Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician School near Keavy Kentucky
Enrolling in the right phlebotomy technician school near Keavy KY is an essential first step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting undertaking to assess and compare all of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you do your due diligence to ensure that you obtain a superior education. In fact, many students start their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional factor you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is much more to checking out phlebotomist training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables such as accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your selection process too. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomist schools you are considering to help you pick the best one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online schools.
Phlebotomy Technician Work Summary
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal task, there is actually far more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the instruments being employed are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork needs to be properly filled out to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory screening process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of phlebotomists actually work in Keavy KY area laboratories and are accountable for making certain that samples are analyzed properly using the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they might be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.
Where do Phlebotomists Work?
The most basic answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work environments are numerous and varied, such as Keavy KY medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be charged to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a specific kind of patient. For instance, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients each day.
Phlebotomist Education, Certification and Licensing
There are primarily two kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomy training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to complete and provides a general education together with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomist. Available at Keavy KY community and junior colleges, they usually require 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program offer a more expansive background in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. Although not required in most states, a number of Keavy KY employers require certification before hiring technicians. Some 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 some states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, such as California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a premium education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.
Online Phlebotomist Schools
To begin with, let’s resolve one likely mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial part of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved healthcare facility or an on-campus lab. A large number of courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-practical part of the training can be accessed online, it may be a more convenient alternative for many Keavy KY students. As an added benefit, many online colleges are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenditures, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist program you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a quality education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the best choice for you.
Points to Ask Phlebotomist Programs
Now that you have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already selected the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the campus is relevant in addition to the cost of tuition. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online college. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for choosing a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Following are several questions that you need to ask about each of the Keavy KY schools you are looking at before making your ultimate decision.
Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As previously mentioned, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Kentucky or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for all exams you may have to take.
Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you choose should be accredited by a reputable national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited school in addition to an assurance of a quality education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited programs. Finally, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to potential employers in the Keavy KY job market.
What is the College’s Ranking? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to check out the reputations of all 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 placement program. You can screen internet school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even talk to several Keavy KY hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and find out if they can offer any insights. 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 total compliance.
Is Enough Training Provided? First, contact the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any phlebotomist program that you are considering should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums might indicate that the Keavy KY training program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.
Are Internship Programs Included? Ask the schools you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with Keavy KY healthcare facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on practical training often not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Keavy medical community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Finding your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the schools you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation as well as a substantial network of professional contacts within the Keavy KY health care community.
Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s crucial to make sure that the ultimate program you choose offers classes at times that will accommodate your busy schedule. This is especially true if you choose to still work while going to college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Keavy KY, make certain they are offered 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 clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is in case you have to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.
Considering Phlebotomy Training near Keavy KY?
Kentucky Route 363
KY 363 begins at an intersection with KY 312 (Laurel Lake Road) in Keavy, in the southwestern part of Laurel County. It travels to the north-northeast and passes Locust Grove Cemetery. It curves to the east-northeast and begins a concurrency with KY 552. The two highways head to the northeast and curve to the north-northwest. When they split, KY 363 turns to the right, to the east-southeast, and curves to the northeast. It crosses over Campbell Branch and curves to the east-northeast. After crossing over Horse Branch, it travels to the north-northeast and then curves to the northeast. It crosses over Ward Branch and curves to a northerly direction, where it begins to parallel Interstate 75 (I-75). The highway travels through Pine Grove. It crosses over Lick Branch and passes Wyan–Pine Grove Elementary School. It curves to the northeast and travels on an overpass that crosses over I-75. The highway intersects the northern terminus of KY 3429 (Philpot Road) and then crosses over Cloyd and Sampson branches. On the southwestern edge of London, it intersects KY 1006 (Old Whitley Road) at a roundabout. Immediately after this, KY 363 heads to the north-northeast and enters London proper. It intersects KY 192 and then enters downtown London. It curves to the northeast and intersects the northern terminus of KY 2391 (South Dixie Street). The highway continues to the northeast and meets its northern terminus, an intersection with U.S. Route 25 (US 25; South Main Street).[1]
Enroll in the Ideal Phlebotomist College near Keavy KY
Making certain that you pick the most suitable phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding medical care field. As we have discussed in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be available in a number of educational institutes, including junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive range of courses in medical care and health sciences. Training program options can differ a bit from state to state as every state has its own prerequisites when it concerns phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must diligently evaluate and compare each program before making your ultimate selection. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the best college for you. And with the appropriate training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Keavy KY.
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