Picking a Phlebotomy School near Greensburg Kentucky
Picking the right phlebotomy school near Greensburg KY is an essential initial step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult undertaking to analyze and compare all of the training options that are available to you. However it’s vital that you perform your due diligence to make sure that you receive a superior education. In fact, most prospective students start their search by considering two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional factor you might consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll discuss more about online schools later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is much more to researching phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your selection process as well. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are researching to help you select the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online schools.
Phlebotomy Tech Job Description
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their principal responsibility, there is in fact far more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the tools being used are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample must be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork has to be properly completed to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab screening process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Many phlebotomists in fact work in Greensburg KY area labs and are in charge of ensuring that samples are analyzed properly under the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they may be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.
Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?
The quickest response is wherever patients are treated. Their work places are numerous and diverse, such as Greensburg KY hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a specific kind of patient. For example, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients every day.
Phlebotomy Technician Education, Licensing and Certification
There are primarily two kinds of programs that provide phlebotomist training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to finish and offers a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at Greensburg KY junior and community colleges, they normally take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a four year program offer a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to be certified. Although not required in most states, most Greensburg KY employers look for certification before hiring 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 some states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, like California and Nevada. 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 offers a premium education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.
Online Phlebotomy Schools
First, let’s resolve one likely misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant part of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved healthcare facility or an on-campus lab. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-clinical portion of the training can be accessed online, it could be a more practical alternative for some Greensburg KY students. As an added benefit, many online schools are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy college you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Phlebotomy Schools
Now that you have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already picked the kind of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the campus is important in addition to the cost of tuition. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomist program. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for picking a school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Following are some questions that you should ask about all of the Greensburg KY colleges you are looking at prior to making your final selection.
Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As previously mentioned, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomy program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Kentucky or the state where you will be working and prepares you for all examinations you may be required to take.
Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you select should be accredited by a reputable regional or national accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many advantages to graduating from an accredited school aside from an assurance of a superior education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are frequently not available 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 Greensburg KY job market.
What is the School’s Reputation? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are looking at. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their students as part of their job assistance program. You can research internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even talk to a few Greensburg KY hospitals or clinics 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 ask if any grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.
Is Sufficient Training Included? 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. At a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are considering should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums may signify that the Greensburg KY training program is not expansive enough to provide sufficient training.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask the programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with Greensburg KY health care facilities. They are the ideal way to obtain hands-on practical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Greensburg medical community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.
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 college has a high rate, signifying they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Greensburg KY health care community.
Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s important to confirm that the ultimate school you pick offers classes at times that are compatible with your hectic lifestyle. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Greensburg KY, make certain they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option as well. And if you have decided to study online, with the clinical 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 need to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.
Considering Phlebotomy Training near Greensburg KY?
Greensburg, Kentucky
Greensburg is located east of the center of Green County at 37°15′35″N 85°29′52″W / 37.25972°N 85.49778°W / 37.25972; -85.49778 (37.259665, -85.497863),[5] on the north side of the Green River, a west-flowing tributary of the Ohio River. U.S. Route 68 passes through the city as Main Street; it leads northeast 11 miles (18 km) to Campbellsville and southwest 25 miles (40 km) to Edmonton. Kentucky Route 61 joins US 68 on Main Street through Greensburg; KY 61 leads northwest 40 miles (64 km) to Elizabethtown and southeast 19 miles (31 km) to Columbia.
Following the establishment of Green County (named for Revolutionary War Maj. General Nathanael Greene[6]) from parts of Lincoln and Nelson counties in 1792, Greensburg was laid out and established two years later as its eponymous seat of government.[7] It was incorporated as a city a year after that.[6] The central Public Square was also laid out in 1795 and has been retained as designed since then, with the only changes being the paving of the square with concrete and the installation of concrete dividers and parking meters in the four quadrants.[8]
As of the census[10] of 2000, there were 2,396 people, 1,061 households, and 648 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,255.4 people per square mile (484.3/km²). There were 1,190 housing units at an average density of 623.5 per square mile (240.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 92.99% White, 4.63% African American, 0.08% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 0.50% from other races, and 1.42% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.96% of the population.
There were 1,061 households out of which 24.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.6% were married couples living together, 14.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.9% were non-families. 37.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 21.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.12 and the average family size was 2.75.
Find the Ideal Phlebotomy School near Greensburg KY
Making certain that you select the ideal phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare field. As we have discussed in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs are offered in a number of educational institutions, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive range of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program options may vary somewhat from state to state as each state has its own criteria when it concerns phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to carefully evaluate and compare each school before making your ultimate choice. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the ideal college for you. And with the appropriate education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Greensburg KY.
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