How To Become A Certified Phlebotomist Aurelia IA

How to Find the Best Phlebotomy Training Program near Aurelia Iowa

Aurelia IA phlebotomist drawing blood from patientEnrolling in the right phlebotomy school near Aurelia IA is an essential initial step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting task to investigate and compare each of the school alternatives that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s vital that you perform your due diligence to ensure that you get a quality education. In reality, most students begin their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Another factor you might consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. We’ll talk more about online schools later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and must be part of your decision process also. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the best one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online training.

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Should You Go to School to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

blood analysis performed in Aurelia IA labFirst of all, few people are likely to know what a phlebotomist or phlebotomy technician is. The basic definition is a health care professional whose job is to draw blood. We will go into more depth later. So naturally anyone who selects this profession must be OK around blood and needles. And if you are anxious in hospitals or other Aurelia IA medical facilities, well this job may not be right for you. And then there are the patients. Phlebotomists routinely work around anxious people who hate needles or having their blood drawn. And because most health care facilities are open around the clock, you will probably be required to work weekends, nights and, you guessed it even on holidays. But if you don’t mind working with the blood and needles, and if you enjoy helping people and are compassionate and very patient, this could be the right profession for you.

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Phlebotomy Tech Job Summary

Aurelia IA phlebotomist holding blood sampleA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their primary 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 utilized are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork needs to be correctly filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening process. The phlebotomist then transports 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 phlebotomists in fact work in Aurelia IA laboratories and are in charge of making certain that samples are analyzed correctly under the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they can be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?

The most basic answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are many and varied, including Aurelia IA medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting samples from a specific kind of patient. For instance, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Certification and Licensing

Aurelia IA phlebotomy tech drawing bloodThere are primarily 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 offers a general education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they normally require 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a four year program offer a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, a number of Aurelia IA employers look for certification before hiring technicians. A few of the main certifying organizations include:

  • National Phlebotomy Association
  • National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
  • American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
  • American Medical Technologists (AMT)

There are a few states that do call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, such as California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a superior education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomist Colleges

Aurelia IA student attending online phlebotomy classesTo start with, let’s resolve one likely misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant component of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved healthcare facility or an on-campus lab. Many courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical part of the training can be accessed online, it might be a more convenient option for some Aurelia IA students. As an additional benefit, many online colleges are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some costs, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy school you select 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 approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the best choice for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomy Programs

What to ask Aurelia IA phlebotomy schoolsSince you now have a general understanding 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 degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the college is relevant if you will be commuting from Aurelia IA as well as the cost of tuition. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomist school. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the process for picking a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about each of the schools you are reviewing before making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Iowa or the state where you will be working and readies you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you select should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited school in addition to an assurance of a premium education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited colleges. Last, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to potential employers in the Aurelia IA job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of all colleges you are considering. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even contact a few Aurelia IA hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and see if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the Iowa school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Ample Training Provided? First, contact the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are considering should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Ask the programs you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with local health care facilities. They are the ideal means to get hands-on practical training often not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Aurelia IA health care community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Landing your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the schools you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Aurelia IA health care community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it’s important to verify that the final school you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is especially important if you opt to still work while going to school. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Aurelia IA, check that they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option as well. And if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure 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 emergencies or illness.

How Long To Become A Phlebotomist Aurelia IA

How To Become A Certified Phlebotomist Aurelia Iowa

Making certain that you select the right phlebotomist training is an important first step toward your success in this gratifying medical care field. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior school. Phlebotomy training programs can be available in a variety of academic institutions, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive assortment of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Course offerings may vary a bit from state to state as every state has its own prerequisites when it pertains to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must carefully evaluate and compare each school before making your ultimate decision. You originally came to this website due to an interest in How To Become A Certified Phlebotomist and to get more information regarding Can You Take Phlebotomy Classes Online.  However, by asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the best phlebotomist college for you. And with the proper education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Aurelia IA.

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    Aurelia, Iowa

    Aurelia was founded in 1873 as a stop along the Illinois Central Railroad branch connecting Sioux City, Iowa to Chicago, Illinois. This was the only railroad connecting the two Midwestern hubs and so gave birth to many Railroad towns. Aurelia was named for the youngest daughter of the owner of the railroad, John Insley Blair, who died in 1866.[4] The location of Aurelia was only set after a last minute change in the railroad design that saw it redirect to go through LeMars and Cherokee, rather than connect Sioux City directly to Storm Lake. Almost 70% of Aurelias population is people over 50.

    As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 1,036 people, 426 households, and 299 families residing in the city. The population density was 996.2 inhabitants per square mile (384.6/km2). There were 447 housing units at an average density of 429.8 per square mile (165.9/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 96.3% White, 0.3% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 1.6% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.6% of the population.

    There were 426 households of which 27.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.9% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 29.8% were non-families. 26.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.84.

     

     

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