Online Phlebotomy Technician Schools Near Me Okemos MI

How to Select the Best Phlebotomist School near Okemos Michigan

Okemos MI phlebotomist drawing blood from patientSelecting the ideal phlebotomy school near Okemos MI is a critical initial step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging undertaking to investigate and compare each of the school alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s vital that you do your due diligence to make sure that you get a superior education. In fact, many potential students start their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Another option you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll review more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and should be part of your selection process also. To assist in that effort, we will provide 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 before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online training.

Request Free Information on Phlebotomy Training Near You!

Should You Choose a Career as a Plebotomist?

blood analysis performed in Okemos MI labFirst of all, few people are likely to know what a phlebotomy tech or phlebotomist is. The basic definition is a health care professional whose job is to draw blood. We will provide more details later. So of course anyone who chooses this profession must be comfortable with blood and needles. And if you are anxious in hospitals or other Okemos MI medical facilities, well this profession probably is not right for you. And then there are the patients. Phlebotomists routinely work around anxious people who hate needles or having their blood taken. And because most health care facilities are open 24 hours, you will probably be required to work weekends, nights and even on holidays. But if you can handle the hours and the needles and blood, and if you enjoy interacting with people and are compassionate and very patient, this may be the right profession for you.

Click Here to Get Free Information on Phlebotomy Training Near You!

Phlebotomy Tech Job Description

Okemos MI phlebotomist holding blood sampleA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their main duty, there is actually 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 has to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork has to be correctly completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers 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. Some phlebotomists in fact work in Okemos MI laboratories and are responsible for making sure that samples are analyzed correctly under the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they might be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The easiest answer is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are many and varied, including Okemos MI medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to seniors. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting samples from a particular kind of patient. For instance, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide variety of patients and would work with different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Education, Certification and Licensing

Okemos MI phlebotomy tech drawing bloodThere are primarily 2 types of programs that provide phlebotomy training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to complete and offers a basic education along 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 to become a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they usually take two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program provide a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will probably want to be certified. Although not required in the majority of states, a number of Okemos MI employers require 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 several states that do call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, like Nevada and California. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only supplies a quality education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Colleges

Okemos MI student attending online phlebotomy classesFirst, let’s resolve one potential misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A good component of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved healthcare facility or an on-campus lab. Numerous courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-clinical component of the training can be attended online, it may be a more practical alternative for many Okemos MI students. As an added benefit, many online classes are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some costs, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy program you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a superior education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the right option for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

What to ask Okemos MI phlebotomy schoolsSince you now have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already decided on the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the college is significant if you will be commuting from Okemos MI as well as the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomist school. Each of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for choosing a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you need to ask about each of the schools you are reviewing prior to making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you might have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Michigan or the state where you will be working and readies you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you pick 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 benefits to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee 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 earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are typically not available for non-accredited programs. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to future employers in the Okemos MI job market.

What is the College’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 essential to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are reviewing. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even talk to several Okemos MI hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and see if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the Michigan school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in total compliance.

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

Are Internship Programs Included? Find out from the schools you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with area healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to get hands-on practical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Okemos MI healthcare community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Landing your first phlebotomist position will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Find out if the schools you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school 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 along with a large network of professional contacts within the Okemos MI medical community.

Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s crucial to verify that the final school you choose offers classes at times that are compatible with your hectic lifestyle. This is particularly important if you decide to still work while going to college. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Okemos MI, make sure they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option also. Even 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 need to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

How To Be A Phlebotomist Okemos MI

Online Phlebotomy Technician Schools Near Me Okemos Michigan

Making certain that you select the ideal phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding health care field. As we have covered in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium program. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be offered in a variety of educational institutes, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide array of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program offerings may differ a bit from state to state as each state has its own mandates when it comes to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must diligently research and compare each college prior to making your final decision. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Online Phlebotomy Technician Schools Near Me and to get more information regarding Accredited Drawing Blood Courses Near Me.  However, by addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the right phlebotomist college for you. And with the proper education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Okemos MI.

More Michigan Bloody Wonderful Locations

  • Free Info on Phlebotomy Tech Associates Degrees Near Me Frankfort MI
  • 4 Week Phlebotomy Classes Near Me Vanderbilt MI
  • Compare Phlebotomy Tech Programs Huntington Woods MI
  • How to Enroll in Drawing Blood Associates Degrees Maple City MI
  • Online Phlebotomist Schools Near Me New Era MI
  • Accredited Phlebotomy Tech Classes Sterling Heights MI
  • Online Drawing Blood Classes Near Me Paw Paw MI
  • Compare Phlebotomy Technician Courses Near Me Hartford MI
  • 4 Week Phlebotomist Schools Near Me Waterford MI
  • 4 Week Phlebotomist Classes Near Me Wayland MI
  •  

     

     

    Okemos, Michigan

    Okemos /ˈoʊkəmɪs/ is an unincorporated community in Meridian Charter Township, Ingham County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is a census-designated place (CDP) for statistical purposes and does not have any separate legal existence as a municipality. Local government is provided by the township. The population was 21,369 at the 2010 census.[3]

    The settlement of Hamilton was founded in 1839 by Freeman Bray as a trading point with the surrounding Ojibwe people and as a farming community. In 1859, one year following the death of Chief John Okemos (on whose treaty lands the community was built), the area was renamed to honor the Native American chief. "Okemos" is from the Ojibwa ogimaa "chief" plus -s, the diminutive, thus "little chief".

    According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 16.9 square miles (43.8 km2), of which 16.8 square miles (43.4 km2) are land and 0.2 square miles (0.4 km2), or 0.87%, are water.[3]

     

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 5

    AmeriLabs24
    1 Reviews
    Laboratory Testing
    Phone:
    6810 South Cedar Street St, Ste 8, Lansing, MI 48911

    Lansing Urgent Care
    5 Reviews
    Urgent Care, Diagnostic Services
    Phone:
    320 E Jolly Rd, Lansing, MI 48910

    Lansing Urgent Care
    9 Reviews
    Urgent Care, Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratory Testing
    Phone:
    4440 W Saginaw Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917

    Jill Larkin MD
    4 Reviews
    Family Practice
    Phone:
    3737 Lansing Rd, Perry, MI 48872

    Biotech Clinical Laboratories
    1 Reviews
    Phone:
    1650 Haslett Rd, Haslett, MI 48840