Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician Course near Fairfax Virginia

Choosing the ideal phlebotomist training near Fairfax VA is an important initial step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging task to evaluate and compare each of the school alternatives that are available to you. However it’s necessary that you do your due diligence to ensure that you get a superior education. In reality, a large number of prospective students begin their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Another option you may consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll discuss more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors such as accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your decision process too. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you pick the best one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our conversation about online classes.

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Phlebotomy Tech Career Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their principal function, there is in fact far more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must confirm that the tools being used are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork must be properly filled out to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory screening process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. A number of Fairfax VA phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are in charge of making certain that samples are tested correctly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they may be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Practice?

The quickest response is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are numerous and diverse, including Fairfax VA medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be charged to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a specific kind of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide variety of patients and would work with different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomist Education, Licensing and Certification

There are basically two kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomy training in Fairfax VA, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program normally takes less than a year to complete and offers a basic education as well as 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 phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they usually 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 no doubt want to get certified. Although not mandated in most states, most employers require certification before employing technicians. Some 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 several states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, including California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only supplies a quality education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomist Online Certificates and Degrees

To start with, let’s dispel one potential misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant part of the course of study will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Fairfax VA 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 portion of the training can be accessed online, it may be a more convenient alternative for many students. As an added benefit, many online classes are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenditures, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be minimized as well. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist program you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the best option for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomist Programs

Since you now have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already selected the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Virginia school is important in addition to the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomist college. All of these decisions are an important part of the process for choosing a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you need to ask about each of the Fairfax VA colleges you are considering before making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Virginia? As previously mentioned, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed before working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Virginia or the state where you will be working and prepares you for all examinations you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you enroll in should be accredited by a respected national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of advantages to graduating from an accredited program aside from an assurance of a premium education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are typically not available for non-accredited programs in Fairfax VA. Finally, graduating from an accredited college can make you more desirable to future employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to check out the reputations of all colleges you are reviewing. 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 research internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even contact several Fairfax VA local hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and ask if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Virginia school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Adequate Training Provided? First, check with the Virginia 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 Fairfax VA phlebotomy program that you are looking at should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums may indicate that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out from the Virginia programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional medical facilities. They are the optimal way to get hands-on clinical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Fairfax VA health care community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Getting your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation together with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Fairfax VA healthcare community.

Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s important to confirm that the ultimate program you pick provides classes at times that will accommodate your active schedule. This is particularly important if you opt to still work while going to school. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Fairfax VA, check that they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, 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 ask what the make-up procedure is should 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 Phlebotomy Technician job, it's important to consider questions you could be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomist applicants is "What made you decide on Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you might have for being Phlebotomist, but additionally what qualities and abilities you have that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you must prepare some ideas about how you would like to address them. Because there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomist and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down a few concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Select the Right Phlebotomist School near Fairfax VA

Making sure that you select the ideal phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomy training programs are available in a wide range of educational institutions, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide array of programs in medical care and health sciences. Course offerings may differ somewhat from state to state as each state has its own prerequisites when it pertains to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to diligently screen and compare each school prior to making your final decision. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can select the best college for you. And with the appropriate training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Fairfax VA.

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