Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician School near Cartersville Georgia
Choosing the right phlebotomy school near Cartersville GA is an important first step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a challenging task to investigate and compare all of the training options that are available to you. However it’s vital that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you get a superior education. In reality, many prospective students start the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another factor you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is far 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 must be part of your decision process also. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you select the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online classes.
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Phlebotomist Career Description
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their primary function, there is actually so much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the tools being employed are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample has to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork has to be properly filled out in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab screening process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some Cartersville GA phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are in charge of making sure that samples are tested correctly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they might be asked to train other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.
Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?
The easiest answer is wherever there are patients. Their work places are numerous and diverse, such as Cartersville GA medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a specific type of patient. For example, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be collecting blood from senior patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from different patients every day.
Phlebotomy Education, Certification and Licensing
There are essentially two kinds of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Cartersville GA, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program normally takes less than a year to finish and furnishes a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at community and junior colleges, they normally take two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program provide a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. Although not mandated in most states, a number of employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. Some of the principal 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 prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, such as Nevada and California. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you pick a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a superior education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.
Phlebotomy Online Training
To begin with, let’s resolve one potential misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A good part of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Cartersville GA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-practical part of the training may be attended online, it might be a more convenient alternative for many students. As an added benefit, many online programs are less expensive than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened also. Just verify that the online phlebotomist program you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.
Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Programs
Since you now have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already selected the kind of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Georgia college is relevant in addition to the cost of tuition. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomy program. All of these decisions are an important component of the process for picking a school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you should ask about all of the Cartersville GA programs you are considering before making your ultimate decision.
Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As previously mentioned, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed before working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Georgia or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for all exams you may be required to take.
Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you pick 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 benefits to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a quality education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are typically not available for non-accredited colleges in Cartersville GA. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the job market.
What is the School’s Reputation? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to check out the reputations of any colleges you are considering. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even talk to a few Cartersville GA local hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and ask if they can offer any insights. As a closing thought, you can check with the Georgia school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in total compliance.
Is Plenty of 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 length of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Cartersville GA phlebotomist program that you are considering should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer sufficient training.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out from the Georgia 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 clinical training often not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Cartersville GA healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Getting your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the schools you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Cartersville GA medical community.
Are Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it’s critical to confirm that the final college you choose provides classes at times that are compatible with your hectic schedule. This is particularly true if you choose to still work while attending school. If you need to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Cartersville GA, check that they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option also. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is in case you have to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.
Why Did You Desire to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?
When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's important to reflect on questions you might be asked. One of the questions that recruiters often ask Phlebotomy Technician applicants is "What compelled you to decide on Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not only the private reasons you might have for being Phlebotomist, but additionally what qualities and skills you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, in addition to a significant number of typical interview questions, so you need to ready several approaches about how you want to answer them. Given that there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the talents you possess that make you an outstanding Phlebotomist and the ideal candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but jot down several concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.Find the Right Phlebotomist Program near Cartersville GA
Making certain that you select the right phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this gratifying health care field. As we have addressed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be offered in a variety of educational institutions, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide assortment of programs in medical care and health sciences. Training program offerings can vary slightly from state to state as each state has its own mandates when it concerns phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to thoroughly screen and compare each program prior to 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 ideal school for you. And with the proper education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Cartersville GA.
Learn About Cartersville Georgia
Cartersville, Georgia
Cartersville is a city in Bartow County in the U.S. state of Georgia; it is located within the northwest edge of the Atlanta metropolitan area. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 19,731.[8] Cartersville is the county seat of Bartow County.[9]
Cartersville was first known as Birmingham to its original English settlers.[10] The town was incorporated as Cartersville in 1854.[10] The present name is for Col. F. Carter of Milledgeville.[11]
Cartersville was designated the seat of Bartow County in 1867 following the destruction of Cassville by Sherman in the American Civil War. Cartersville was incorporated as a city in 1872.[12]
Cartersville is located in south-central Bartow County, 42 miles (68 km) northwest of downtown Atlanta and 76 miles (122 km) southeast of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
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