Selecting a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Trenton North Carolina

Enrolling in the right phlebotomist training near Trenton NC is an essential initial step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting task to investigate and compare each of the training alternatives that are available to you. However it’s important that you do your due diligence to make sure that you receive a quality education. In fact, many potential students start the process by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Another factor you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors such as accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and should be part of your selection process as well. 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 pick 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 Career Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their main responsibility, there is actually so much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the instruments being utilized are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample has to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork needs to be correctly filled out to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory testing procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Many Trenton NC phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are accountable for making certain that samples are tested correctly using the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they might be required to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The quickest response is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are numerous and diverse, including Trenton NC hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to seniors. A number of phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a certain type of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be drawing blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients every day.

Phlebotomy Training, Certification and Licensing

There are basically 2 kinds of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Trenton NC, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to finish and offers a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they normally require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a 4 year program offer a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not mandated in most states, most employers look for certification before hiring technicians. A few of the main 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, including Nevada and California. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a superior education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomist Online Certificates and Degrees

To start with, let’s resolve one likely misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial part of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Trenton NC healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. A large number of courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-clinical component of the training can be attended online, it may be a more practical option for many students. As an additional benefit, some online schools are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenses, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy program you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a superior education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomist Programs

Now that you have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already chosen the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the North Carolina campus is relevant as well as the cost of tuition. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomy online program. Each of these decisions are an important component of the process for picking a school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Following are several questions that you should ask about each of the Trenton NC schools you are considering prior to making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed before working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomist program that complies with the state specific requirements for North Carolina or the state where you will be working and preps you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you select should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited program aside from an assurance of a superior education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs in Trenton NC. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Ranking? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, 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 start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even check with some Trenton NC area hospitals or clinics that you may have an interest in working for and see if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the North Carolina school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Provided? To begin with, 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. At a minimum, any Trenton NC phlebotomy program that you are considering should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums may indicate that the program is not expansive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internships Provided? Ask the North Carolina colleges you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional medical facilities. They are the optimal way to receive hands-on clinical training frequently not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Trenton NC healthcare community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Available? Landing your first phlebotomist position will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the schools you are reviewing offer 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 as well as a substantial network of professional contacts within the Trenton NC healthcare community.

Are Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it’s critical to verify that the ultimate college you choose offers classes at times that are compatible with your active lifestyle. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Trenton NC, check that they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option also. Even if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is in case you need to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Phlebotomist?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the things that interviewers typically ask Phlebotomy Technician prospects is "What drove you to select Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what qualities and skills you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating specifically to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of standard interview questions, so you need to ready several strategies about how you want to respond to them. Since there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down several ideas and talking points that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right Phlebotomy College near Trenton NC

Making certain that you enroll in the ideal phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding health care field. As we have covered in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomy training programs are offered in a number of educational institutions, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive assortment of courses in medical care and health sciences. Program offerings can differ slightly from state to state as each state has its own criteria when it concerns phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to diligently evaluate and compare each college before making your ultimate selection. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the ideal school for you. And with the proper training, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Trenton NC.

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