Choosing a Phlebotomy Training Program near Franklin Kentucky
Selecting the ideal phlebotomist school near Franklin KY is a critical initial step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting undertaking to assess and compare all of the school alternatives that are available to you. However it’s necessary that you do your due diligence to make certain that you get a superior education. In reality, most students begin the process by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Another 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 far more to researching phlebotomist training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors including accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your decision process too. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing 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 conversation about online classes.
Phlebotomy Technician Work Summary
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. While that is their principal function, there is in fact far more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must verify that the tools being used are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample must be correctly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork needs to be correctly completed to be able to track the sample from the time 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 can be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some phlebotomists actually work in Franklin KY area laboratories and are in charge of ensuring that samples are tested properly utilizing the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they may be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.
Where do Phlebotomists Practice?
The simplest answer is wherever patients are treated. Their work places are numerous and varied, such as Franklin KY medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be charged to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a specific kind of patient. For example, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from different patients each day.
Phlebotomist Training, Certification and Licensing
There are essentially two types of programs that offer phlebotomist training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes under a year to complete and provides a general education together with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomist. Available at Franklin KY junior and community colleges, they usually take two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program provide a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will probably want to be certified. While not mandated in most states, many Franklin KY employers look for certification before employing technicians. A few of the main 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 call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, like Nevada and California. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only supplies a premium education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.
Online Phlebotomist Certificates and Degrees
First, let’s dispel one potential mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial portion of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be performed either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-clinical portion of the training can be attended online, it might be a more convenient option for many Franklin KY students. As an additional benefit, many online classes are less expensive than their on-campus competitors. And some expenditures, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced as well. Just make certain 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 approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.
Points to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges
Now that you have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already decided on the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the college is significant as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomist college. All of these decisions are an important component of the process for picking a school or program. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you need to ask about each of the Franklin KY schools you are reviewing prior to making your final selection.
Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As earlier discussed, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomist program that satisfies 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 Program Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you choose should be accredited by a reputable regional or national accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited school 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 sit for a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the Franklin KY job market.
What is the College’s Ranking? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s important to check out the reputations of any schools you are looking at. 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 research internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also talk to several Franklin KY clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and find out if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can contact the Kentucky school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.
Is Enough Training Provided? First, check with the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are looking at should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums may indicate that the Franklin KY training program is not expansive enough to provide adequate training.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask the colleges you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with Franklin KY health care facilities. They are the optimal means to receive hands-on practical training frequently not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Franklin healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Getting your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the schools you are reviewing 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 jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation together with a large network of professional contacts within the Franklin KY healthcare community.
Are Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it’s crucial to confirm that the ultimate college you pick offers classes at times that are compatible with your active schedule. This is especially true if you decide to continue working while attending college. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Franklin KY, check that they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm 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 fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up procedure is in case you need to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.
Considering Phlebotomy Training near Franklin KY?
Franklin, Kentucky
Franklin was formally incorporated by the state assembly on November 2, 1820,[4] on a 62-acre (250,000 m2) tract of land. This tract was purchased from William Hudspeth and was named for Benjamin Franklin.[5] The post office was established on September 29, 1822, with Robert W. Simpson as postmaster.[6]
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Franklin has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[7]
As of the census[10] of 2000, there were 7,996 people, 3,251 households, and 2,174 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,074.7 people per square mile (415.0/km²). There were 3,609 housing units at an average density of 485.1 per square mile (187.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 80.99% White, 16.76% African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.76% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 0.26% from other races, and 0.91% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.81% of the population.
There were 3,251 households out of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.1% were married couples living together, 14.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.1% were non-families. 29.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.94.
Find the Best Phlebotomist College near Franklin KY
Making sure that you choose the most suitable phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this gratifying health care career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a premium program. Phlebotomy training programs are found in a wide range of educational institutions, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide array of programs in medical care and health sciences. Course offerings can differ slightly from state to state as every state has its own requirements when it pertains to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to thoroughly screen and compare each school before making your final choice. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the ideal college for you. And with the appropriate education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Franklin KY.
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