Picking a Phlebotomy School near Lanett Alabama

Selecting the ideal phlebotomy training near Lanett AL is a critical first step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult task to investigate and compare each of the school alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s necessary that you do your due diligence to make certain that you get a superior education. In reality, a large number of potential students start their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another factor you may look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online schools later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is much more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors including accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and must be part of your decision process as well. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you select the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our conversation about online classes.

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Phlebotomy Tech Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their primary task, there is in fact far more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to confirm that the instruments being utilized are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork must be properly filled out 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 in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Lanett AL phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are responsible for making sure that samples are analyzed correctly under the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they may be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The quickest response is wherever patients are treated. Their workplaces are numerous and varied, such as Lanett AL medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be charged to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomists, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting samples from a certain kind of patient. For example, 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 solely. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be collecting blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.

Phlebotomist Training, Certification and Licensing

There are basically two kinds of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Lanett AL, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes less than a year to finish and provides a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomist. Available at community and junior colleges, they typically require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a four year program furnish a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. Although not mandated in most states, most employers require certification prior to 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 a few states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, like Nevada and California. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a superior education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomist Colleges

To start with, let’s dispel one possible mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial component of the course of study will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Lanett AL healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-practical part of the training may be attended online, it may be a more practical alternative for many students. As an added benefit, some online schools are less expensive than their on-campus competitors. And some expenditures, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced also. 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 extensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the best option for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Since you now have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already chosen 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 Alabama campus is significant as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomy school. All of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for picking a school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you need to ask about all of the Lanett AL programs you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As mentioned previously, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you might have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for Alabama or the state where you will be working and readies you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you pick should be accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many advantages to graduating from an accredited school aside from an assurance of a premium education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Lanett AL. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to future employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are reviewing. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even contact some Lanett AL local hospitals or clinics that you may have an interest in working for and see if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can contact the Alabama school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Included? To begin with, check with the Alabama 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 Lanett AL phlebotomist program that you are considering should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Find out from the Alabama programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with regional health care facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on practical training often not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Lanett AL health care community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Finding your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the colleges you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Lanett AL health care community.

Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s critical to verify that the ultimate school you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Lanett AL, make certain they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option as well. And if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up policy is in case you need to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Want to Be a Phlebotomist?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician job, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the things that recruiters often ask Phlebotomy Tech candidates is "What compelled you to select Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not just the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomist, but also what qualities and talents you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you should prepare several strategies about how you want to respond to them. Because there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the abilities you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down some concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right Phlebotomist College near Lanett AL

Making sure that you enroll in the right phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this fulfilling healthcare career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a quality program. Phlebotomist training programs can be available in a wide range of educational institutes, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive assortment of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Course offerings can vary somewhat across the country as each state has its own criteria when it concerns phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must carefully evaluate and compare each college before making your ultimate decision. By addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the ideal college for you. And with the proper training, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Lanett AL.

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