Selecting a Phlebotomist Training Program near Horn Lake Mississippi

Selecting the ideal phlebotomy school near Horn Lake MS is a critical initial 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. Nevertheless it’s important that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you get a superior education. In fact, most potential students begin the process by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional factor you may consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and should be part of your decision process also. Toward that end, we will furnish a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you pick the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomy Tech Work Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their main task, there is in fact far more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the instruments being employed are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork needs to be properly filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing 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 Horn Lake MS phlebotomists actually work in labs and are responsible for making sure that samples are analyzed properly utilizing the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they can be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The simplest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are many and diverse, such as Horn Lake MS medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood banks. They can be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or young children to senior citizens. Some phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting samples from a specific type of patient. For instance, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomist Training, Certification and Licensing

There are primarily two types of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Horn Lake MS, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to finish and furnishes a general education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will include training to become a phlebotomist. Available 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 extensive background in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. Although not mandated in the majority of states, most employers require certification before employing technicians. A few of the main certifying organizations 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, such as Nevada and California. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only provides a superior education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomy Classes

To start with, let’s resolve one possible mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A good portion of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Horn Lake MS healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical portion of the training can be accessed online, it might be a more convenient option for many students. As an additional benefit, some online schools are less expensive than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be lowered as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist program you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a superior education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomy Programs

Now that you have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already decided on the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Mississippi campus is important in addition to the tuition expense. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online program. All of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for choosing a school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you need to ask about each of the Horn Lake MS programs you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while some others require licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of practical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that complies with the state specific requirements for Mississippi or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for any exams 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 organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of advantages to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a premium education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to take a certification examination offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Horn Lake MS. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Reputation? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to check out the reputations of all colleges you are considering. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen online school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even talk to a few Horn Lake MS area hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and find out if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the Mississippi school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Adequate Training Included? First, check with the Mississippi 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. As a minimum, any Horn Lake MS phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums may indicate that the program is not expansive enough to furnish adequate training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out from the Mississippi schools you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with regional medical facilities. They are the optimal way to get hands-on practical training typically not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Horn Lake MS healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Available? Getting your first phlebotomist position will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the schools you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a higher rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Horn Lake MS medical community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it’s important to make sure that the ultimate school you pick provides classes at times that are compatible with your active lifestyle. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Horn Lake MS, make sure they are offered 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 practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is in case you need to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's advantageous to consider questions you could be asked. Among the things that recruiters frequently ask Phlebotomist candidates is "What compelled you to select Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not merely the personal reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomist, but also what qualities and skills you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you should organize several approaches about how you want to address them. Since there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down several concepts and anecdotes that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can help you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Select the Ideal Phlebotomy Program near Horn Lake MS

Making certain that you select the ideal phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this fulfilling health care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs are offered in a variety of educational institutes, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive assortment of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Course offerings may differ somewhat from state to state as each state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to carefully evaluate and compare each school 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 select the ideal program for you. And with the appropriate education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Horn Lake MS.

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