Selecting a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Homerville Georgia

Selecting the ideal phlebotomist school near Homerville GA is an essential first step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a challenging undertaking to investigate and compare each of the school alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s necessary that you perform your due diligence to make sure that you get a superior education. In reality, a large number of students start their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Another option you may look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll review 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 closest or the cheapest one. Other factors such as accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and should be part of your selection process as well. Toward that end, we will furnish 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 resume our conversation about online training.

Phlebotomy Tech Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their main responsibility, there is actually so much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the tools being used are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be correctly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork needs to be properly filled out in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory screening process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Homerville GA phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are in charge of making sure that samples are analyzed properly using the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they can be asked to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Practice?

The quickest response is wherever there are patients. Their workplaces are many and diverse, such as Homerville GA hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a certain kind of patient. For example, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be drawing 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 working in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients every day.

Phlebotomy Training, Certification and Licensing

There are primarily two types of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Homerville GA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to finish and provides a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomy tech. 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 usually take two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program offer a more extensive background in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. Although not mandated in most states, most employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. A few of the key 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 require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, including Nevada and California. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a quality education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Classes

First, let’s dispel one possible misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A good part of the course of study will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Homerville GA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-practical portion of the training may be attended online, it could be a more practical alternative for many students. As an additional benefit, some online programs are more affordable than their traditional competitors. And some costs, for instance those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened also. Just verify that the online phlebotomist school you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can receive a quality education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Since you now have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already selected the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Georgia college is important in addition to the tuition expense. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomy program. Each of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for selecting 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 each of the Homerville GA schools you are reviewing prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed before working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for Georgia or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for all exams you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you select should be accredited by a reputable regional or national accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to an assurance of a quality education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are typically not available for non-accredited colleges in Homerville GA. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are reviewing. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also talk to several Homerville GA area clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and see if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the Georgia school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed 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 working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Homerville GA phlebotomist program that you are considering should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums might indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internships Provided? Ask the Georgia programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with area healthcare facilities. They are the ideal way to get hands-on clinical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Homerville GA healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Getting your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the colleges you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation along with a large network of professional contacts within the Homerville GA medical community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? And last, it’s important to confirm that the ultimate college you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is particularly true if you opt to still work while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Homerville GA, check that they are available at those times. Additionally, 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 clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up policy is should you need to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Want to Be a Phlebotomist?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's important to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the questions that recruiters frequently ask Phlebotomy Tech prospects is "What compelled you to select Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not merely the private reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomist, but additionally what attributes and abilities you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you must prepare several strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the talents you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Tech and the perfiect choice for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down a few ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Choose the Right Phlebotomy Course near Homerville GA

Making sure that you enroll in the ideal phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this fulfilling medical care field. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be available in a wide range of educational institutions, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive assortment of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Program offerings can vary a bit across the country as each state has its own criteria when it concerns phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to carefully evaluate and compare each college prior to making your ultimate decision. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the right program for you. And with the proper education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Homerville GA.

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