Selecting a Phlebotomy School near Stanley North Carolina

Picking the ideal phlebotomy technician training near Stanley NC is an essential first step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult undertaking to analyze and compare each of the training options that are accessible to you. However it’s vital that you do your due diligence to make sure that you receive a quality education. In reality, many students start their search by considering two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Another factor you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and need to be part of your decision process also. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you choose the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our discussion about online training.

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Phlebotomy Technician Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their main duty, there is in fact far more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the instruments being used are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork must be properly completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory screening procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. A number of Stanley NC phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are accountable for making sure that samples are tested correctly under the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they may be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?

The quickest answer is wherever there are patients. Their work places are many and varied, including Stanley NC hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a particular kind of patient. For example, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients every day.

Phlebotomy Training, Certification and Licensing

There are essentially two types of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Stanley NC, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to complete and furnishes a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they normally take two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a four year program provide a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will probably want to become certified. While not mandated in most states, most employers look for certification before hiring technicians. Some 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 call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, like California and Nevada. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a premium education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomy Certificates and Degrees

To start with, let’s dispel one possible misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial component of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Stanley NC 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-practical part of the training can be accessed online, it might be a more practical option for many students. As an additional benefit, a number of online classes are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenditures, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened as well. Just verify that the online phlebotomy school you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can receive a superior education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomist Programs

Since you now have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already picked the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the North Carolina campus is significant as well as the cost of tuition. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomy school. Each of these decisions are an important component of the procedure for picking a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when arriving at your decision. Following are a few questions that you should ask about each of the Stanley NC schools you are looking at before making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to North Carolina? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states call for certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed before working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for North Carolina or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for all exams you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you pick should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of advantages to graduating from an accredited program aside from a guarantee of a premium education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are typically not available for non-accredited programs in Stanley NC. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Reputation? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s important to check out the reputations of all schools you are looking at. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their students as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even talk to some Stanley NC local hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and see if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the North Carolina school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Ample Training Provided? First, check with the North Carolina 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. As a minimum, any Stanley NC phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums might signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Find out from the North Carolina schools you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with area healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to get hands-on practical training often not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Stanley NC healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Landing your first phlebotomist job will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Ask if the schools you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation as well as a substantial network of professional contacts within the Stanley NC health care community.

Are Classes Available as Needed? Finally, it’s critical to confirm that the ultimate college you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Stanley NC, make sure they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option also. Even if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is in case you have to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician job, it's a good idea to consider questions you could be asked. One of the questions that recruiters often ask Phlebotomy Tech applicants is "What made you decide on Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomist, but also what characteristics and skills you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, in addition to a significant number of typical interview questions, so you should organize several ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Considering there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the abilities you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomist and the best candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down a few ideas and talking points that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Find the Right Phlebotomist School near Stanley NC

Making certain that you select the ideal phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this fulfilling health care career position. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a superior school. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be available in a wide range of educational institutes, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive assortment of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Course options may differ somewhat across the country as each state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to thoroughly evaluate and compare each program prior to making your ultimate decision. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the ideal school for you. And with the proper training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Stanley NC.

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