patients. Their work places are numerous and varied, such as Fountain Run KY hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be tasked to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a particular type of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be drawing blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients each day.
Phlebotomy Technician Education, Certification and Licensing
There are primarily two kinds of programs that offer phlebotomy training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to complete and provides a general education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at Fountain Run KY community and junior colleges, they normally require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a four year program furnish a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will probably want to become certified. Although not mandated in the majority of states, a number of Fountain Run KY employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. Some 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 a few states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, like California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a superior education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.
Phlebotomy Online Training
First, let’s dispel one possible misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial 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. Numerous courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-clinical portion of the training may be accessed online, it could be a more practical alternative for many Fountain Run KY students. As an added benefit, a number of online programs are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened also. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist school you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a premium education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Phlebotomy Programs
Now that you have a basic understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may 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 school is important in addition to the cost of tuition. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomy college. All of these decisions are an important component of the process for choosing a program or school. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you should ask about each of the Fountain Run KY programs you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection.
Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomist program that complies with the state specific requirements for Kentucky or the state where you will be working and readies you for all exams you may be required to take.
Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you select should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited school aside from an assurance of a premium education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to take a certification examination administered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited programs. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the Fountain Run KY job market.
What is the School’s Reputation? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to check the reputations of any colleges you are reviewing. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job assistance program. You can screen internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also talk to some Fountain Run KY hospitals or clinics that you may have an interest in working for and see if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the Kentucky school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.
Is Ample Training Included? First, contact the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are considering should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums might signify that the Fountain Run KY training program is not comprehensive enough to furnish adequate training.
Are Internship Programs Included? Ask the schools you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with Fountain Run KY healthcare facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on practical training frequently not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Fountain Run health care community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Finding your first phlebotomist job will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire 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 substantial network of professional contacts within the Fountain Run KY medical community.
Are Classes Available as Needed? Finally, it’s crucial to verify that the final school you pick provides classes at times that are compatible with your hectic schedule. This is particularly true if you choose to still work while going to college. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Fountain Run KY, make sure they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option also. Even if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up procedure is should you have to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.
Considering Phlebotomy Training near Fountain Run KY?
Fountain Run, Kentucky
Fountain Run is located at 36°43′17″N 85°57′41″W / 36.72139°N 85.96139°W / 36.72139; -85.96139 (36.721319, -85.961398).[2] It is located in Monroe County near the point where Allen, Monroe, and Barren Counties come together.
As of the census[6] of 2000, there were 236 people, 110 households, and 66 families residing in the city. The population density was 241.6 people per square mile (93.0/km²). There were 119 housing units at an average density of 121.8 per square mile (46.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.76% White, 2.54% African American, 1.69% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.69% of the population.
There were 110 households out of which 25.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.5% were married couples living together, 13.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.1% were non-families. 36.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 29.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 2.81.
In the city, the population was spread out with 23.7% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 20.8% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 26.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 71.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 68.2 males.
Choose the Right Phlebotomy Training Program near Fountain Run KY
Making certain that you enroll in the right phlebotomist 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 several factors that go into the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs are offered in a variety of educational institutes, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide assortment of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program offerings may differ a bit across the country as every state has its own mandates when it comes to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you need to carefully research and compare each college prior to making your ultimate decision. By addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the ideal college for you. And with the proper education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Fountain Run KY.
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