Picking a Phlebotomy Technician Course near Clermont Georgia
Enrolling in the ideal phlebotomist school near Clermont GA is an essential first step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting task to assess and compare each of the school alternatives that are available to you. However it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you get a quality education. In reality, a large number of potential students start the process by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another factor you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll discuss 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 comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your decision process too. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online training.
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Phlebotomy Technician Work Description
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their main duty, there is in fact much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the instruments being utilized are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be correctly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork must be accurately completed to be able 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 tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Clermont GA phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are in charge of ensuring that samples are analyzed properly utilizing the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they might be required to train other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.
Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?
The easiest answer is wherever patients are treated. Their workplaces are numerous and varied, including Clermont GA hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They may be charged to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to seniors. A number of phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a particular type of patient. For instance, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients each day.
Phlebotomy Training, Licensing and Certification
There are essentially two types of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Clermont GA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes less than a year to complete and offers a general education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at community and junior colleges, they normally require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program offer a more expansive background in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not required in the majority of states, most employers require 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, such as California and Nevada. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only offers a superior education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.
Phlebotomist Online Training
First, let’s resolve one possible mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant portion of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Clermont 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 prior to graduation. But since the non-clinical part of the training may be accessed online, it might be a more convenient alternative for many students. As an added benefit, a number of online programs are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy school you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can receive a premium education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Phlebotomy Programs
Since you now have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already decided on the kind of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Georgia school is relevant as well as the cost of tuition. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomy college. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for picking a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Following are several questions that you should ask about each of the Clermont GA programs you are reviewing before making your final decision.
Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As previously mentioned, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed before working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you might have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomist program that complies with the state specific requirements for Georgia or the state where you will be working and preps you for any examinations you may have to take.
Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you pick should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited school aside from an assurance of a superior education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited programs in Clermont GA. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the job market.
What is the Program’s Reputation? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to check out the reputations of all colleges you are reviewing. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their students as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even contact some Clermont GA area hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and find out if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can contact the Georgia school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.
Is Enough Training Provided? 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 amount of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any Clermont GA phlebotomist program that you are considering should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to furnish sufficient training.
Are Internships Provided? Ask the Georgia colleges you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with local medical facilities. They are the ideal way to receive hands-on clinical training often not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Clermont GA healthcare community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Finding your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Find out if the schools you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, signifying 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 Clermont GA medical community.
Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s important to make sure that the ultimate college you choose provides classes at times that are compatible with your hectic lifestyle. This is particularly true if you choose to continue working while going to school. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Clermont GA, check that they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is in case you need to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.
Why Did You Decide to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?
When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician job, it's a good idea to review questions you might be asked. One of the things that hiring managers typically ask Phlebotomist candidates is "What drove you to decide on Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not merely the private reasons you might have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what characteristics and talents you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of standard interview questions, so you must organize some ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the abilities you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but take down a few concepts and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.Enroll in the Right Phlebotomy College near Clermont GA
Making sure that you choose the most suitable phlebotomist training is an important first step toward your success in this fulfilling healthcare field. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomist training programs can be found in a number of academic institutions, including junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive array of courses in medical care and health sciences. Course offerings can differ somewhat across the country as every state has its own criteria when it comes to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must carefully research and compare each school prior to making your final selection. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the ideal college for you. And with the proper training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Clermont GA.
Learn About Clermont Georgia
Clermont, Georgia
Clermont is a town in Hall County, Georgia, United States. The population was 419 at the 2000 census and 875 in 2010.[4] It is part of the Gainesville, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Clermont is located in northern Hall County at 34°28′38″N 83°46′27″W / 34.47722°N 83.77417°W / 34.47722; -83.77417 (34.477171, -83.774044).[5]U.S. Route 129 passes through the town, leading north 9 miles (14 km) to Cleveland and south 15 miles (24 km) to Gainesville, the county seat.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 3.0 square miles (7.7 km2), of which 0.02 square miles (0.04 km2), or 0.46%, are water.[4]
As of the census[2] of 2000, there were 419 people, 161 households, and 124 families residing in the town. The population density was 434.5 people per square mile (168.5/km²). There were 170 housing units at an average density of 176.3 per square mile (68.4/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 96.18% White, 0.95% African American, 1.43% Native American, 0.24% Asian, and 1.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.48% of the population.
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