Selecting a Phlebotomist Course near Springfield Georgia

Choosing the ideal phlebotomy school near Springfield GA is a critical first step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting task to investigate and compare each of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s vital that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you obtain a superior education. In reality, most students begin their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another option you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll review a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is much more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and should be part of your selection process also. To assist in that effort, we will furnish a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you select the best one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online schools.

Phlebotomy Technician Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their main function, there is actually far more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the tools being used are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample has to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork must be accurately filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some Springfield GA phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are responsible for making certain that samples are tested properly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they might be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Practice?

The easiest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are numerous and diverse, such as Springfield GA medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomy techs, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a specific kind of patient. For example, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients every day.

Phlebotomist Training, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially two types of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in Springfield GA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to finish and furnishes a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will include training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they typically take two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a four year program offer a more expansive background in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. While not mandated in most states, many employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. A few of the principal certifying organizations include:

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

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

Online Phlebotomy Colleges

To begin with, let’s dispel one likely misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant portion of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Springfield GA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-practical component of the training can be accessed online, it can be a more practical option for some students. As an added benefit, some online classes are less expensive than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, for instance those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy school you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a superior education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomist Programs

Since you now have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already selected 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 Georgia college is important in addition to the tuition expense. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomy online school. Each of these decisions are an important part of the process for choosing a school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you should ask about all of the Springfield GA schools you are considering prior to making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Georgia? As earlier discussed, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomist program that meets 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 enroll in should be accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited program aside from an assurance of a superior education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to take a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are typically not available for non-accredited colleges in Springfield GA. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Ranking? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of all colleges you are looking at. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even check with several Springfield GA local clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the Georgia school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Included? First, check with 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. As a minimum, any Springfield GA phlebotomy program that you are considering should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums might indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out from the Georgia schools you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with regional health care facilities. They are the ideal means to get hands-on clinical training often not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Springfield GA medical community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Getting your first phlebotomist job will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the programs you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Springfield GA health care community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it’s critical to make sure that the final program you choose offers classes at times that are compatible with your hectic lifestyle. This is especially true if you decide to still work while going to school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Springfield GA, make certain they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option also. And if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is in case you have to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's a good idea to consider questions you could be asked. One of the things that interviewers often ask Phlebotomy Technician prospects is "What drove you to choose Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not merely the personal reasons you may have for being Phlebotomist, but also what attributes and skills you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining 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 respond to them. Since there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you along with the talents you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Technician and the best candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but take down a few concepts and talking points that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can help you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Find the Ideal Phlebotomist School near Springfield GA

Making certain that you choose the ideal phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding medical care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be found in a number of educational institutions, such as community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive range of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Course offerings may vary slightly from state to state as every state has its own prerequisites when it pertains to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly screen and compare each school before making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the ideal program for you. And with the appropriate education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Springfield GA.

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