Picking a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near South Fulton Tennessee
Picking the right phlebotomist school near South Fulton TN is an essential first step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging task to evaluate and compare all of the school options that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you do your due diligence to ensure that you get a quality education. In reality, most students begin the process by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Another factor you may consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. We’ll review more about online schools later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and must be part of your decision 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 reviewing to help you select the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online classes.
Phlebotomy Technician Career Description
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their main function, there is actually far more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the instruments being utilized are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample must be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork must be properly completed to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory screening procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of South Fulton TN phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are responsible for ensuring that samples are tested properly using the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they may be asked to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.
Where do Phlebotomists Work?
The simplest response is wherever patients are treated. Their workplaces are many and varied, including South Fulton TN hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting samples from a specific kind of patient. For instance, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be drawing blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients on a daily basis.
Phlebotomist Education, Licensing and Certification
There are essentially two kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomy training in South Fulton TN, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to complete and offers a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they normally require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program offer a more extensive background in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. Although not mandated in the majority of states, many employers look for certification before hiring technicians. Some 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 in order to practice as a phlebotomist, such as 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 premium education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.
Phlebotomy Online Training
To start with, let’s resolve one potential mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant portion of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an approved South Fulton TN 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. But since the non-clinical component of the training may be attended online, it might be a more practical alternative for many students. As an additional benefit, many online colleges are less expensive than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced as well. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist college you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a superior education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges
Since you now have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already picked the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Tennessee campus is relevant as well as the cost of tuition. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online school. All of these decisions are a critical component of the process for selecting a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Following are some questions that you should ask about each of the South Fulton TN schools you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision.
Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As earlier discussed, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Tennessee or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for any examinations you may have 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 many advantages to graduating from an accredited program aside from 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 previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs in South Fulton TN. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.
What is the College’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 check the reputations of all schools you are considering. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their students as part of their job assistance program. You can research internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even contact several South Fulton TN area clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and see if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the Tennessee school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.
Is Sufficient Training Included? To begin with, contact the Tennessee 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 South Fulton TN phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish sufficient training.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out from the Tennessee schools you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with regional medical facilities. They are the optimal way to get hands-on practical training often not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local South Fulton TN medical community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Getting your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the programs you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, signifying they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the South Fulton TN medical community.
Are Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it’s critical to confirm that the ultimate college you choose offers classes at times that are compatible with your busy schedule. This is especially true if you choose to still work while attending school. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near South Fulton TN, make certain they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option also. And if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure 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 emergencies or illness.
Why Did You Choose to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?
When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the questions that interviewers often ask Phlebotomy Technician prospects is "What drove you to decide on Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not merely the private reasons you may have for being Phlebotomist, but also what characteristics and skills you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you need to organize several ideas about how you would like to answer them. Because there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the strengths you have that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down several concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.Enroll in the Ideal Phlebotomy Program near South Fulton TN
Making sure that you pick the right phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this fulfilling medical care career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a quality program. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are available in a wide range of academic institutions, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive assortment of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Program options can differ slightly from state to state as each state has its own prerequisites when it pertains to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must diligently evaluate and compare each college prior to making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the ideal program for you. And with the proper education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in South Fulton TN.
Learn About South Fulton Tennessee
South Fulton, Tennessee
South Fulton is a city in Obion County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 2,354 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Union City, TN–KY Micropolitan Statistical Area.
South Fulton is located at 36°29′48″N 88°52′45″W / 36.49667°N 88.87917°W / 36.49667; -88.87917 (36.496716, -88.879193).[4]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.1 square miles (8.0 km2), all land.
As of the census[2] of 2000, there were 2,517 people, 1,081 households, and 729 families residing in the city. The population density was 814.4 people per square mile (314.5/km²). There were 1,199 housing units at an average density of 388.0 per square mile (149.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 78.98% White, 19.47% African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.12% Asian, 0.20% from other races, and 0.95% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.56% of the population.
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