Picking a Phlebotomist Course near Des Moines Iowa

Choosing the ideal phlebotomy technician school near Des Moines IA is a critical initial step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult undertaking to evaluate and compare all of the school alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s vital that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you get a quality education. In reality, most students start their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another option you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk a bit 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 finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and must be part of your selection process as well. 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 right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online schools.

Phlebotomy Tech Work Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal task, there is in fact far more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the tools being utilized are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork must be correctly filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab testing procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some Des Moines IA phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are responsible for ensuring that samples are analyzed properly utilizing the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they may be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The simplest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are numerous and diverse, including Des Moines IA medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be tasked to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or young children to senior citizens. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a specific kind of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be drawing blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially two kinds of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Des Moines IA, 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 offers the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at community and junior colleges, they typically take 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program furnish a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. While not required in most states, many employers require certification prior to hiring 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 phlebotomist, such as Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only furnishes a quality education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Certificates and Degrees

To begin with, let’s resolve one possible misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial part of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Des Moines IA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-clinical component of the training may be attended online, it can be a more practical alternative for many students. As an added benefit, some online colleges are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some costs, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened as well. Just verify that the online phlebotomist school you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can receive a quality education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Now that you have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already chosen the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Iowa campus is important in addition to the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomy online college. All of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for picking a school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Following are a few questions that you need to ask about each of the Des Moines IA colleges you are considering before making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Iowa? As previously mentioned, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomy program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Iowa or the state where you will be working and preps you for all exams you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you select should be accredited by a respected 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 in addition to an assurance of a premium education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to take a certification examination administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Des Moines IA. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to future employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are looking at. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also contact a few Des Moines IA area hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and find out if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the Iowa school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Adequate Training Provided? First, check with the Iowa 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. At a minimum, any Des Moines IA phlebotomy program that you are considering should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums may indicate that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out from the Iowa schools you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional healthcare facilities. They are the ideal means to get hands-on practical training often not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Des Moines IA health care community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Finding your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Find out if the schools you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Des Moines IA healthcare community.

Are Class Times Conveniently Scheduled? And last, it’s important to confirm that the ultimate school you pick offers classes at times that are compatible with your active schedule. This is especially important if you opt to still work while going to school. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Des Moines IA, check that they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is in case you need to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's advantageous to consider questions you may be asked. One of the things that interviewers typically ask Phlebotomy Technician candidates is "What drove you to decide on Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what characteristics and abilities you have that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you must organize a number of ideas about how you want to address them. Because there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the abilities you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Technician and the best candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down some ideas and talking points that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Choose the Ideal Phlebotomist Program near Des Moines IA

Making sure that you select the right phlebotomist training is an important first step toward your success in this rewarding health care field. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality school. Phlebotomy training programs can be available in a wide range of academic institutions, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide range of courses in medical care and health sciences. Program options may differ a bit from state to state as every state has its own mandates when it concerns phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to thoroughly screen and compare each school prior to making your ultimate decision. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the right college for you. And with the proper training, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Des Moines IA.

Learn About Des Moines Iowa

 

 

More Interesting Iowa Cities

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Millersburg IA 52308

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Dallas Center IA 50063

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Lu Verne IA 50560

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Ogden IA 50212

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Clarion IA 50525

Phlebotomy Training Schools near New Sharon IA 50207

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Vinton IA 52349

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Badger IA 50516

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Estherville IA 51334

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Albia IA 52531