Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Julesburg Colorado

Choosing the right phlebotomist school near Julesburg CO is an important initial step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging undertaking to analyze and compare each of the training options that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you receive a quality education. In fact, a large number of prospective students start their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another factor you might consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. We’ll review more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and need to be part of your decision process as well. Toward that end, we will furnish a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you choose the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online schools.

Phlebotomist Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples 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 needs to check that the tools being utilized are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork must be properly filled out to be able 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 pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some Julesburg CO phlebotomists actually work in labs and are accountable for making sure that samples are analyzed properly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they may be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?

The most basic response is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are numerous and diverse, such as Julesburg CO hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They may be charged to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a specific kind of patient. For example, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be collecting blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers solely. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Education, Licensing and Certification

There are basically 2 types of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Julesburg CO, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to finish and provides a general education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomist. Offered at community and junior colleges, they normally take two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a four year program provide a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will probably want to get certified. While not required in the majority of states, a number of employers require certification prior to employing technicians. A few of the primary 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 call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, including Nevada and California. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s important that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only offers a superior education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomy Online Classes

To start with, let’s dispel one likely misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial portion of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Julesburg CO healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. A large number of courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-practical component of the training may be accessed online, it may be a more convenient alternative for some students. As an added benefit, some online schools are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, for instance those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist college you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can receive a premium education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Since you now have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already picked the kind of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Colorado campus is relevant in addition to the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomist school. Each of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for choosing a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Following are some questions that you need to ask about all of the Julesburg CO programs you are reviewing prior to making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As previously mentioned, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed before working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Colorado or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for all examinations you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you pick should be accredited by a respected national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a superior education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited schools in Julesburg CO. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to future employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to check the reputations of any colleges you are considering. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also check with several Julesburg CO local clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and find out if they can offer any insights. As a closing thought, you can check with the Colorado school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Provided? First, check with the Colorado regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any Julesburg CO phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums may indicate that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Ask the Colorado schools you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional healthcare facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on clinical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Julesburg CO medical community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Finding your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire if the schools you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation as well as an extensive network of professional contacts within the Julesburg CO healthcare community.

Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s critical to verify that the ultimate program you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your active schedule. This is particularly important if you opt to still work while going to college. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Julesburg CO, make certain they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify 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 find out what the make-up policy is in case you have to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's a good idea to consider questions you could be asked. One of the things that interviewers frequently ask Phlebotomy Tech candidates is "What made you decide on Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not only the personal reasons you may have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but also what attributes and skills you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of routine interview questions, so you need to prepare several strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Given that there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the abilities you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Technician and the perfiect candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but write down some concepts and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Enroll in the Right Phlebotomist Program near Julesburg CO

Making sure that you pick the ideal phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare field. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomy training programs can be offered in a wide range of educational institutions, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide array of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Program offerings may differ a bit across the country as each state has its own requirements when it comes to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to thoroughly research and compare each college prior to making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the ideal school for you. And with the appropriate training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Julesburg CO.

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