Selecting a Phlebotomist Training Program near Lincoln Michigan

Picking the right phlebotomy technician training near Lincoln MI is a critical first step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult undertaking to assess and compare all of the school options that are accessible to you. However it’s important that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you receive a quality education. In reality, a large number of prospective students start their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional option you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll talk more about online classes later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors including reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and should 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 best one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomy Tech Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. While that is their primary task, there is in fact far more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the instruments being utilized are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample must be accurately 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 laboratory 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. Many Lincoln MI phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are accountable for ensuring that samples are tested properly using the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they might be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The easiest answer is wherever patients are treated. Their work environments are numerous and varied, including Lincoln MI medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a particular type of patient. For instance, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomist Education, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially 2 kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomy training in Lincoln MI, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually 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 method to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at community and junior colleges, they usually take two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a four year program furnish a more extensive background in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. While not required in most states, many employers look for certification before employing technicians. Some 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 some states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, such as California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you pick a phlebotomist training program that not only provides a quality education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Certificates and Degrees

To begin with, let’s resolve one potential misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant part of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Lincoln 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 portion of the training can be accessed online, it might be a more practical option for many students. As an additional benefit, many online programs are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some costs, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist college you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online might be the best option for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Since you now have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already selected the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Michigan campus is significant in addition to the tuition expense. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online program. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for picking a program or school. But they are not the sole concerns when arriving at your decision. Following are several questions that you need to ask about each of the Lincoln MI programs you are considering prior to making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As earlier discussed, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of practical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you might have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Michigan or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for all examinations you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you select should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited school aside from an assurance of a premium education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification exam offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are often not available for non-accredited programs in Lincoln MI. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Reputation? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to check the reputations of all schools you are considering. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their students as part of their job assistance program. You can screen internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even contact some Lincoln MI area hospitals or clinics that you may have an interest in working for and find out if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the Michigan school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Adequate Training Included? First, check with 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. As a minimum, any Lincoln MI phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums might indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide sufficient training.

Are Internships Included? Ask the Michigan schools you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional health care facilities. They are the ideal way to obtain hands-on clinical training typically not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop relationships within the local Lincoln MI medical community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Available? Getting your first phlebotomist position will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the programs you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a high rate, signifying they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation along with a large network of professional contacts within the Lincoln MI medical community.

Are Class Times Available as Needed? Finally, it’s crucial to verify that the ultimate program you select provides classes at times that will accommodate your busy schedule. This is particularly true if you choose to continue working while going to school. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Lincoln MI, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option as well. Even 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 policy is should you need to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you may be asked. Among the things that hiring managers frequently ask Phlebotomy Technician applicants is "What made you select Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomist, but additionally what attributes and abilities you have that make you good at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, as well as a certain number of standard interview questions, so you need to prepare several approaches about how you would like to answer them. Since there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomist and the best choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down some ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can help you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Enroll in the Ideal Phlebotomy Program near Lincoln MI

Making certain that you select the right phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding healthcare field. As we have addressed in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality program. Phlebotomist training programs can be offered in a variety of educational institutions, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide range of programs in medical care and health sciences. Training program options may differ slightly across the country as every state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must diligently screen and compare each college prior to making your ultimate choice. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the ideal program for you. And with the appropriate education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Lincoln MI.

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