Phlebotomy Training Schools near Ely NV 89301 - Find Phlebotomist Schools Near You

Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician Course near Ely Nevada

Ely NV phlebotomist taking blood sample Selecting the ideal phlebotomy training near Ely NV is an important initial step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging undertaking to investigate and compare all of the school options that are available to you. However it’s vital that you do your due diligence to ensure that you get a superior education. In fact, many students start the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Another option you might consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll review a bit more about online schools later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and need to be part of your selection process also. 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 choose the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online classes.

Phlebotomy Technician Job Summary

Ely NV phlebotomist testing blood sample A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their primary function, there is in fact much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the instruments being used are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork needs to be correctly completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab testing process. The phlebotomist then transports 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. Many Ely NV phlebotomists actually work in labs and are responsible for ensuring that samples are tested correctly under the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they may be required to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The most basic answer is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are numerous and varied, such as Ely NV hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be charged to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting samples from a specific kind of patient. For instance, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be collecting blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns solely. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Certification and Licensing

Ely NV phlebotomist holding blood sample There are basically two types of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Ely NV, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to finish and offers a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomist. Available at community and junior colleges, they usually take 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program offer a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. Although not mandated in most states, a number of employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. A few of the principal certifying agencies 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 phlebotomy tech, such as Nevada and California. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s important that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a premium education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Certificates and Degrees

attending phlebotomy training online in Ely NV To begin with, let’s resolve one likely misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A good part of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Ely NV 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. However since the non-practical part of the training can be attended online, it may be a more practical alternative for many students. As an additional benefit, a number of online schools are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. And some costs, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy program you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a premium education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the best option for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomist Programs

Since you now have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may 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 Nevada college is important in addition to the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomist online program. Each of these decisions are an important component of the process for picking a school or program. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you need to ask about each of the Ely NV schools you are looking at before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Nevada or the state where you will be working and readies you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you choose should be accredited by a reputable national or regional accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited program in addition to an assurance of a premium education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges in Ely NV. Finally, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to future 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 some that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s important to check out the reputations of any schools you are considering. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their students as part of their job assistance program. You can research internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also talk to some Ely NV local clinics or hospitals that you might have an interest in working for and find out if they can provide any insights. As a closing thought, you can check with the Nevada school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Enough Training Included? To begin with, contact the Nevada regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any Ely NV phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should furnish 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 Provided? Ask the Nevada schools you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with local medical facilities. They are the optimal means to get hands-on clinical training often not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Ely NV healthcare community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Finding your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Ely NV medical community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s important to make sure that the ultimate college you choose offers classes at times that are compatible with your hectic schedule. This is particularly true if you decide to still work while attending school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Ely NV, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, 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 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 need to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be a Phlebotomist?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician job, it's important to reflect on questions you might be asked. One of the things that hiring managers frequently ask Phlebotomy Technician prospects is "What drove you to pick Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not just the private reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomist, but additionally what attributes and abilities you possess that make you good at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you should ready some strategies about how you would like to address them. Given that there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down some concepts and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Enroll in the Right Phlebotomist College near Ely NV

Making sure that you select the most suitable phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare field. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior college. Phlebotomy training programs are found in a wide range of academic institutes, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide assortment of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Program options may vary slightly across the country as each state has its own mandates when it concerns phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to carefully evaluate and compare each program before making your final selection. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the best college for you. And with the appropriate training, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Ely NV.