Picking a Phlebotomy Training Program near Berrien Springs Michigan

Selecting the right phlebotomy technician school near Berrien Springs MI is a critical first step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult undertaking to evaluate and compare each of the training options that are accessible to you. However it’s important that you do your due diligence to make sure that you get a quality education. In fact, a large number of potential students start the process by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another factor you may consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area 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 a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and must be part of your decision process also. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you select the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomist Career Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their main responsibility, there is in fact so 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. After collection, the sample needs to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork must be properly completed to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab testing process. The phlebotomist then transports 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 Berrien Springs MI phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are accountable for making certain that samples are tested properly under the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they might be asked to train other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The most basic answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are many and diverse, including Berrien Springs MI medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be charged to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomists, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a specific type of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients every day.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Licensing and Certification

There are basically two types of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Berrien Springs MI, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to finish and provides a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at community and junior colleges, they typically require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program furnish a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. Although not mandated in most states, a number of employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. A few of the key certifying organizations 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, including California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only furnishes a premium education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Colleges

To begin with, let’s resolve one potential mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial component of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Berrien Springs MI healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical part of the training may be accessed online, it could be a more convenient alternative for many students. As an additional benefit, some online programs are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, for instance those for textbooks or commuting, may be lowered also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy college you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Since you now have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already decided on the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Michigan campus is relevant as well as the tuition expense. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomist program. Each of these decisions are an important component of the procedure for choosing a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you need to ask about all of the Berrien Springs MI programs you are considering prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Michigan? As previously mentioned, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while some others require licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomy program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Michigan or the state where you will be working and readies you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you pick should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting organization, for example 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 superior education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Berrien Springs MI. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more desirable to future employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s important to check out the reputations of any schools you are reviewing. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their students as part of their job assistance program. You can research internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even check with a few Berrien Springs MI area hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and ask if they can provide any insights. As a closing thought, you can contact the Michigan school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Provided? To begin with, contact the Michigan regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any Berrien Springs MI phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums might signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Find out from the Michigan colleges you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with area healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to obtain hands-on clinical training frequently not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Berrien Springs MI medical community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Finding your first phlebotomist job will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Find out if the schools you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Berrien Springs MI health care community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it’s critical to verify that the final program you pick offers classes at times that are compatible with your busy lifestyle. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while going to school. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Berrien Springs MI, make sure they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option also. And if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is should you have to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's advantageous to consider questions you may be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers typically ask Phlebotomist candidates is "What made you choose Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what qualities and abilities you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to organize a number of strategies about how you want to address them. Since there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the talents you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Technician and the best choice for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down several ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Find the Best Phlebotomist School near Berrien Springs MI

Making sure that you choose 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 several factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior school. Phlebotomist training programs are offered in a number of academic institutions, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide array of programs in medical care and health sciences. Training program options can vary somewhat from state to state as every state has its own criteria when it comes to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must thoroughly evaluate and compare each school before making your ultimate selection. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the right college for you. And with the proper education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Berrien Springs MI.

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