Phlebotomist Programs
How to Find the Right One Near Onalaska Wisconsin 

A critical first step one must take to enter the rewarding medical profession of phlebotomy is to select the best phlebotomy school near Onalaska WI. It may seem like a daunting undertaking to evaluate and compare each of the school options that are accessible to you. However it's vital that you do your due diligence to ensure that you get a superior education. In fact, most prospective students begin the process by considering 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional option you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. Online schools will be covered in more detail a bit later. So when comparing phlebotomist training programs, cost and location shouldn’t be the only parameters you are looking at. Researching if the program is accredited or if the school has a job assistance program should also be part of your due diligence process. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you pick the right one for you. But before we do that, let's address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our conversation about online schools.

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Phlebotomy Technician Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their principal duty, there is in fact far more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must verify that the tools being used are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample has to be properly labeled with the patient's information. Next, paperwork has to be correctly filled out to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab testing procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some phlebotomists actually work in Onalaska WI labs and are in charge of making certain that samples are tested properly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren't enough responsibilities, they may be asked to train other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Phlebotomy Training, Licensing and Certification

There 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 finish and offers a general education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will include training to become a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they typically take two years to complete. Bachelor's Degrees are less accessible and as a four year program furnish a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will probably want to become certified. Although not mandated in the majority of states, most Onalaska WI employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. Some 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 some states that do call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, including California and Nevada. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it's imperative that you pick a phlebotomist training program that not only offers a premium education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomist Certificates and Degrees

To start with, let's resolve one likely misconception. You can't get all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant part of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be performed 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-clinical component of the training may be attended online, it might be a more practical option for some Onalaska WI students. As an additional benefit, a number of online programs are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced as well. Just verify that the online phlebotomist school you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a premium education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online may be the best option for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Now that you have a general 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 certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the campus is significant if you will be commuting from Onalaska WI as well as the tuition expense. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomy program. Each of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for choosing a phlebotomy program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about all of the programs you are reviewing before making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Wisconsin? As earlier discussed, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it's extremely important to select a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Wisconsin or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you choose should be accredited by a recognized national or regional 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 an assurance of a superior 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 agencies. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are often not available for non-accredited programs. Finally, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the Onalaska WI job market.

What is the School's Ranking? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it's important to check out the reputations of any schools you are considering. 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 research internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can also contact some Onalaska WI hospitals or clinics that you may have an interest in working for and see if they can offer any insights. As a closing 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 Included? First, contact the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any phlebotomist program that you are considering should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to provide sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out from the schools you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with regional health care facilities. They are the ideal way to get hands-on practical training frequently not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Onalaska WI healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Getting your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Find out if the colleges you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a higher rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it's an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation as well as an extensive network of professional contacts within the Onalaska WI healthcare community.

Are Classes Available as Needed? Finally, it's critical to verify that the ultimate college you select offers classes at times that are compatible with your hectic lifestyle. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Onalaska WI, make sure they are offered 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 find out what the make-up protocol is in case you have to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.

Find Out About Becoming a Phlebotomist in Onalaska

Enroll in the Right Onalaska Phlebotomy Training Program

Making sure that you choose the most suitable phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this rewarding health care field. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a superior school. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are found in a wide range of academic institutions, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive range of programs in medical care and health sciences. Training program offerings may differ slightly across the country as every state has its own requirements when it pertains to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to carefully evaluate and compare each program prior to making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your choices 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 Onalaska Wisconsin.

 

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