Choosing a Phlebotomy Course near Concord North Carolina

Selecting the right phlebotomy school near Concord NC is an essential first step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult undertaking to evaluate and compare all of the school alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you do your due diligence to ensure that you get a quality education. In fact, many students begin their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another option you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll discuss 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 cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and should be part of your decision process also. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you choose the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our conversation about online classes.

Phlebotomy Technician Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal function, there is actually far more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to check that the tools being utilized are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork needs to be accurately filled out to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab screening process. The phlebotomist then delivers 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 Concord NC phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are responsible for making certain that samples are tested properly under the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they can be asked to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The most basic response is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are numerous and diverse, including Concord NC hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a particular kind of patient. For instance, 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 collecting blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists working in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide variety of patients and would work with new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Certification and Licensing

There are essentially 2 kinds of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Concord NC, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to complete and offers a general education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they typically require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program offer a more expansive background in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will probably want to become certified. While not required in the majority of states, many employers look for 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 several states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, like California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only offers a superior education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomist Online Colleges

To start with, let’s dispel one likely mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial part of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Concord NC 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. But since the non-practical portion of the training can be attended online, it might be a more convenient alternative for many students. As an additional benefit, some online classes are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenses, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy college you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a quality education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online might be the best choice for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Now that you have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already selected 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 North Carolina school is important as well as the cost of tuition. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomist online college. Each of these decisions are an important component of the procedure for selecting a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about all of the Concord NC colleges you are reviewing before making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As previously mentioned, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomist program that satisfies the state specific requirements for North Carolina or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you pick should be accredited by a respected 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 in addition to a guarantee of a premium education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs in Concord NC. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to future employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to investigate the reputations of all schools you are reviewing. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also check with several Concord NC local hospitals or clinics that you may have an interest in working for and find out if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can contact the North Carolina school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Adequate Training Included? To begin with, check with the North Carolina regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Concord NC phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums might signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internships Included? Ask the North Carolina schools you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with local healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to get hands-on clinical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Concord NC medical community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Landing your first phlebotomist position will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the programs you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Concord NC medical community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it’s crucial to verify that the ultimate program you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is especially important if you decide to still work while attending school. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Concord NC, make certain they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, verify 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 completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is should you need to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you may be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers typically ask Phlebotomist candidates 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 being Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what attributes and abilities you have that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of routine interview questions, so you must organize a number of strategies about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you along with the talents you possess that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Technician and the leading candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but take down several concepts and talking points that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to prepare your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Enroll in the Right Phlebotomy School near Concord NC

Making certain that you select the most suitable phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare field. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior school. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are offered in a number of academic institutions, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive range of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program offerings may vary a bit across the country as every state has its own prerequisites when it concerns phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must diligently research and compare each school prior to making your ultimate selection. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the best program for you. And with the proper training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Concord NC.

Learn About Concord North Carolina

 

 

More Interesting North Carolina Cities

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Jefferson NC 28640

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Monroe NC 28110

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Oak Island NC 28465

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Havelock NC 28532

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Tillery NC 27887

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Pollocksville NC 28573

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Swannanoa NC 28778

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Elizabethtown NC 28337

Phlebotomy Training Schools near New Bern NC 28560

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Pilot Mountain NC 27041