Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician Course near Avondale Estates Georgia

Enrolling in the right phlebotomy training near Avondale Estates GA is an essential first step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting task to assess and compare all of the training options that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you do your due diligence to make sure that you receive a quality education. In reality, many students begin their search by considering two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Another factor you might consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. We’ll review a bit more about online schools later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and should be part of your decision process as well. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you choose the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online classes.

Phlebotomy Tech Career Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. While that is their main function, there is actually much more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the tools being used are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample must be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork has to be properly filled out in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab screening procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. A number of Avondale Estates GA phlebotomists actually work in labs and are responsible for making sure that samples are tested properly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they might be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The easiest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are many and diverse, such as Avondale Estates GA medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be charged to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to seniors. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a certain type of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be collecting blood from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients each day.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially two types of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Avondale Estates GA, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to complete and offers a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at community and junior colleges, they typically require 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a 4 year program furnish a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not required in the majority of states, a number of employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. A few of the main 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 call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, like Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only offers a premium education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomist Classes

To begin with, let’s resolve one possible mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant part of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Avondale Estates GA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-clinical portion of the training may be accessed online, it could be a more practical alternative for many students. As an additional benefit, a number of online colleges are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. And some costs, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be lowered also. Just verify that the online phlebotomy school 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 receive a quality education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Now that you have a basic understanding 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 Georgia campus is significant in addition to the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online program. All of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for selecting a school or program. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you should ask about all of the Avondale Estates GA programs you are looking at before making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As earlier discussed, 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 hours of clinical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for Georgia or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for all examinations you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you choose should be accredited by a respected national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of advantages to graduating from an accredited program aside from a guarantee of a quality education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to take a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited schools in Avondale Estates GA. Last, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Ranking? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to check out the reputations of all colleges you are looking at. 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 research online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also talk to several Avondale Estates GA local clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and find out if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can contact the Georgia school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Enough Training Included? To begin with, check with the Georgia regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Avondale Estates GA phlebotomist program that you are looking at should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask the Georgia schools you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with area medical facilities. They are the ideal way to receive hands-on clinical training frequently not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Avondale Estates GA medical community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Landing your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the programs you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, signifying they place the majority 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 Avondale Estates GA health care community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it’s important to confirm that the ultimate school you choose provides classes at times that are compatible with your active lifestyle. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Avondale Estates GA, make certain 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 study online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is should you need to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Desire to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomist job, it's important to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the questions that recruiters frequently ask Phlebotomy Technician applicants is "What made you decide on Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the personal reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what attributes and skills you have that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to Phlebotomy, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you should organize several ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the abilities you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Technician and the leading choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but take down some ideas and topics that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can help you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Enroll in the Ideal Phlebotomist School near Avondale Estates GA

Making sure that you choose the most suitable phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this fulfilling medical care field. As we have discussed in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a superior college. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be found in a number of academic institutions, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive assortment of programs in medical care and health sciences. Training program options may differ somewhat across the country as each state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to diligently evaluate and compare each school before making your ultimate choice. By addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can pick the right school for you. And with the proper education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Avondale Estates GA.

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