Choosing a Phlebotomist Training Program near Newnan Georgia

Enrolling in the ideal phlebotomy technician training near Newnan GA is a critical initial step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult undertaking to investigate and compare each of the training alternatives that are available to you. However it’s important that you do your due diligence to ensure that you receive a superior education. In reality, a large number of potential students start their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional factor you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll review a bit more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also significant 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 should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomy Technician Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their primary task, there is actually so much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the tools being employed are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork needs to be accurately completed to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab 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 infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some Newnan GA phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are in charge of making certain that samples are tested correctly under the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they may be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Practice?

The simplest answer is wherever there are patients. Their workplaces are many and diverse, such as Newnan GA medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be charged to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a specific kind of patient. For example, 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 mothers and newborns exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists working in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Licensing and Certification

There are basically two kinds of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Newnan GA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes under a year to complete and offers a basic 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 exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at junior and community colleges, they usually require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a four year program furnish a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will probably want to become certified. Although not mandated in the majority of states, many employers require certification before hiring technicians. Some of the key certifying organizations include:

• National Phlebotomy Association
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• American Medical Technologists (AMT)

There are some states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, such as California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only supplies a superior education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomy Online Certificates and Degrees

First, let’s dispel one possible mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A good component of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Newnan GA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. A large number of courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-clinical part of the training can be attended online, it might be a more practical alternative for some students. As an additional benefit, some online classes are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist program you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a premium education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the best option for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Since you now have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already picked the type 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 significant in addition to the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online school. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the process for selecting a school or program. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Following are some questions that you should ask about each of the Newnan GA programs you are considering before making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Georgia? As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for Georgia or the state where you will be working and preps you for any exams you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you pick should be accredited by a reputable national or regional accrediting organization, 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 premium education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are typically not available for non-accredited colleges in Newnan GA. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Reputation? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So along with 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 research online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even check with several Newnan GA local hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can provide 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 Ample Training Provided? To begin with, check with the Georgia regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any Newnan GA phlebotomy program that you are considering should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything lower than these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internships Provided? Find out from the Georgia colleges you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with regional healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to get hands-on practical training frequently not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Newnan GA medical community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Getting your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the schools you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a higher rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Newnan GA health care community.

Are Class Times Available as Needed? And last, it’s important to make sure that the final school you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is particularly important if you opt to still work while going to college. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Newnan GA, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain 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 due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's helpful to consider questions you could be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomist candidates is "What compelled you to choose Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomist, but additionally what characteristics and talents you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of general interview questions, so you should prepare several ideas about how you want to answer them. Given that there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the talents you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down several concepts and topics that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Find the Ideal Phlebotomy School near Newnan GA

Making certain that you choose the most suitable phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare career position. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomist training programs are available in a number of academic institutes, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide range of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Course options can vary a bit from state to state as each state has its own criteria when it concerns phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to thoroughly screen and compare each college before making your final choice. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the best program for you. And with the proper education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Newnan GA.

Learn About Newnan Georgia

 

 

More Interesting Georgia Cities

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Winder GA 30680

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Lexington GA 30648

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Bolingbroke GA 31004

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Blue Ridge GA 30513

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Rome GA 30161

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Winterville GA 30683

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Jeffersonville GA 31044

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Bainbridge GA 31717

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Ochlocknee GA 31773

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Lincolnton GA 30817