Choosing a Phlebotomist Training Program near Oakton Virginia

Choosing the ideal phlebotomist school near Oakton VA is a critical first step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a challenging undertaking to evaluate and compare each of the training options that are accessible to you. However it’s vital that you do your due diligence to ensure that you get a superior education. In reality, most students start the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional factor you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll review a bit more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is much more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and should be part of your decision process as well. To assist in that effort, we will furnish a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you pick the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online training.

Phlebotomy Technician Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their primary duty, there is actually much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must verify that the instruments being employed are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork needs to be accurately completed in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab testing process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Oakton 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 can be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The most basic response is wherever they treat patients. Their work environments are many and diverse, such as Oakton VA hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to seniors. A number of phlebotomists, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing blood from a particular kind of patient. For example, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Training, Certification and Licensing

There are essentially two kinds of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Oakton VA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to complete and offers a general 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, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they typically require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program furnish a more extensive background in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. Although not required in the majority of states, most employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. Some of the principal 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 prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, like Nevada and California. 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 superior education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomist Schools

To begin with, let’s resolve one likely misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A good portion of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Oakton 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 prior to graduation. However since the non-practical component of the training may be accessed online, it could be a more convenient option for some students. As an added benefit, some online colleges are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some expenditures, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy college you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a premium education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Since you now have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already selected the kind of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Virginia college is significant as well as the cost of tuition. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomy school. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the process for choosing a program or school. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Following are a few questions that you need to ask about all of the Oakton VA colleges you are looking at prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As previously mentioned, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for Virginia or the state where you will be working and readies you for all exams you may be required to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you select should be accredited by a highly regarded regional or national 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 premium education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to take a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited schools in Oakton VA. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more desirable to future employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Reputation? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to investigate the reputations of all schools you are considering. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even talk to several Oakton VA area hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and ask if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can contact the Virginia school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Enough Training Included? 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 length of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Oakton VA phlebotomy 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 less than these minimums may signify that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask the Virginia programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with area medical facilities. They are the optimal means to receive hands-on clinical training frequently not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Oakton VA medical community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Finding your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire if the schools you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation as well as a substantial network of professional contacts within the Oakton VA health care community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s important to confirm that the ultimate college you pick offers classes at times that are compatible with your busy schedule. This is particularly true if you choose to still work while attending school. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Oakton VA, check that they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, confirm it is an option also. Even if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make sure 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 Choose to Be a Phlebotomist?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomist job, it's a good idea to review questions you might be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomy Technician candidates is "What compelled you to pick Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not only the private reasons you might have for being Phlebotomist, but additionally what characteristics and skills you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of standard interview questions, so you must organize several ideas about how you would like to answer them. Given that there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the strengths you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Tech and the best choice for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down several ideas and talking points that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Find the Right Phlebotomy College near Oakton VA

Making certain that you pick the ideal phlebotomist training is an important first step toward your success in this rewarding medical care field. As we have addressed in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be offered in a wide range of educational institutes, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive assortment of programs in medical care and health sciences. Program offerings can differ somewhat across the country as each state has its own criteria when it pertains to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to thoroughly evaluate and compare each program prior to making your ultimate selection. By addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the right college for you. And with the proper education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Oakton VA.

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