Choosing a Phlebotomist Training Program near Ashburn Virginia

Enrolling in the ideal phlebotomy school near Ashburn VA is a critical initial step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting undertaking to assess and compare each of the school alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s vital that you perform your due diligence to ensure that you obtain a quality education. In fact, most students begin their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional factor you might consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll talk more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors including reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and must be part of your selection process as well. To assist in that effort, we will supply 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 before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online classes.

Phlebotomy Technician Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. While that is their principal function, there is actually so much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to verify that the instruments being utilized are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample must be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork has to be correctly completed in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory screening procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some Ashburn VA phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are accountable for ensuring that samples are analyzed correctly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they can be asked to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The quickest response is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are numerous and varied, including Ashburn VA hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood banks. They can be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting samples from a specific type of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be collecting blood from elderly 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 environment would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients every day.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Certification and Licensing

There are basically 2 types of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Ashburn VA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes under a year to finish and provides a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomist. Offered at community and junior colleges, they normally require 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program furnish a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will probably want to get certified. While not required in the majority of states, most employers look for certification before hiring technicians. Some of the key 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 in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, like California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only furnishes a quality education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Certificates and Degrees

First, let’s resolve one likely misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial component of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Ashburn VA 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. However since the non-practical portion of the training can be attended online, it might be a more convenient option for many students. As an additional benefit, some online colleges are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. And some costs, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered as well. Just make sure 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 receive a superior education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

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 decided on the kind of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Virginia campus is significant as well as the cost of tuition. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomy online college. All of these decisions are an important component of the process for picking a school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you need to ask about each of the Ashburn VA schools you are considering before making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As previously mentioned, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for Virginia 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 program and school you pick should be accredited by a respected regional or national accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited program aside from a guarantee of a quality education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification exam administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are typically not available for non-accredited programs in Ashburn VA. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to future employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of any schools you are considering. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their students as part of their job placement program. You can screen internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can also talk to several Ashburn VA area clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and find out if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can contact the Virginia school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Adequate Training Provided? First, contact the Virginia regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any Ashburn VA phlebotomist program that you are considering should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums may signify that the program is not expansive enough to provide sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Find out from the Virginia colleges you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with local medical facilities. They are the ideal way to receive hands-on practical training frequently not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Ashburn VA healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Available? Landing your first phlebotomist position will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Ashburn VA healthcare community.

Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s crucial to confirm that the ultimate school you pick offers classes at times that are compatible with your active schedule. This is particularly true if you opt to continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Ashburn VA, check that they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option also. And if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is in case you have to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Become a Phlebotomist?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's advantageous to consider questions you might be asked. One of the things that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomist prospects is "What made you pick Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not merely the personal reasons you might have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but also what attributes and abilities you possess that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating specifically to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to organize some approaches about how you want to address them. Because there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the abilities you have that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Technician and the leading choice for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down a few ideas and talking points that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Select the Right Phlebotomy College near Ashburn VA

Making certain that you select the most suitable phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding health care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a superior school. Phlebotomist training programs can be available in a wide range of educational institutes, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive assortment of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Program options can vary slightly across the country as every state has its own prerequisites when it concerns phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to diligently screen and compare each program before making your ultimate choice. By addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the right school for you. And with the appropriate training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Ashburn VA.

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