Selecting a Phlebotomy School near Murrells Inlet South Carolina

Choosing the ideal phlebotomist school near Murrells Inlet SC is an important initial step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult task to evaluate and compare all of the training options that are available to you. However it’s necessary that you do your due diligence to make sure that you receive a quality education. In fact, many students start their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another option you may look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll discuss more about online schools later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is much more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and should be part of your decision process too. To assist in that effort, we will furnish a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you pick the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our discussion about online schools.

Phlebotomist Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their primary function, there is actually so much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the tools being used are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample has to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork has to be properly filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Many Murrells Inlet SC phlebotomists actually work in labs and are accountable for making sure that samples are tested correctly using the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they may be required to train other phlebotomists in the collection, 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 Murrells Inlet SC medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be charged to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or young children to seniors. A number of phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a certain 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 drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.

Phlebotomy Training, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially 2 kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in Murrells Inlet SC, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to finish and offers a basic education along with 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, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at community and junior colleges, they normally require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program offer a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to get certified. Although not required in the majority of states, most employers look for certification before hiring technicians. A few of the primary certifying agencies include:

• National Phlebotomy Association
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• American Medical Technologists (AMT)

There are some states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, like California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only supplies 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 begin with, let’s resolve one potential misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant component of the course of study will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Murrells Inlet SC 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. But since the non-clinical component of the training can be accessed online, it can be a more convenient option for many students. As an added benefit, many online colleges are more affordable than their traditional competitors. And some costs, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be lowered as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomy program you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive 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 attaining your certificate or degree online might be the best option for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Now that you have a general understanding 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 South Carolina school is relevant as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomist online school. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for selecting a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about each of the Murrells Inlet SC schools you are considering before making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states require certification, while some others require licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for South Carolina or the state where you will be working and prepares you for any exams you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited school aside from an assurance of a quality education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to take a certification examination offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are typically not available for non-accredited programs in Murrells Inlet SC. Finally, graduating from an accredited college can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Ranking? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to investigate the reputations of all colleges you are looking at. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can research online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can also talk to several Murrells Inlet SC area clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and see if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can contact the South Carolina school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Adequate Training Included? To begin with, contact the South Carolina 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 clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Murrells Inlet SC phlebotomist program that you are considering should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums may signify that the program is not expansive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask the South Carolina programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with area medical facilities. They are the ideal way to receive hands-on practical training often not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop relationships within the local Murrells Inlet SC medical community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Landing your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Find out if the schools you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Murrells Inlet SC healthcare community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s important to verify that the final college you choose offers classes at times that are compatible with your active schedule. This is especially true if you choose to continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Murrells Inlet SC, make sure they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to attend 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 because of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Want to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician job, it's advantageous to review questions you could be asked. One of the questions that recruiters frequently ask Phlebotomy Technician candidates is "What compelled you to choose Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the private reasons you may have for being Phlebotomist, but additionally what attributes and talents you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you must organize some strategies about how you want to address them. Given that there are several variables 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 along with the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Technician and the perfiect candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but write down a few concepts and talking points that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Select the Best Phlebotomy School near Murrells Inlet SC

Making sure that you select the ideal phlebotomist training is an important first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare career position. As we have covered in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are available in a variety of academic institutes, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive assortment of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Course offerings may differ slightly across the country as each state has its own criteria when it pertains to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to carefully research and compare each school before making your ultimate decision. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the ideal program for you. And with the proper training, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Murrells Inlet SC.

Learn About Murrells Inlet South Carolina

 

 

More Interesting South Carolina Cities

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Irmo SC 29063

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Westminster SC 29693

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Abbeville SC 29620

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Ninety Six SC 29666

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Lancaster SC 29720

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Santee SC 29142

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Union SC 29379

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Barnwell SC 29812

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Hamer SC 29547

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Lexington SC 29071