Selecting a Phlebotomy Technician Course near Concord Georgia

Picking the right phlebotomist training near Concord GA is an important initial step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging undertaking to evaluate and compare all of the school options that are available to you. However it’s important that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you get a superior education. In reality, most prospective students begin their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional factor you may look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and must be part of your decision process as well. 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 choose the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online classes.

Phlebotomist Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their main function, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must verify that the tools being utilized are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be correctly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork needs to be accurately filled out to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab testing process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Concord GA phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are responsible for ensuring that samples are tested correctly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they may be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The most basic answer is wherever there are patients. Their work places are many and diverse, such as Concord GA medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be tasked to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting samples from a specific type of patient. For example, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be collecting blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns solely. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Education, Certification and Licensing

There are basically two types of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Concord GA, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program normally takes less than a year to complete and provides a general education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they typically require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program provide a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not mandated in most states, a number of employers require certification before hiring technicians. A few of the primary 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 phlebotomist, like Nevada and California. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only offers a superior education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Schools

To start with, let’s dispel one possible mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A good component of the course of study will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Concord GA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-clinical component of the training can be attended online, it may be a more convenient alternative for many students. As an added benefit, many online classes are more affordable than their traditional competitors. And some costs, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomist school you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a superior education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomist Programs

Now that you have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already decided on the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Georgia school is relevant in addition to the cost of tuition. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomy program. Each of these decisions are an important part of the process for choosing a school or program. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Following are some questions that you need to ask about all of the Concord GA programs you are reviewing before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours 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 very important to select 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 be required to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you select should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to an assurance of a quality education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to take a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Concord GA. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to future employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Reputation? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to investigate the reputations of all colleges you are looking at. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their students as part of their job placement program. You can screen internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also check with several Concord GA local hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and find out if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the Georgia school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Adequate Training Provided? To begin with, contact 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 classroom and practical. As a minimum, any Concord GA phlebotomist program that you are looking at should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to furnish adequate training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask the Georgia colleges you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with area health care facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on practical training often not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Concord GA medical community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Finding your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the colleges you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Concord GA medical community.

Are Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it’s crucial to confirm that the final college you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your busy lifestyle. This is especially true if you decide to continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Concord 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. And 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 as a result of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Phlebotomist?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's important to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers frequently ask Phlebotomist applicants is "What compelled you to pick Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not merely the private reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomist, but additionally what characteristics and skills you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, in addition to a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to ready some ideas about how you want to address them. Since there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Technician and the ideal choice for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down a few ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Choose the Best Phlebotomist Program near Concord GA

Making certain that you pick the ideal phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding healthcare field. As we have discussed in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomist training programs are found in a number of academic institutes, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide range of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Course options may vary a bit 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 need to diligently screen and compare each program prior to making your ultimate selection. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can select the best school for you. And with the proper training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Concord GA.

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