Selecting a Phlebotomist Training Program near Edmond Oklahoma

Picking the ideal phlebotomy school near Edmond OK is an important initial step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult task to analyze and compare all of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you do your due diligence to make sure that you get a quality education. In reality, a large number of students start the process by considering 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional factor you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk more about online schools later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is much more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and must be part of your decision process also. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you pick the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online training.

Phlebotomy Tech Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their primary responsibility, there is actually far more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to check that the tools being utilized are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be correctly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork must be accurately completed in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab screening process. The phlebotomist then delivers 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 Edmond OK phlebotomists actually work in labs and are accountable for making sure that samples are analyzed correctly using the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they might be asked to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The most basic response is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are numerous and diverse, such as Edmond OK medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a particular kind of patient. For instance, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients each day.

Phlebotomy Training, Licensing and Certification

There are basically two types of programs that furnish phlebotomy training in Edmond OK, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to finish and provides a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at community and junior colleges, they normally require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program provide a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. While not required in the majority of states, many employers look for certification prior to employing technicians. Some 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 several states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, including Nevada and California. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only supplies a superior education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomy Online Colleges

First, let’s resolve one likely mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial portion of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Edmond OK healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-practical component of the training may be attended online, it may be a more convenient option for many students. As an added benefit, a number of online classes are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. And some costs, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be minimized as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist college you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Now that you have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already selected the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Oklahoma campus is significant as well as the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomy online school. All of these decisions are a critical component of the process for choosing a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you should ask about each of the Edmond OK schools you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As mentioned previously, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while some others require licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training completed before working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Oklahoma or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for any examinations you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you pick should be accredited by a reputable national or regional accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited program aside from a guarantee of a premium education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to take a certification exam offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are typically not available for non-accredited programs in Edmond OK. Last, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Ranking? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to check out the reputations of any colleges you are considering. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even check with some Edmond OK local clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and see if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the Oklahoma school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Enough Training Included? To begin with, contact the Oklahoma 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. At a minimum, any Edmond OK phlebotomy program that you are considering should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask the Oklahoma colleges you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional health care facilities. They are the optimal way to get hands-on practical training frequently not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Edmond OK medical community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Landing your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the colleges you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation together with a large network of professional contacts within the Edmond OK healthcare community.

Are Class Times Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s crucial to confirm that the ultimate college you select provides classes at times that are compatible with your hectic schedule. This is especially true if you choose to still work while going to school. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Edmond OK, make certain they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, confirm it is an option also. And if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is in case 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 a good idea to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the questions that recruiters frequently ask Phlebotomist candidates is "What drove you to decide on Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not just the private reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what attributes and skills you have that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you must ready a number of ideas about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the talents you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Technician and the ideal choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but take down some ideas and topics that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Find the Best Phlebotomy Program near Edmond OK

Making sure that you pick the right phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding health care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium school. Phlebotomy training programs can be offered in a variety of academic institutions, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide array of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program options can vary slightly from state to state as every state has its own criteria when it pertains to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to carefully screen and compare each program prior to making your ultimate choice. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the best school for you. And with the proper training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Edmond OK.

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