Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Somerset Wisconsin

Choosing the ideal phlebotomy school near Somerset WI is an essential initial step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting task to evaluate and compare all of the school options that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you do your due diligence to make certain that you receive a quality education. In fact, most students begin their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another factor you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll discuss more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest 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 provide 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 cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online training.

Phlebotomy Tech Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their main function, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the tools being utilized are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork has to be properly completed to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab testing process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some Somerset WI phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are in charge of making certain that samples are analyzed correctly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they can be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The quickest response is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are numerous and varied, such as Somerset WI hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They may be tasked to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to seniors. A number of phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting samples from a certain kind of patient. For example, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be drawing blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide variety of patients and would work with new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Certification and Licensing

There are essentially two types of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Somerset WI, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes under a year to finish and provides a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will include training to become a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they usually require 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program furnish a more expansive background in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not mandated in the majority of states, a number of employers look for certification before hiring technicians. Some 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 call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, such as California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a quality education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomist Online Colleges

First, let’s resolve one potential misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant component of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Somerset WI healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. A large number of courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-practical component of the training can be attended online, it could be a more practical option for some students. As an additional benefit, a number of online programs are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some costs, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy program you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive 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 might be the ideal option for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Since you now have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already decided on the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Wisconsin college is relevant as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomy online program. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for selecting a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Following are several questions that you should ask about each of the Somerset WI programs you are reviewing before making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Wisconsin? As earlier discussed, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomy program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Wisconsin or the state where you will be practicing and readies 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 respected national or regional accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of advantages to graduating from an accredited program in addition to an assurance of a superior education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges in Somerset WI. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to future employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Reputation? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to check the reputations of any schools you are looking at. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can screen internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even check with several Somerset WI local hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Wisconsin school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Adequate Training Provided? First, check with the Wisconsin regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Somerset WI phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums might indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internships Provided? Find out from the Wisconsin programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with local healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to get hands-on practical training typically not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Somerset WI medical community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Finding your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Ask if the schools you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Somerset WI health care community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it’s crucial to make sure that the final school you pick provides classes at times that are compatible with your active schedule. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while attending college. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Somerset WI, make sure they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up procedure is in case you need to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you may be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomist applicants is "What compelled you to choose Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not merely the private reasons you may have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but also what qualities and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of routine interview questions, so you need to ready a number of strategies about how you want to answer them. Because there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the abilities you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Technician and the ideal choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but take down a few concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can assist you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Choose the Right Phlebotomy Program near Somerset WI

Making certain that you enroll in the right phlebotomist training is an important first step toward your success in this fulfilling health care field. As we have discussed in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium school. Phlebotomy training programs can be offered in a wide range of academic institutions, such as community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive range of courses in medical care and health sciences. Program offerings may vary slightly across the country as each state has its own prerequisites when it comes to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly evaluate and compare each school prior to making your final selection. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the best program for you. And with the proper training, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Somerset WI.

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