Choosing a Phlebotomist Training Program near Smithfield Virginia

Selecting the right phlebotomy training near Smithfield VA is an important first step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult task to analyze and compare each of the training options that are accessible to you. However it’s important that you do your due diligence to make certain that you receive a superior education. In reality, most potential students start their search by considering two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another factor you may consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll discuss more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your selection process too. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you pick the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online classes.

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Phlebotomist Work Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal duty, there is actually so much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must confirm that the instruments being used are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample needs to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork has to be properly completed to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some Smithfield VA phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are in charge of making certain that samples are tested properly under the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they may be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The simplest answer is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are many and diverse, such as Smithfield VA hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to seniors. A number of phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a particular 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 practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomists working in a general hospital environment would be collecting blood from a wide variety of patients and would work with new patients every day.

Phlebotomy Training, Certification and Licensing

There are essentially 2 types of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Smithfield VA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to finish and furnishes 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 incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they normally take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program offer a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will probably want to become certified. While not required in most states, many employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. A few 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 call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, such as California and Nevada. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s important that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only offers a quality education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomist Certificates and Degrees

To start with, let’s dispel one potential mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant component of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Smithfield VA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-clinical part of the training may be accessed online, it might be a more convenient option for many students. As an additional benefit, many online schools are more affordable than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomist school you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can receive a superior education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Now that you have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already picked the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Virginia college is significant as well as the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomist online school. All of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for selecting a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Following are some questions that you need to ask about each of the Smithfield VA schools you are reviewing prior to making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As previously mentioned, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Virginia or the state where you will be working and preps you for any exams you may be required to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you choose 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 in addition to an assurance of a quality education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are often unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Smithfield VA. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more attractive to future employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Reputation? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to check out the reputations of all schools you are reviewing. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen internet school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even talk to some Smithfield VA local hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and find out if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can contact the Virginia school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Adequate Training Provided? To begin with, contact the Virginia regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Smithfield VA phlebotomy program that you are looking at should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internships Included? Find out from the Virginia programs you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional healthcare facilities. They are the ideal way to receive hands-on practical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Smithfield VA health care community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Available? Finding your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire if the schools you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation as well as an extensive network of professional contacts within the Smithfield VA medical community.

Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s critical to confirm that the final program 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 go to classes at night or on weekends near Smithfield VA, make sure they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make certain 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 due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomist job, it's a good idea to consider questions you might be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers typically ask Phlebotomy Technician candidates is "What drove you to decide on Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not only the private reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what attributes and skills you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of typical interview questions, so you should prepare several approaches about how you want to answer them. Considering there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you along with the abilities you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomist and the best choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down a few ideas and talking points that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Find the Ideal Phlebotomist Program near Smithfield VA

Making sure that you select the most suitable phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding health care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomist training programs are found in a variety of academic institutes, including junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive range of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Course offerings may differ slightly across the country as every state has its own requirements when it pertains to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must diligently screen and compare each program before making your ultimate selection. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the best college for you. And with the appropriate training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Smithfield VA.

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