Selecting a Phlebotomy School near Acworth Georgia
Enrolling in the right phlebotomist school near Acworth GA is an essential first step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting undertaking to assess and compare all of the school options that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s vital that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you get a quality education. In reality, many potential students begin their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Another option you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll review a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is much more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and should be part of your selection process as well. To assist in that effort, we will furnish a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you choose the best one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our discussion about online classes.
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Phlebotomy Tech Job Summary
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their principal responsibility, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the tools being employed are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork must be properly completed to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory screening process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some Acworth GA phlebotomists actually work in labs and are responsible for making certain that samples are tested correctly utilizing the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they might be asked to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.
Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?
The quickest answer is wherever there are patients. Their workplaces are numerous and diverse, including Acworth GA hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be charged to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting samples from a particular type of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be collecting blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients each day.
Phlebotomy Education, Certification and Licensing
There are essentially two kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in Acworth GA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to complete and provides a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at community and junior colleges, they typically require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program provide a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, many employers look for certification prior to employing technicians. Some of the primary 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 call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, such as Nevada and California. 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 quality education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.
Phlebotomy Online Classes
To start with, let’s resolve one potential mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A good part of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Acworth GA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical portion of the training can be accessed online, it might be a more convenient alternative for many students. As an additional benefit, many online classes are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some costs, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced also. Just verify that the online phlebotomist school you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the best option for you.
Points to Ask Phlebotomist Programs
Now that you have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already picked the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Georgia campus is relevant as well as the cost of tuition. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomy online program. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the process for picking a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you need to ask about all of the Acworth GA schools you are reviewing before making your final selection.
Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Georgia? As earlier discussed, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Georgia or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for all examinations you may have to take.
Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you choose should be accredited by a reputable national or regional accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited school aside from an assurance of a superior education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are often unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Acworth GA. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the job market.
What is the College’s Ranking? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are looking at. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can even talk to a few Acworth GA local clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and see if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Georgia school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.
Is Enough Training Included? To begin with, contact the Georgia regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any Acworth GA phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums might signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer adequate training.
Are Internships Sponsored? Find out from the Georgia colleges you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with local healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to receive hands-on practical training typically not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Acworth GA health care community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Landing your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation as well as a substantial network of professional contacts within the Acworth GA medical community.
Are Class Times Available as Needed? Finally, it’s critical to make sure that the final program you pick provides classes at times that are compatible with your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you opt to still work while going to school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Acworth GA, make sure they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, confirm it is an option also. Even if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is should you have to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.
Why Did You Want to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?
When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you might be asked. One of the things that recruiters often ask Phlebotomy Technician prospects is "What compelled you to choose Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomist, but additionally what attributes and skills you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you must prepare a number of strategies about how you want to answer them. Considering there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Tech and the perfiect candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but take down a few concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.Enroll in the Ideal Phlebotomy School near Acworth GA
Making sure that you select the right phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this gratifying health care field. As we have addressed in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be offered in a number of educational institutes, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide array of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Program offerings can vary a bit from state to state as each state has its own mandates when it concerns phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to thoroughly screen and compare each program before making your ultimate decision. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the best college for you. And with the proper training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Acworth GA.
Learn About Acworth Georgia
Acworth, Georgia
Acworth is a city in Cobb County, Georgia, United States. It is part of the Atlanta metropolitan area. The 2016 estimate for Acworth's population is 28,502. As of the 2010 census, this city had a population of 20,425,[2] up from 13,422 in 2000. Acworth is located in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains along the southeastern banks of Lake Acworth and Lake Allatoona on the Etowah River. Unincorporated areas known as Acworth extend into Bartow, Cherokee and Paulding counties respectively.
Acworth's nickname is "The Lake City".[3]Acworth Beach is located on nearby Lake Allatoona and Lake Acworth.
Like the rest of Cobb County, the area now containing Acworth was carved out of the former Cherokee Nation in 1831, after expelling the natives.[4]
The Western and Atlantic Railroad was completed through town in 1840. A watering station for the locomotives was established there.[5]
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