Selecting a Phlebotomy Course near Gig Harbor Washington

Enrolling in the ideal phlebotomy school near Gig Harbor WA is a critical first step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult task to analyze and compare all of the training options that are available to you. However it’s vital that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you get a quality education. In fact, a large number of prospective students start the process by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another option you might consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll discuss more about online classes 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 closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and need to be part of your selection 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 reviewing to help you choose the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online training.

Phlebotomy Tech Work Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. While that is their primary task, there is in fact much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to confirm that the instruments being used are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork must be accurately completed to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. A number of Gig Harbor WA phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are in charge of making certain that samples are analyzed correctly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they might be required to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The simplest response is wherever there are patients. Their workplaces are numerous and diverse, including Gig Harbor WA medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be tasked to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or young children to senior citizens. Some phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting samples from a particular type of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be drawing blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Education, Licensing and Certification

There are basically 2 kinds of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Gig Harbor WA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to finish and offers a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest means 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 typically require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program furnish a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, most employers require certification before employing technicians. A few 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 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 other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a quality education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Certificates and Degrees

To start with, let’s dispel one potential misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant component of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Gig Harbor WA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-clinical part of the training may be accessed online, it can be a more practical alternative for many students. As an added benefit, many online classes are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist college you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomist Programs

Since you now have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already picked 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 Washington college is relevant as well as the tuition expense. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomist program. All of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for selecting a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Following are a few questions that you should ask about all of the Gig Harbor WA colleges you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As previously mentioned, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomy program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Washington or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a respected national or regional accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a superior education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are often unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Gig Harbor WA. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Reputation? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to check the reputations of any colleges you are looking at. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even talk to some Gig Harbor WA area clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and find out if they can provide any insights. As a closing thought, you can check with the Washington school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Included? To begin with, contact the Washington 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 Gig Harbor WA phlebotomy program that you are looking at should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums might indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide sufficient training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out from the Washington schools you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with area healthcare facilities. They are the ideal means to receive hands-on clinical training often not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Gig Harbor WA health care community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Landing your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Gig Harbor WA healthcare community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s critical to confirm that the final program you select provides classes at times that are compatible with your active schedule. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while going to school. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Gig Harbor WA, make sure they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option also. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is in case you need to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Phlebotomist?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's important to review questions you could be asked. One of the things that hiring managers frequently ask Phlebotomy Technician applicants is "What compelled you to decide on Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not merely the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what attributes and abilities you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to ready several approaches about how you would like to answer them. Because there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the abilities you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Tech and the best choice for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down several concepts and anecdotes that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right Phlebotomist Program near Gig Harbor WA

Making certain that you pick the ideal phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding medical care career position. As we have covered in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be offered in a variety of educational institutes, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive array of courses in medical care and health sciences. Course options can vary a bit across the country as every state has its own criteria when it pertains to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must carefully research and compare each school prior to making your final choice. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the right school for you. And with the appropriate training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Gig Harbor WA.

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