Selecting a Phlebotomy Training Program near Hermitage Tennessee

Enrolling in the right phlebotomy technician training near Hermitage TN is an essential first step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult undertaking to investigate and compare all of the training options that are accessible to you. However it’s important that you perform your due diligence to ensure that you receive a superior education. In reality, a large number of potential students start the process by looking at two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Another factor you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors including reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your selection process as well. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you pick the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomy Tech Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. While that is their primary task, there is in fact much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the tools being employed are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample has to be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork needs to be properly completed to be able 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 can be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Hermitage TN phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are accountable for making sure that samples are analyzed correctly using the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they may be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The simplest response is wherever patients are treated. Their work environments are numerous and diverse, including Hermitage TN medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or young children to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a particular kind of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Certification and Licensing

There are basically two types of programs that furnish phlebotomy training in Hermitage TN, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to finish and furnishes a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at community and junior colleges, they normally take 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program provide a more expansive background in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, most employers require certification before employing 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 some states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, including California and Nevada. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s important that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only supplies a premium education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Schools

First, let’s resolve one possible misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant part of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Hermitage TN healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-practical part of the training may be accessed online, it can be a more practical option for some students. As an additional benefit, a number of online schools are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some costs, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be minimized also. Just verify that the online phlebotomist college you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a quality education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the best option for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Now that you have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already chosen the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Tennessee campus is important in addition to the tuition expense. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomist program. All of these decisions are an important component of the procedure for picking a program or school. But they are not the sole concerns when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you should ask about all of the Hermitage TN colleges you are looking at prior to making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Tennessee? As earlier discussed, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states require certification, while some others require licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomy program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Tennessee or the state where you will be working and preps you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you select should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited program aside from a guarantee of a superior education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to take a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges in Hermitage TN. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Ranking? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of all schools you are reviewing. 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 online school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also talk to some Hermitage TN local clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and ask if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the Tennessee school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Provided? First, check with the Tennessee 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 Hermitage TN phlebotomy program that you are considering should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out from the Tennessee schools you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with local medical facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on clinical training typically not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Hermitage TN health care community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Available? Landing your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the schools you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Hermitage TN medical community.

Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s important to verify that the ultimate school you pick provides classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is especially important if you choose to still work while attending school. If you need to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Hermitage TN, make sure they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option also. And if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is in case you need to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's helpful to review questions you could be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomy Technician prospects is "What compelled you to choose Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not merely the private reasons you may have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but also what qualities and abilities you have that make you good 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 need to prepare some ideas about how you want to respond to them. Considering there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you along with the abilities you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomist and the leading choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down a few concepts and talking points that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Choose the Right Phlebotomist Course near Hermitage TN

Making certain that you choose the right phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding health care field. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior school. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs are offered in a wide range of academic institutions, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide assortment of courses in medical care and health sciences. Program options may vary a bit from state to state as every state has its own criteria when it comes to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to diligently research and compare each college before making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can select the ideal program for you. And with the proper education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Hermitage TN.

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