Phlebotomist Training Courses
How to Pick the Best One Near De Pere Wisconsin 

Selecting the ideal phlebotomist training near De Pere WI is an essential first step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. There are numerous training options available to you and it might seem like an intimidating task to research and analyze each one. Notwithstanding, to ensure that you receive a top-notch education you must complete a detailed audit prior to making your decision. Quite often the two qualifications that initially are considered by student applicants are the location of the school and the cost of tuition. Another option you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We'll discuss more about online classes later in this article. So when evaluating phlebotomy training programs, cost and location must not be the sole criteria you are looking at. Other variables including reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and should be part of your decision process as well. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you choose the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let's cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online schools.

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Phlebotomy Tech Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. While that is their principal duty, there is in fact much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the tools being employed are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be correctly labeled with the patient's information. Afterward, paperwork must be accurately completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab testing process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Many phlebotomists in fact work in De Pere WI labs and are in charge of making sure that samples are analyzed correctly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren't sufficient responsibilities, they might be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Phlebotomist Education, Certification and Licensing

There are essentially 2 types of programs that furnish phlebotomy training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to complete and provides a general education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it's not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at community and junior colleges, they typically require 2 years to complete. Bachelor's Degrees are less accessible and as a four year program provide a more extensive background in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will probably want to become certified. Although not mandated in the majority of states, most De Pere WI employers look for certification before employing technicians. A few 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 require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, such as Nevada and California. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it's essential that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a quality education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomy Colleges

To start with, let's dispel one potential misconception. You can't obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A good part of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. A large number of courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical component of the training may be accessed online, it can be a more practical option for some De Pere WI students. As an added benefit, many online colleges are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenditures, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered also. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist school you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the best option for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Now that you have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it's time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already picked the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the school is relevant if you will be commuting from De Pere WI in addition to the tuition expense. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomist college. All of these decisions are an important part of the process for selecting a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Following are several questions that you should ask about all of the colleges you are considering prior to making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it's very important to choose a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Wisconsin or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you choose should be accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting organization, for example 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. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited colleges. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the De Pere WI job market.

What is the Program's Ranking? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it's essential to check out the reputations of any schools you are reviewing. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their students as part of their job assistance program. You can screen online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even contact a few De Pere WI clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and ask if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the Wisconsin school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Provided? To begin with, contact 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. 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 below these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internships Included? Ask the colleges you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with area health care facilities. They are the optimal means to receive hands-on clinical training frequently not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local De Pere WI healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Getting your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the schools you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it's an indication that the program has both a good reputation together with an extensive network of professional contacts within the De Pere WI health care community.

Are Classes Available as Needed? Finally, it's important to verify that the final college you pick provides classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near De Pere WI, check that they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, confirm 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 fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is in case you need to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.

Find Out About Becoming a Phlebotomist in De Pere

Choose the Right De Pere Phlebotomy Training Program

Making sure that you choose the right phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding healthcare career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a superior college. Phlebotomist training programs can be found in a variety of educational institutes, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive assortment of courses in medical care and health sciences. Course options can differ somewhat from state to state as every state has its own requirements when it comes to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must carefully evaluate and compare each school before making your final choice. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can select the best phlebotomy program for you. And with the proper training, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in De Pere Wisconsin.

 

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