Phlebotomist Training Classes
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Wausau Wisconsin 

Perhaps the most serious decision you must make to enter the rewarding healthcare profession of phlebotomy is to select the best phlebotomy training near Wausau WI. There are a number of training options available to you and it can seem like a daunting task to research and analyze each one. However, to guarantee that you receive a first-rate education you must perform your due diligence before making your decision. More often than not the two qualifications that first are considered by prospective students are where the school is located and how much the tuition is. Another option you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. Online classes will be covered in greater detail a bit later. What's important to keep in mind is that there is much more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Finding out if the program is accredited or if the school has a job placement program should also be included in your evaluation process. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you choose the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let's address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online classes.

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Phlebotomy Technician Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. While that is their principal duty, there is actually much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the instruments being utilized are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be properly labeled with the patient's data. Afterward, paperwork needs to be correctly filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing process. The phlebotomist then transports 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. A number of phlebotomists actually work in Wausau WI labs and are in charge of ensuring that samples are tested correctly utilizing the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren't sufficient responsibilities, they can be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Licensing and Certification

There are basically 2 types of programs that provide phlebotomist training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to complete and provides a basic 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, although not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at community and junior colleges, they usually take 2 years to complete. Bachelor's Degrees are less available and as a four year program provide a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to get certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, many Wausau WI employers look for certification before employing technicians. A few of the key certifying agencies 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 phlebotomy tech, like California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it's important that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only furnishes a premium education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomy Training

To start with, let's dispel one possible mistaken belief. You can't receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant portion 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. Many courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-clinical portion of the training can be accessed online, it could be a more convenient alternative for some Wausau WI students. As an additional benefit, many online colleges are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some costs, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened also. Just verify that the online phlebotomist college you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomy Training Programs

Since you now have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it's time to start your due diligence process. You may have already decided on the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the college is relevant if you will be commuting from Wausau WI in addition to the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomy program. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for picking a phlebotomy program or school. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Following are several questions that you need to ask about each of the colleges you are looking at prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Wisconsin? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states call for certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed before working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it's very important to select a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for Wisconsin or the state where you will be working and preps you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you enroll in 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 program aside from an assurance of a premium education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are often unavailable for non-accredited programs. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the Wausau WI job market.

What is the Program's Ranking? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it's important to investigate the reputations of any schools you are reviewing. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their students as part of their job assistance program. You can research online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can also check with some Wausau WI hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and find out 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 total compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Provided? To begin with, 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 classroom and practical. As a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything lower than these minimums may signify that the program is not expansive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out from the colleges you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional medical facilities. They are the optimal way to receive hands-on clinical training frequently not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Wausau WI healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Available? Landing your first phlebotomist position will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the schools you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a higher rate, signifying they place most of their students in jobs, it's an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation along with a large network of professional contacts within the Wausau WI medical community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it's crucial to verify that the final program you choose offers classes at times that will accommodate your active schedule. This is especially important if you opt to still work while attending college. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Wausau WI, check that they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option as well. Even 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 procedure is in case you need to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

Learn More About Becoming a Phlebotomist in Wausau

Enroll in the Best Wausau Phlebotomist Training Program

Making certain that you pick the ideal phlebotomist training is an important first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare field. As we have addressed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomist training programs are offered in a variety of educational 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. Training program offerings may vary a bit from state to state as each state has its own mandates when it comes to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly screen and compare each college prior to making your final selection. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the ideal phlebotomist program for you. And with the appropriate education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Wausau Wisconsin.

 

Wausau Phlebotomy Schools Near Me | Wausau Phlebotomy Training Near Me