Choosing a Phlebotomy Training Program near Lexington Kentucky

Choosing the right phlebotomist training near Lexington KY is an important initial step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult task to investigate and compare each of the training options that are accessible to you. However it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you obtain a superior education. In fact, most students start the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional option you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll review a bit more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is much more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables such as accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and should be part of your selection process also. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you choose the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our discussion about online training.

Phlebotomist Work Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their main responsibility, there is actually so much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the instruments being utilized are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork needs to be accurately filled out 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 may be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Lexington KY phlebotomists actually work in labs and are accountable for making certain that samples are tested properly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they may be required to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The easiest response is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are numerous and diverse, including Lexington KY medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be tasked to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting samples from a particular kind of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomist Education, Licensing and Certification

There are primarily 2 kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomy training in Lexington KY, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to finish and provides a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they typically require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a four year program furnish a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to become certified. While not required in the majority of states, many employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. Some of the main certifying agencies include:

• National Phlebotomy Association
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• American Medical Technologists (AMT)

There are several states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, such as California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only supplies a quality education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomy Schools

To start with, let’s resolve one potential mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant component of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Lexington KY healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-clinical component of the training can be accessed online, it might be a more convenient option for many students. As an additional benefit, a number of online classes are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenses, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened also. Just verify that the online phlebotomist college you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a premium education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Since you now have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already picked the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Kentucky campus is relevant in addition to the tuition expense. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomist school. All of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for picking a school or program. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you need to ask about all of the Lexington KY colleges you are considering before making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Kentucky? As previously mentioned, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that complies with the state specific requirements for Kentucky or the state where you will be working and readies you for all examinations you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you select 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 program aside from a guarantee of a superior 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 agencies. Next, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are typically not available for non-accredited schools in Lexington KY. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Reputation? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s important to check out the reputations of any schools you are considering. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their students as part of their job assistance program. You can research internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also talk to a few Lexington KY area clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and ask if they can offer any recommendations. 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 full compliance.

Is Enough Training Provided? First, contact the Kentucky regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Lexington KY phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything lower than these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask the Kentucky programs you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with local medical facilities. They are the optimal way to get hands-on practical training typically not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Lexington KY medical community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Landing your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation along with a large network of professional contacts within the Lexington KY health care community.

Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s crucial to verify that the ultimate program you choose offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is especially true if you opt to continue working while going to college. If you need to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Lexington KY, make certain they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option as well. And 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 have to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's important to consider questions you may be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers frequently ask Phlebotomy Technician prospects is "What made you decide on Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not merely the private reasons you may have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what qualities and talents you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of routine interview questions, so you should prepare some ideas about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the talents you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Technician and the perfiect choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down several ideas and topics that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Select the Best Phlebotomy Course near Lexington KY

Making sure that you select the ideal phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this gratifying medical care career position. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs are found in a number of academic institutes, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive array of programs in medical care and health sciences. Training program options can differ somewhat from state to state as every state has its own criteria when it comes to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must diligently screen and compare each program prior to making your ultimate decision. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the right program for you. And with the proper training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Lexington KY.

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