Selecting a Phlebotomy Technician Course near Auburn Michigan

Choosing the ideal phlebotomy technician school near Auburn MI is an important first step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult undertaking to assess and compare all of the training options that are accessible to you. However it’s vital that you do your due diligence to ensure that you receive a quality education. In fact, many potential students start their search by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional factor you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors such as accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and must be part of your decision process also. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you select the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our discussion about online training.

Phlebotomist Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their main responsibility, there is actually much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the tools being employed are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample has to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork needs to be properly filled out in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab screening procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some Auburn MI phlebotomists actually work in labs and are responsible for ensuring that samples are tested properly utilizing the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they may be asked to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The easiest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are many and diverse, such as Auburn MI hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a particular type of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients each day.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially two types of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Auburn MI, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to complete and furnishes a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at community and junior colleges, they usually require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program offer a more extensive background in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will probably want to become certified. Although not required in most states, a number of employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. A few of the principal 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 phlebotomy tech, including Nevada and California. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only provides a superior education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomist Online Colleges

First, let’s dispel one likely mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial component of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Auburn MI healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-clinical part of the training may be attended online, it can be a more convenient alternative for some students. As an added benefit, a number of online colleges are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenses, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy program you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can receive a superior education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Now that you have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already selected the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Michigan school is relevant as well as the cost of tuition. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomist school. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the process for choosing a school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Following are several questions that you should ask about all of the Auburn MI programs you are looking at before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Michigan? As mentioned previously, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Michigan or the state where you will be working and preps you for all examinations you may have to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you choose should be accredited by a reputable regional or national 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 in addition to a guarantee of a quality education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to take a certification exam administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are typically not available for non-accredited programs in Auburn MI. Last, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Reputation? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to check out the reputations of any colleges you are considering. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job assistance program. You can screen online school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can also contact several Auburn MI local hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and see if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can contact the Michigan school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Adequate Training Provided? To begin with, contact the Michigan regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Auburn MI phlebotomist program that you are considering should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything lower than these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish adequate training.

Are Internships Included? Find out from the Michigan programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with regional healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to get hands-on clinical training frequently not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Auburn MI medical community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Finding your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the colleges you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place most 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 Auburn MI health care community.

Are Class Times Conveniently Scheduled? And last, it’s critical to confirm that the final college you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your busy lifestyle. This is especially true if you opt to still work while attending college. If you need to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Auburn MI, check that they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option as well. And if you have decided to study online, with the practical 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 need to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's advantageous to consider questions you might be asked. One of the questions that recruiters frequently ask Phlebotomist candidates is "What drove you to choose Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not merely the private reasons you may have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you must ready a number of ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Considering there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the talents you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but jot down several concepts and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Select the Right Phlebotomist Course near Auburn MI

Making certain that you select the ideal phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding healthcare field. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are available in a wide range of educational institutes, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive assortment of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Course options may vary slightly across the country as every state has its own prerequisites when it concerns phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly evaluate and compare each school prior to making your final decision. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the right college for you. And with the appropriate education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Auburn MI.

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