Picking a Phlebotomy Training Program near Hampton Virginia

Choosing the ideal phlebotomist training near Hampton VA is an essential initial step toward a fulfilling 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 vital that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you get a quality education. In reality, a large number of students start the process by considering two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Another factor you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and need to be part of your decision process too. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you select the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online training.

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Phlebotomy Tech Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their main duty, there is in fact far more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must verify that the tools being employed are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample needs to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork has to be correctly completed to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory screening procedure. 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 Hampton VA phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are accountable for making sure that samples are analyzed correctly under the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they can be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The quickest response is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are many and diverse, such as Hampton VA medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, based on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a specific type of patient. For instance, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns solely. In contrast, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients each day.

Phlebotomist Education, Certification and Licensing

There are basically two types of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Hampton VA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes less than a year to complete and offers a general education together 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 junior and community colleges, they usually require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a 4 year program offer a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will probably want to be certified. Although not mandated in the majority of states, many employers look for certification before employing technicians. A few of the main certifying agencies include:

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

There are a few states that do call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, such as California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only offers a premium education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomy Schools

To begin with, let’s dispel one possible mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A good portion of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Hampton VA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-practical part of the training can be accessed online, it may be a more practical option for some students. As an additional benefit, some online classes are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some costs, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy school you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can receive a premium education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Since you now have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin 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 Virginia college is important as well as the tuition expense. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomist online college. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for selecting a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Following are several questions that you need to ask about all of the Hampton VA programs you are reviewing prior to making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Virginia? As previously mentioned, 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 requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Virginia or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you select should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to a guarantee of a superior education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination offered 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 Hampton VA. Finally, graduating from an accredited college can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Reputation? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are reviewing. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen internet school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also contact some Hampton VA local hospitals or clinics that you may have an interest in working for and find out if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the Virginia school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Included? First, contact the Virginia regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any Hampton VA phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums might signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out from the Virginia colleges you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with area healthcare facilities. They are the optimal way to get hands-on practical training frequently not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Hampton VA medical community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Available? Finding your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the schools you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation together with a large network of professional contacts within the Hampton VA healthcare community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? And last, it’s crucial to make sure that the final school you choose provides classes at times that are compatible with your busy lifestyle. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Hampton VA, check that they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, confirm it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is should you have to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Phlebotomist?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's advantageous to consider questions you may be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers frequently ask Phlebotomy Technician prospects is "What drove you to decide on Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not only the private reasons you may have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but also what qualities and abilities you possess that make you good at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of routine interview questions, so you need to prepare a number of ideas about how you would like to address them. Since there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Technician and the leading candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down a few ideas and talking points that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Select the Right Phlebotomist School near Hampton VA

Making sure that you enroll in the right phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this fulfilling health care field. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a premium school. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be offered in a number of educational institutions, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive range of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program options may vary a bit across the country as each state has its own requirements when it concerns phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must thoroughly screen and compare each program prior to making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the ideal college for you. And with the proper training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Hampton VA.

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