Picking a Phlebotomist Training Program near Oconee Georgia
Selecting the ideal phlebotomy training near Oconee GA is an important initial step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult task to analyze and compare each of the training options that are available to you. However it’s vital that you perform your due diligence to make certain that you get a superior education. In fact, a large number of students begin the process by looking at two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional factor you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables including reputation and accreditation 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 select the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our conversation about online classes.
Phlebotomy Tech Work Description
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. While that is their principal task, there is actually far more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the tools being utilized are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork has to be correctly filled out in order 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 pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Many Oconee GA phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are in charge of making certain that samples are analyzed properly utilizing the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they can be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.
Where do Phlebotomists Practice?
The easiest response is wherever patients are treated. Their work places are numerous and diverse, including Oconee GA hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be charged to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting samples from a specific kind of patient. For instance, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers solely. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients each day.
Phlebotomy Training, Licensing and Certification
There are primarily two types of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Oconee GA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to finish and offers a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at community and junior colleges, they usually take two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program offer a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not required in the majority of states, a number of 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, including Nevada and California. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only furnishes a quality education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.
Online Phlebotomist Training
First, let’s dispel one possible mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A good component of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Oconee GA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-clinical component of the training may be attended online, it could be a more convenient option for some students. As an additional benefit, a number of online schools are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some costs, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy school you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a premium education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal option for you.
Topics to Ask Phlebotomist Programs
Since you now have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already selected the kind of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Georgia school is important as well as the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomist college. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the process for selecting a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Following are a few questions that you need to ask about each of the Oconee GA schools you are looking at before making your final decision.
Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As previously mentioned, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might have 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 Georgia or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for all exams you may be required to take.
Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you pick should be accredited by a reputable regional or national accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited school in addition to a guarantee of a superior 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 earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are often unavailable for non-accredited programs in Oconee GA. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.
What is the School’s Reputation? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to check out the reputations of all schools 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 internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even check with several Oconee GA area clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and ask if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the Georgia school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.
Is Enough Training Provided? 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 Oconee GA phlebotomy program that you are looking at should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything lower than these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide sufficient training.
Are Internship Programs Included? Find out from the Georgia colleges you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional healthcare facilities. They are the ideal means to get hands-on clinical training often not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop relationships within the local Oconee GA health care community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Finding your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the colleges you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Oconee GA medical community.
Are Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it’s critical to make sure that the final program you select provides classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Oconee GA, make sure they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option also. And if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up policy is should you need to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.
Why Did You Choose to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?
When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's advantageous to review questions you may be asked. One of the questions that recruiters often ask Phlebotomist candidates is "What compelled you to select Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not merely the private reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomist, but also what qualities and abilities you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of routine interview questions, so you need to organize several approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding Phlebotomist and the perfiect choice for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down some concepts and talking points that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can assist you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.Select the Right Phlebotomy College near Oconee GA
Making certain that you enroll in the ideal phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this fulfilling medical care career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior school. Phlebotomist training programs can be available in a wide range of academic institutions, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide range of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program options may differ somewhat across the country as each state has its own requirements when it concerns phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to carefully screen and compare each program 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 ideal school for you. And with the proper education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Oconee GA.
Learn About Oconee Georgia
Oconee County, Georgia
Oconee County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2010 census, the population was 32,808.[1] The county seat is Watkinsville.[2]
Oconee County is included in the Athens-Clarke County, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Oconee County was created from the southwestern part of Clarke County in 1875 by the Georgia General Assembly. The new county was created to satisfy southwestern Clarke County residents' demand for their own county after the county seat was moved from Watkinsville to Athens by the General Assembly in 1872. It is named for the river flowing along part of its eastern border.[3]
The county was ranked as the third-best rural county to live in by Progressive Farmer magazine in 2006.[4]
More Interesting Georgia Cities
Business Results 1 - 5 of 29
Oconee GA Blood Labs - BingNews Search results
-
Oconee Co team to compete in national rocketry challenge
A team from Oconee County High School in Watkinsville, GA is among 100 national finalists in the American Rocketry Challenge. The students will compete against other teams at the National Finals, ...
-
Events planned for Oconee, Athens during National Crime Victims' Rights Week
The Western Circuit District Attorney's Office is hosting a series of events for National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
-
New principal named at Oconee County High School
An Oconee County High School alumnus has been appointed as the new principal at the high school where he graduated in 2001.
-
Oconee Co Commissioners schedule budget hearings
Oconee County Commissioners schedule budget hearings for next month, one for May 7 and the other two weeks later, with both sessions at the County Administrative Building on Macon Highway in ...
-
Oconee, GA Weather Conditions
Thank you for reporting this station. We will review the data in question. You are about to report this weather station for bad data. Please select the information that is incorrect.
-
Oconee, GA Hourly Weather Forecast
Thank you for reporting this station. We will review the data in question. You are about to report this weather station for bad data. Please select the information that is incorrect.
-
WATCH: Body cam shows moment man overdoses on fentanyl in Oconee deputy’s backseat
OCONEE COUNTY, Ga. — Georgia deputies saved a man’s life after he overdosed on fentanyl. On March 14, around 3 p.m., Oconee County Dep. Glenn was called to Puritan Road to exchange custody of ...
-
Former UGA football player convicted of killing RaceTrac clerk in Oconee gets 30 years in prison
OCONEE COUNTY, Ga. — A former University of Georgia player who was convicted of murdering a 23-year-old RaceTrac clerk received a lengthy sentence. On March 19, 2021, Ahkil Nasir Crumpton aka ...
-
Oconee Co reports 15 thousand gallon sewage spill
the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) and the Oconee County Environmental Health Department were notified and testing begun for upstream and downstream water quality. Lab results for ...
-
The 16 Best Weekend Getaways From Atlanta
Lake Oconee, boasting five golf courses and a unique lakefront swimming pool – perfect for a romantic getaway in Georgia. Conveniently located 70 miles north of the city, this expansive ...
-
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee Local Info
The new era of world cruisingNot all world cruises become TikTok sensations, but there's an opportunity for other lines to promote their world cruise... Women making their mark on safarisA new ...
-
Oconee County Middle School
Oconee County Middle School is a public school located in Watkinsville, GA, which is in a fringe rural setting. The student population of Oconee County Middle School is 914 and the school serves 6-8.