Selecting a Phlebotomy Technician School near Cleveland Georgia
Enrolling in the right phlebotomy technician training near Cleveland GA is a critical first step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting task to investigate and compare all of the training options that are available to you. However it’s vital that you do your due diligence to make certain that you get a quality education. In fact, many prospective students begin their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Another 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 you need to keep in mind is that there is much more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors such as accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and must be part of your selection process as well. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you pick the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our discussion about online training.
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Phlebotomy Tech Work Description
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. While that is their principal duty, there is actually far more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to verify that the tools being employed are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork needs to be correctly filled out in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab testing procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Cleveland GA phlebotomists actually work in labs and are responsible for ensuring that samples are tested properly under the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they can be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.
Where do Phlebotomists Work?
The most basic answer is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are numerous and varied, such as Cleveland GA medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood banks. They can be tasked to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting samples from a specific kind of patient. For instance, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be collecting blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide variety of patients and would work with new patients each day.
Phlebotomy Education, Certification and Licensing
There are primarily 2 kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomy training in Cleveland GA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes under a year to finish and furnishes a general education together with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. 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 normally require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a four year program furnish a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. Although not mandated in the majority of states, many employers require certification before hiring 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 California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only supplies a premium education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.
Online Phlebotomy Colleges
First, let’s dispel one possible misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant component of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Cleveland 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. But since the non-clinical portion of the training may be accessed online, it may be a more convenient option for some students. As an additional benefit, a number of online colleges are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. And some costs, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomy program you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a superior education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the best choice for you.
Points to Ask Phlebotomist Programs
Since you now have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already chosen 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 school is significant as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomist online college. Each of these decisions are an important component of the procedure for picking a school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when arriving at your decision. Following are some questions that you should ask about all of the Cleveland GA colleges you are considering before making your final decision.
Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As previously mentioned, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states call for certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Georgia or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for all exams you may have to take.
Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school 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 superior education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools in Cleveland GA. Last, 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 School’s Ranking? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to check out the reputations of any schools you are reviewing. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also talk to a few Cleveland GA area clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and ask if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the Georgia school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.
Is Ample Training Included? First, contact 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 clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Cleveland GA phlebotomy program that you are considering should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums might indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer adequate training.
Are Internships Sponsored? Find out from the Georgia schools you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with local health care facilities. They are the ideal means to get hands-on clinical training typically not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop relationships within the local Cleveland GA healthcare community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Landing your first phlebotomist position will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the schools you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation as well as a substantial network of professional contacts within the Cleveland GA health care community.
Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it’s important to make sure that the final program you pick offers classes at times that are compatible with your busy schedule. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Cleveland GA, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option as well. And if you have decided to attend 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 have to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.
Why Did You Desire to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?
When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's helpful to consider questions you may be asked. Among the things that hiring managers typically ask Phlebotomist applicants is "What drove you to decide on Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not merely the private reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomist, but also what characteristics and abilities you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you should prepare several approaches about how you want to address them. Considering there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the abilities you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Tech and the perfiect choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but take down several concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.Find the Best Phlebotomist School near Cleveland GA
Making sure that you select the ideal phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding healthcare career position. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a quality program. Phlebotomy training programs are offered in a variety of educational institutions, including 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 differ a bit across the country as each state has its own requirements when it comes to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must diligently screen and compare each program before making your final selection. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the ideal school for you. And with the proper education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Cleveland GA.
Learn About Cleveland Georgia
Cleveland, Georgia
Cleveland is a city in White County, Georgia, United States, located ninety miles northeast of Atlanta. Its population was 3,410 at the 2010 census (up from 1,907 in 2000). It is the county seat of White County.[4]
Cleveland is home to the North Georgia Zoo and Petting Farm.[5]
Cleveland was founded in 1857 as the seat of newly formed White County. It was incorporated as a town in 1870 and as a city in 1949.[6] It was named for General Benjamin Cleveland, a War of 1812 figure and grandson of Colonel Benjamin Cleveland, a Revolutionary War figure.
Cleveland is located at 34°35′47″N 83°45′50″W / 34.59639°N 83.76389°W / 34.59639; -83.76389 (34.596309, -83.763893).[7]
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