Picking a Phlebotomist Course near Quantico Virginia

Choosing the right phlebotomist school near Quantico VA is a critical first step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting task to evaluate and compare each of the training options that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you receive a superior education. In fact, most students start their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another factor you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. We’ll review a bit more about online schools later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and should be part of your selection process also. 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 select the best one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomist Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their principal function, there is actually much more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the tools being utilized are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample has to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork must be correctly completed in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab screening process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Quantico VA phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are in charge of making certain that samples are tested correctly using the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they may be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The most basic answer is wherever there are patients. Their work places are numerous and varied, such as Quantico VA hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be charged to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a specific kind of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be collecting blood from senior patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomists working in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide variety of patients and would work with new patients every day.

Phlebotomist Education, Certification and Licensing

There are essentially 2 types of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Quantico VA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes under a year to complete and offers a general education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest method to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at community and junior colleges, they usually take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program offer a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. While not required in most states, many 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 a few states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, such as Nevada and California. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only offers a quality education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Training

To start with, let’s resolve one potential misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant portion of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Quantico VA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-clinical component of the training may be attended online, it can be a more practical alternative for some students. As an added benefit, some online classes are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some costs, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened also. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist school 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 receive a premium education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Since you now have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already chosen the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Virginia school is important as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomy college. All of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for selecting a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about all of the Quantico VA programs you are looking at prior to making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Virginia? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s very 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 Program Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you pick should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited program aside from a guarantee of a premium education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited programs in Quantico VA. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Reputation? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to investigate the reputations of all schools you are reviewing. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also contact a few Quantico VA area hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and see if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the Virginia school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Ample Training Included? First, check with the Virginia regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Quantico 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 lower than these minimums might signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide adequate training.

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

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Finding your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire if the colleges you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Quantico VA health care community.

Are Class Times Available as Needed? And last, it’s crucial to confirm that the ultimate school you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is particularly true if you choose to continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Quantico VA, make certain they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up procedure is should you have to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Phlebotomist?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomist job, it's important to review questions you might be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomist candidates is "What made you choose Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what characteristics and skills you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you need to organize some strategies about how you want to answer them. Given that there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the strengths you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Tech and the ideal candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down some concepts and talking points that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Find the Best Phlebotomy Program near Quantico VA

Making sure that you choose the ideal phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this fulfilling medical care career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a premium school. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are found in a variety of academic institutes, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive assortment of courses in medical care and health sciences. Program offerings may vary somewhat across the country as each state has its own prerequisites when it comes to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must diligently evaluate and compare each program before making your final decision. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the ideal college for you. And with the appropriate education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Quantico VA.

Learn About Quantico Virginia

 

 

More Interesting Virginia Cities

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Big Stone Gap VA 24219

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Victoria VA 23974

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Capron VA 23829

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Wallops Island VA 23337

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Blacksburg VA 24060

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Monterey VA 24465

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Middletown VA 22645

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Cedar Bluff VA 24609

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Low Moor VA 24457

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Colonial Heights VA 23834