Phlebotomy Education and Training

Top 3 Phlebotomy Courses in Kentucky for Training & Certification

Most training programs throughout the country have similar standards. But, individual states may need things that others don’t. For example, not every state currently requires a phlebotomist to be certified. But, it’s becoming an increasingly popular rule.

Currently, Kentucky doesn’t need a phlebotomist to go through a certification process. But, there are certification courses you can take to get a ‘step ahead’ of your competition. Why would you want to do that? It’s because phlebotomy is an in-demand career. It usually takes less than a year to complete training. Hospitals, clinics, private practices, and more are all looking for qualified phlebotomists to join their teams.

So, what does it take to become a phlebotomist in Kentucky? You may find that it’s a bit easier than other states because certification is not required. While you can get a little bit farther ahead by taking certification courses, becoming a phlebotomist can be done pretty quickly in this state.

Of course, some training courses are better than others. If you want to get hired as a phlebotomist, you need to take part in a training program from an accredited institution. Phlebotomy courses can be done anywhere from community colleges to online. Many options can fit your needs and schedule.

What Does It Take to Become a Phlebotomist in Kentucky?

This guide will focus on the training requirements to be a phlebotomist in Kentucky. We will also cover the top training programs. They are located in different cities throughout Kentucky, so no matter where you are, there should be a training program near you that fits your needs.

If you’ve been interested in the field of phlebotomy, there is no better time to take a training course. It is a job that shows a lot of growth over the next several years. In the state of Kentucky, training to become a phlebotomist can lead to a rewarding career.

Knowing the best places to complete the training will give you a great start. You can then begin on your career path as a qualified phlebotomist.

Why Should I Consider Phlebotomy?

In Kentucky, and all over the country, phlebotomy is becoming one of the fastest-growing careers in healthcare. Because of an aging population and advancements in technology, more phlebotomists are needed than ever.

The healthcare industry isn’t going to slow down anytime soon. People will always need quality care and the right workers to provide it. There is a stereotype that there aren’t many entry-level careers in healthcare. This just isn’t true. Phlebotomy is one of the best entry-level jobs that can get your foot in the door of the medical field.

Phlebotomists work with different people each day, are offered a competitive salary, and can even sometimes set their hours if they work in a busy facility. It’s a great job for any age.

The best part about starting a career as a phlebotomist? You don’t have to take part in years of training. You don’t even have to attend a two-or-four year college, but there are some excellent degree courses in phlebotomy in America. Most training programs can be completed in less than a year. Even if you choose to become certified, you can become a phlebotomist relatively quickly.

[su_list icon=”icon: check-circle”]

What to Expect Before Taking a Training Program

Every school and training facility is a little bit different in the state. But, most of them have the same basic rules. The best thing you can do is call or do your research ahead of time for the school you’re planning on going to. Once you know their rules and requirements, you’ll be better prepared to get started.

Some general rules you can expect include:

  • You must be 18 or older to take part in a training program
  • You must have a high school diploma or GED
  • A criminal background check and drug test will likely be given

As a phlebotomist, you should also expect to work with a lot of different people on a daily basis. You shouldn’t have a problem working with needles or around blood. By keeping all this in mind, you should be able to handle a training program with few issues.

Top 3 Phlebotomy Courses in Kentucky

If you want to take a phlebotomy training program, let’s look at some of the best places in Kentucky to complete them.

ATA College

ATA College is located in Louisville, so it’s a convenient location for anyone who lives in or around this large city. Their Phlebotomy Technician program is an 8-month course. Throughout the course, you’ll be able to experience classroom learning as well as gain hands-on experience. ATA offers clinical rotations. You’ll be able to get a solid feel for what a day in the life of a phlebotomist is like throughout the course.

One of the best parts of the phlebotomy course offered at ATA College is that they provide both day and evening class times. Phlebotomy is considered an entry-level career. Many people going into it may already have another job or a busy schedule, so night classes are convenient. It’s also only a few days a week.

At ATA, you’ll get all the experience you need to be a licensed phlebotomist. You can also complete your certification here, which will help you when it comes time to find a job. Again, Kentucky doesn’t demand certification for phlebotomists, but it can significantly increase your chances of landing a job quickly.

Kentucky School of Phlebotomy

The Kentucky School of Phlebotomy is also located in Louisville. It’s an excellent option for those who don’t want to attend a college or university, but still, want training from a quality facility. The Kentucky School of Phlebotomy is a one-stop shop when it comes to phlebotomy technician training. They offer five different courses depending on your area of study. These courses include things like accelerated phlebotomy and EKG training.

So, along with becoming a phlebotomy technician, you can further your training with experience in EKGs. Most people who study phlebotomy have a general interest in healthcare. Furthering your education with other tools that could help you as a phlebotomist can be beneficial. That’s especially true if you live in an area that’s competitive. The more accolades you have on your resume, the more likely it is you’ll get hired.

The accelerated phlebotomy program can take you through training in just four weeks. If you’re ready to put in the extra effort to train more frequently, you can complete this course and find a phlebotomy job that much faster.

The accelerated program does mean that you have some previous experience in the healthcare field. So, if you’re currently in the medical industry and want to try something different, you could jumpstart a career change in just a matter of weeks.

Even if you’re unable to take the accelerated course, their standard phlebotomy training program only takes seven weeks. It also includes an externship. You can achieve certification at the Kentucky School of Phlebotomy, as well.

Kentucky Healthcare Training, LLC

Kentucky Healthcare Training offers an 80-hour phlebotomy training program in Lexington. Once you complete their class, you’ll be qualified to work in any hospital, clinic, or lab in the state. You can use their phlebotomy program on its own. Or, you can use the credits from it toward a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program.

Because this is a health training college, you can expect to learn the ins and outs of what it means to be a phlebotomist. This includes hands-on training as well as classroom training.

As well as venipuncture techniques, you’ll learn the following:

  • CPR
  • First aid
  • Bloodborne pathogen training
  • Venipuncture techniques

The phlebotomy program at Kentucky Health Training consists of 60 classroom hours. It also includes 20 hours in the field. That means you’ll be able to practice venipuncture and work with people to get a feel for what you’ll be doing as a phlebotomist.

Taking phlebotomy courses here is a great way to start off your healthcare career. Again, you can decide to be a phlebotomist as a lifelong career. There is room for advancement within the job itself. But, you can also use it to get into the healthcare industry. Going to a school like this can help you do both, and determine if a career in medicine is right for you.

How to train to become a phlebotomist in Kentucky

Will These Schools Prepare Me for Phlebotomy Certification?

The training programs listed here are some of the best in the state of Kentucky. Whether you want to further your healthcare career or start out as a phlebotomist, they can all prepare you for certification. Before you decide if you want to be certified in Kentucky or not, you should know what to expect from that exam.

The certification exam in Kentucky is timed. This makes it incredibly important to know the materials. You won’t have an endless amount of time to answer each question.

The state certification test is adaptive. This means if you answer a question correctly, the next one might be a little harder. This will continue throughout the test. While this might seem a little overwhelming at first, it shouldn’t be a problem for anyone who has studied enough.

[/su_list]

Is Phlebotomy the Right Career for Me?

As a phlebotomy technician in Kentucky, even if you’re not certified your duties are the same. Many people get into phlebotomy as a lifelong career. Others use it as a stepping stone into different healthcare jobs. If you’re still on the fence about signing up for a phlebotomy training program in the state, there are a few things to keep in mind.

To determine if becoming a phlebotomist is the best option for you, consider the following:

  1. Phlebotomists have to work with different people every day. This includes patients and other healthcare professionals. You’ll work as part of a team. If you are a ‘people person’ and have a good bedside manner, this could be a great job for you. But, if you’re more antisocial and don’t like to talk to people much, this may not be the best career choice for you.
  2. You will work with needles and blood regularly. If you’re squeamish at all, it’s unlikely you’ll enjoy your daily experiences.
  3. Phlebotomists have to be extremely organized people. Every sample of blood you take from a patient must be labeled correctly and delivered to the lab. If you’re absent-minded or unorganized, it may be difficult for you to keep track of everything.
  4. Physically, phlebotomy can be somewhat demanding. You’ll likely have to be on your feet a majority of the time. This includes when you’re working with patients, and when you deliver blood samples to the lab. A lot of walking can be involved if you work in a large/busy hospital.

What are the best phlebotomy courses in Kentucky?

Phlebotomy Certification in Kentucky

Again, Kentucky is one of the few states in the country where phlebotomy certification is not required. If you’re interested in becoming a phlebotomist, though, it’s certainly something to look into. Not only will it keep you ahead of the competition, but you can learn more and may be able to receive a higher salary.

Kentucky may eventually decide to demand certification, like many other states. If it does, you’ll be one step ahead already.

Certification does take a bit more work and a bit more time. But, the payoff is worth it. So, once you take the certification exam, what can you expect?

Certification lasts for two years. After that time, you’ll need to renew it. It’s essential that you play an active role in renewing your certification. If you let it expire and your employer finds out, you could be putting your job in jeopardy.

Additionally, if you don’t renew your certification right away, you could have to go back for more training. A ‘refresher course’ is sometimes required for people who were once certified, but let it expire for too long. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. A refresher course can help you make sure you’re up to date with all the latest in the world of phlebotomy. Not much changes, but different advancements in technology can make a difference. You may learn something new, or be reminded of something you forgot about.

Getting certified as a phlebotomist in Kentucky is a choice. But, if you want a higher salary and job security, it’s a choice you should seriously consider.

Where Can a Phlebotomist Work in Kentucky?

Employment opportunities for phlebotomists in Kentucky are plentiful. This is true whether you’re certified or not. You might think you can just work in a busy hospital, but that’s not true. Hospitals are only one option.

If you can’t immediately find work in a hospital or want a different environment, consider the following places.

[su_list icon=”icon: check-circle”]

They are always in need of qualified phlebotomists:

  • Nursing homes: One of the reasons phlebotomy is becoming such a popular career is because of the aging baby boomer generation. Older people tend to need their blood drawn more to determine health conditions. They also need to track them. Nursing homes often have a phlebotomist on staff or one they can call on regularly.
  • Pediatricians: If you have a steady hand, a gentle touch, and love children, you could find work in a NICU or pediatrician’s office. It can be scary for a child to get their blood drawn, so the right phlebotomist can help to put them at ease.
  • Private practices: Small clinics and private practices are often in need of phlebotomists, too. While a hospital might be the obvious choice, don’t count out smaller places.

Many phlebotomists are starting to work on a ‘freelance’ basis, too. This can take some work and self-promotion at first. But, if you get a steady following, you can essentially set your hours. You can also volunteer at places like local blood banks, or with the American Red Cross.

Is It Easy to Become a Phlebotomist in Kentucky?

Kentucky is probably one of the easier states to become a phlebotomist because they don’t need certification. We recommend getting certified anyway. But, even with certification, you can become a licensed phlebotomist in less than a year.

Finding work as a phlebotomy technician in Kentucky also shouldn’t be that difficult. You have to decide which type of facility would work best for you and fit your needs and goals. Some people take on a career in phlebotomy as a part-time job. Others want to work as much as possible. There are opportunities for both.

You can decide whether you want to attend an actual college or a phlebotomy-specific training program. The state of Kentucky is a great place to go through a successful and rewarding phlebotomy career.

[/su_list]