Phlebotomy Training Schools near Fairfax Station VA 22039

Picking a Phlebotomy School near Fairfax Station Virginia

Fairfax Station VA phlebotomist taking blood samplePicking the ideal phlebotomist school near Fairfax Station VA is a critical first step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging task to evaluate and compare each of the training alternatives that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you obtain a quality education. In fact, most prospective students start their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional factor you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll review a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors including reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and must be part of your decision process as well. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our discussion about online training.

Phlebotomy Technician Job Summary

Fairfax Station VA phlebotomist testing blood sampleA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. While that is their principal duty, there is in fact much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the instruments being utilized are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork has to be accurately completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening procedure. The phlebotomist then transports 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. Some Fairfax Station VA phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are in charge of making sure that samples are tested properly under the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they might be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Practice?

The most basic response is wherever there are patients. Their work places are many and varied, including Fairfax Station VA medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be charged to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a specific kind of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Licensing and Certification

Fairfax Station VA phlebotomist holding blood sampleThere are primarily 2 types of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Fairfax Station VA, which are degree and certificate 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 route 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 phlebotomist. Offered at junior and community colleges, they usually require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program furnish a more expansive background in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. Although not required in most states, a number of employers look for certification prior to hiring 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 in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, including California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a premium education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Classes

attending phlebotomy training online in Fairfax Station VAFirst, let’s dispel one potential mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant component of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Fairfax Station VA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many 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 some students. As an added benefit, many online classes are more affordable than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy program you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Now that you have a basic understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already decided on the type 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 college is relevant in addition to the cost of tuition. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online college. All of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for choosing a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you should ask about all of the Fairfax Station VA schools you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Virginia? As earlier discussed, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for Virginia or the state where you will be working and prepares you for any examinations you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to a guarantee of a quality education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification exam administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are typically not available for non-accredited colleges in Fairfax Station VA. Last, graduating from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Reputation? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s important to check out the reputations of all colleges you are looking at. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even check with some Fairfax Station VA area clinics or hospitals that you might have an interest in working for and find out if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Virginia school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Ample Training Provided? To begin with, check with the Virginia regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Fairfax Station VA phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything lower than these minimums might signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internships Included? Find out from the Virginia programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with area healthcare facilities. They are the ideal way to obtain hands-on clinical training typically not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop relationships within the local Fairfax Station VA medical community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Landing your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Fairfax Station VA healthcare community.

Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s important to verify that the final college you pick provides classes at times that are compatible with your hectic lifestyle. This is particularly true if you decide to continue working while attending college. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Fairfax Station VA, make certain they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is in case you have to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's important to review questions you may be asked. Among the things that recruiters often ask Phlebotomist prospects is "What compelled you to decide on Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not just the private reasons you might have for being Phlebotomist, but also what characteristics and abilities you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of routine interview questions, so you must ready some strategies about how you want to answer them. Since there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Technician and the leading candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but take down some ideas and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Choose the Ideal Phlebotomist School near Fairfax Station VA

Making sure that you pick the ideal phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a superior college. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be offered in a number of educational institutions, such as community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive array of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Course options can vary somewhat from state to state as each state has its own criteria when it comes to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must carefully research and compare each college before making your final choice. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can pick the right program for you. And with the proper training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Fairfax Station VA.

Learn About Fairfax Station Virginia

Fairfax Station, Virginia

Fairfax Station is a census-designated place (CDP) in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States.[1] The population was 12,030 at the 2010 census.[2] Fairfax Station is an affluent community in Northern Virginia; its center is located 22 miles (35 km) southwest of Washington, D.C.

Fairfax Station is located in western Fairfax County, between Clifton to the west, Burke to the east, and the city of Fairfax to the north. The original community of Fairfax Station is located in the eastern part of the CDP, where State Route 123 (Ox Road) crosses the Norfolk Southern Railway line. State Route 286, the Fairfax County Parkway, curves through the center of the CDP, leading northwest to Fair Lakes and southeast to Newington.

Population densities range from 200 to 500 per square mile (77 to 193 per square kilometer) in the northern, southern, and western portions of the CDP, to between 1,600 and 2,200 per square mile (584 to 849 per square kilometer) in the center and eastern portions.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Fairfax Station CDP has a total area of 9.2 square miles (23.8 km2), of which 9.1 square miles (23.6 km2) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.2 km2), or 0.85%, is water.[3]

 

 

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