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Phlebotomist Training Classes
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Badger Alaska 

Badger Alaska phlebotomy tech taking blood sample from patient's armPerhaps the most serious decision you must make to enter the fulfilling medical profession of phlebotomy is to choose the right phlebotomy school near Badger AK. There are numerous training programs that are offered in your area and it can seem like a daunting undertaking to research and compare each one. Notwithstanding, to ensure that you will get a first-rate education you must complete your due diligence before making your selection. Quite often the two qualifications that first come to mind for prospective students are where the school is located and how much the tuition is. Whether you will commute to classes or participate online is another consideration as well. We'll discuss more about online schools later in this article. So when comparing phlebotomist training programs, location and cost shouldn’t be the only criteria you are looking at. Researching if the program is accredited or if the school has a job assistance program must also be included in your due diligence process. To assist in that effort, we will furnish a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you select the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let's address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our discussion about online training.

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Phlebotomy Tech Job Summary

Badger Alaska phlebotomy technician with blood samplesA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal responsibility, there is actually much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the tools being used are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be correctly labeled with the patient's data. Next, paperwork must be correctly filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory screening procedure. 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 infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some phlebotomists actually work in Badger AK labs and are responsible for making certain that samples are tested correctly using the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren't enough duties, they may be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Phlebotomist Education, Certification and Licensing

Badger Alaska phlebotomist storing test tube samples in rack

There are primarily two types of programs that furnish phlebotomist training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to complete and furnishes a general education together 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 exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they normally take 2 years to finish. Bachelor's Degrees are not as available and as a four year program offer a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will probably want to become certified. While not mandated in most states, a number of Badger AK 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 several states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, such as 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 furnishes a quality education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Classes

Badger Alaska female student enrolled in phlebotomy courses onlineFirst, let's dispel one possible misconception. You can't get all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial part 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. A large number of courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical part of the training can be attended online, it may be a more convenient option for many Badger AK students. As an additional benefit, a number of online programs are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some costs, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened also. Just verify that the online phlebotomy program you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a premium education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomist Training Programs

Since you now have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it's time to begin 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 previously mentioned, the location of the school is relevant if you will be commuting from Badger AK as well as the cost of tuition. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an accredited phlebotomist online college. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the process for picking a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Following are a few questions that you should ask about all of the schools you are reviewing prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As previously mentioned, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may 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 Alaska or the state where you will be working and readies you for all examinations you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized 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 in addition to a guarantee of a premium education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification exam offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to potential employers in the Badger AK job market.

What is the Program's Reputation? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it's imperative to check out the reputations of any colleges you are looking at. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even contact some Badger AK clinics or hospitals that you might have an interest in working for and find out if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can contact the Alaska school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Included? First, 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. As a minimum, any phlebotomy 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 indicate that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internships Included? Ask the colleges you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with local medical facilities. They are the optimal way to obtain hands-on practical training frequently not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Badger AK healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Available? Finding your first phlebotomist job will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the colleges you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it's an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Badger AK healthcare community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it's important to confirm that the final program you select provides classes at times that are compatible with your busy lifestyle. This is especially true if you choose to still work while attending college. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Badger AK, make sure 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 attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up policy is should you have to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.

Learn More About Becoming a Phlebotomist in Badger

Choose the Best Badger Phlebotomy Training

Making certain that you select the right phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this gratifying medical care career position. As we have covered in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior college. Phlebotomist training programs are offered in a number of academic institutions, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide range of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Program offerings can vary slightly from state to state as each state has its own criteria when it concerns phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must diligently evaluate and compare each program prior to making your final choice. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the best phlebotomist college for you. And with the appropriate education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Badger Alaska.





 

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