Phlebotomist Programs
How to Choose the Right One Near Oconomowoc Wisconsin 

Perhaps the most serious decision you must make to enter the fulfilling healthcare profession of phlebotomy is to select the right phlebotomy training near Oconomowoc WI. It might seem like a daunting task to analyze and compare each of the school options that are available to you. Nevertheless it's necessary that you perform your due diligence to make certain that you obtain a quality education. In fact, many potential students start their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. And if you will drive to classes or participate online is another consideration as well. We'll review more about online schools later in this article. So when comparing phlebotomy training programs, cost and location shouldn’t be the only parameters you are looking at. Other variables including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and must be part of your decision process as well. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you pick the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let's address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online classes.

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Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?

The easiest answer is wherever there are patients. Their workplaces are numerous and varied, such as Oconomowoc WI hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a specific type of patient. For example, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be drawing blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.

Phlebotomy Training, Licensing and Certification

There are primarily 2 kinds of programs that offer phlebotomy training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to complete and furnishes a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it's not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at community and junior colleges, they normally take 2 years to finish. Bachelor's Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program offer a more expansive background in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will probably want to get certified. Although not mandated in the majority of states, a number of Oconomowoc WI employers require certification prior to employing 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 require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, like California and Nevada. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it's important that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only furnishes a premium education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Classes

First, let's dispel one likely mistaken belief. You can't receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A good portion of the course of study will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an approved healthcare facility or an on-campus lab. Many courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical component of the training can be attended online, it can be a more practical option for some Oconomowoc WI students. As an additional benefit, some online programs are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomist school you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a quality education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Now that you have a basic understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it's time to begin 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 previously mentioned, the location of the campus is significant if you will be commuting from Oconomowoc WI in addition to the cost of tuition. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomist college. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the process for selecting a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you should ask about all of the programs you are looking at prior to making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Wisconsin? As previously mentioned, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed before working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it's very important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Wisconsin or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for all examinations you may be required to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable regional or national accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a quality education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification exam administered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited programs. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more attractive to future employers in the Oconomowoc WI job market.

What is the College's Reputation? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it's essential to check out the reputations of all schools you are looking at. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can screen internet school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even contact a few Oconomowoc WI hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and see if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Wisconsin school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Provided? To begin with, check with the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any phlebotomist program that you are looking at should furnish at least 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 Sponsored? Find out from the schools you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with local healthcare facilities. They are the ideal way to receive hands-on clinical training frequently not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Oconomowoc WI healthcare community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Finding your first phlebotomist job will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it's an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Oconomowoc WI health care community.

Are Classes Available as Needed? And last, it's critical to verify that the ultimate school you choose offers classes at times that will accommodate your active schedule. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Oconomowoc WI, make sure they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option as well. And 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 procedure is should you have to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.

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Pick the Right Oconomowoc Phlebotomy Training Program

Making sure that you choose the right phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this fulfilling medical care field. As we have covered in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior college. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be found in a number of academic institutes, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide assortment of programs in medical care and health sciences. Course options can vary a bit across the country as each state has its own prerequisites when it comes to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must diligently research and compare each program prior to making your final selection. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the best phlebotomist program for you. And with the proper training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Oconomowoc Wisconsin.

 

Oconomowoc Phlebotomy Programs | Oconomowoc Phlebotomy Schools