Selecting a Phlebotomy Technician Course near Big Pine Key Florida

Selecting the ideal phlebotomy technician school near Big Pine Key FL is a critical initial step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting undertaking to analyze and compare each of the training alternatives that are available to you. However it’s necessary that you perform your due diligence to make certain that you get a quality education. In fact, many prospective students begin the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional factor you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors including reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your selection process too. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomist Career Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their principal task, there is actually much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must verify that the instruments being utilized are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork must be correctly filled out to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab testing procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Many Big Pine Key FL phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are responsible for ensuring that samples are analyzed correctly using the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they may be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The simplest answer is wherever patients are treated. Their workplaces are numerous and diverse, including Big Pine Key FL hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be charged to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a certain kind of patient. For instance, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Education, Licensing and Certification

There are basically two types of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in Big Pine Key FL, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to complete and furnishes a general education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at community and junior colleges, they typically require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program offer a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will probably want to become certified. Although not required in the majority of states, many employers require certification prior to employing technicians. A few of the principal certifying agencies 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 phlebotomy tech, such as California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only furnishes a superior education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomist Certificates and Degrees

To start with, let’s dispel one likely mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant component of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Big Pine Key FL healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-practical part of the training may be attended online, it could be a more practical option for some students. As an added benefit, many online programs are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some costs, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be minimized also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy school you select 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 superior education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Now that you have a basic understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, 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 degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Florida college is important as well as the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomy online college. All of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for choosing a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about all of the Big Pine Key FL programs you are looking at before making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Florida or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for all exams you may be required to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited program aside from a guarantee of a premium education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to take a certification examination offered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited programs in Big Pine Key FL. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Reputation? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s important to check out the reputations of any schools you are considering. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their students as part of their job assistance program. You can screen online school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also check with some Big Pine Key FL area clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and find out if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Florida school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Ample Training Provided? First, check with the Florida regulator or 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. At a minimum, any Big Pine Key FL phlebotomist program that you are looking at should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internships Provided? Ask the Florida programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with local health care facilities. They are the optimal way to receive hands-on practical training typically not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Big Pine Key FL healthcare community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Finding your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire if the schools you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation along with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Big Pine Key FL health care community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s critical to verify that the ultimate program you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Big Pine Key FL, check that 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 attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up procedure is should you need to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the questions that recruiters often ask Phlebotomist applicants is "What drove you to pick Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not only the personal reasons you may have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but also what qualities and skills you have that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, in addition to a significant number of standard interview questions, so you need to prepare some ideas about how you would like to answer them. Considering there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you along with the talents you have that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down some concepts and topics that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Find the Ideal Phlebotomy School near Big Pine Key FL

Making certain that you pick the most suitable phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding health care field. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a premium school. Phlebotomist training programs can be offered in a wide range of academic 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 offerings may differ somewhat across the country as every state has its own mandates when it comes to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must carefully research and compare each school before making your ultimate decision. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the best school for you. And with the proper training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Big Pine Key FL.

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