Accredited Phlebotomist Training Programs Leroy IN

How to Select the Best Phlebotomy Tech School near Leroy Indiana

Leroy IN phlebotomist drawing blood from patient Enrolling in the right phlebotomy training near Leroy IN is an important initial step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting task to investigate and compare all of the school alternatives that are available to you. However it’s vital that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you obtain a superior education. In reality, most prospective students begin the process by considering two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Another factor you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll review a bit more about online schools 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 variables including reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and must be part of your selection process too. To assist in that effort, we will furnish a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our conversation about online training.

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Should You Train to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

blood analysis performed in Leroy IN lab First of all, not many people probably know what a phlebotomist or phlebotomy technician is. The short definition is a medical professional whose job is to draw blood. We will go into more depth later. So of course anyone who chooses this profession must be comfortable with blood and needles. And if you are not comfortable in hospitals or other Leroy IN medical environments, well this job probably is not the best choice for you. And now let’s talk about the patients. Phlebotomy Technicians routinely work around nervous people who don’t like needles or having their blood drawn. And because many medical facilities are open around the clock, you may be required to work weekends, evenings and, you guessed it even on holidays. But if you can handle the hours and the blood and needles, and if you enjoy interacting with people and are patient and compassionate, this could be the right job for you.

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Phlebotomy Tech Career Summary

Leroy IN phlebotomist holding blood sample A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal task, there is actually much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the tools being used are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork needs to be accurately filled out to be able to track the sample from the time 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 may be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. A number of phlebotomists in fact work in Leroy IN laboratories and are accountable for making sure that samples are tested properly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they might be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The easiest response is wherever patients are treated. Their workplaces are numerous and varied, including Leroy IN medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be charged to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or young children to seniors. A number of phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a specific kind of patient. For instance, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Certification and Licensing

Leroy IN phlebotomy tech drawing blood There are basically two kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomy training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes under a year to complete and provides a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomy tech. Available at community and junior colleges, they normally require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program furnish a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not mandated in most states, a number of Leroy IN employers look for certification before hiring technicians. Some of the primary 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, such as California and Nevada. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s important that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a premium education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Colleges

Leroy IN student attending online phlebotomy classes To begin with, let’s resolve one possible mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A good component of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved healthcare facility or an on-campus lab. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical part of the training can be attended online, it can be a more practical alternative for some Leroy IN students. As an added benefit, many online colleges are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenses, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be minimized as well. Just verify that the online phlebotomist program you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a superior education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online might be the best option for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

What to ask Leroy IN phlebotomy schools Now that you have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already picked the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the campus is significant if you will be commuting from Leroy IN as well as the cost of tuition. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomist college. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for picking a phlebotomy program or school. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Following are a few questions that you need to ask about all of the schools you are reviewing before making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As previously mentioned, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Indiana or the state where you will be working and preps you for all exams you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded regional or national 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 quality education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are typically not available for non-accredited colleges. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to potential employers in the Leroy IN job market.

What is the Program’s Reputation? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are looking at. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also contact some Leroy IN hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and find out if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the Indiana school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Provided? To begin with, check with the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums may signify that the program is not expansive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internships Included? Ask the colleges you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with area health care facilities. They are the optimal means to get hands-on clinical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Leroy IN medical community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Landing your first phlebotomist position will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, signifying they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Leroy IN health care community.

Are Class Times Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s important to make sure that the ultimate school you select offers classes at times that are compatible with your busy lifestyle. This is particularly important if you decide to still work while going to college. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Leroy IN, check that they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option as well. And if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is should you have to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

How Long Does Phlebotomy Training Take Leroy IN

Accredited Phlebotomist Training Programs Leroy Indiana

Making certain that you enroll in the ideal phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding medical care field. As we have addressed in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be found in a wide range of academic institutes, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive array of courses in medical care and health sciences. Program options can differ a bit across the country as every state has its own criteria when it pertains to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must thoroughly research and compare each school before making your ultimate decision. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Accredited Phlebotomist Training Programs and to get more information regarding Study Phlebotomy. However, by asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can pick the best phlebotomy program for you. And with the appropriate education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Leroy IN.