Selecting a Phlebotomy Training Program near Mount Vernon Washington

Enrolling in the right phlebotomy school near Mount Vernon WA is a critical initial step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult task to investigate and compare each of the training options that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you get a quality education. In reality, most prospective students start the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Another option you may look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll review more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is far more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating 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 too. Toward that end, we will furnish a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you choose the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online schools.

Phlebotomist Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their principal function, there is actually far more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to confirm that the tools being used are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork needs to be accurately completed to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some Mount Vernon WA phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are accountable for ensuring that samples are analyzed properly using the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they can be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?

The simplest response is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are numerous and diverse, such as Mount Vernon WA hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting samples from a certain type of patient. For example, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be collecting blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers solely. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide variety of patients and would work with new patients each day.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Certification and Licensing

There are primarily two kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in Mount Vernon WA, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to complete and offers a general education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at community and junior colleges, they typically require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a four year program furnish a more expansive background in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will probably want to become certified. Although not required in most states, many employers require certification before employing technicians. A few 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 several states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, including Nevada and California. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s important that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a superior education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Classes

First, let’s dispel one possible misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant component of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Mount Vernon WA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-clinical component of the training can be accessed online, it could be a more practical option for many students. As an added benefit, many online programs are less expensive than their on-campus competitors. And some costs, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just verify that the online phlebotomist program you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a superior 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 best choice for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomy 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 might have already chosen the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Washington school is important in addition to the cost of tuition. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomist program. All of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for picking a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about each of the Mount Vernon WA programs you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Washington? As previously mentioned, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Washington or the state where you will be working and readies you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited school aside from an assurance of a quality education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to take a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Mount Vernon WA. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of all schools you are considering. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their students as part of their job placement program. You can screen internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even contact several Mount Vernon WA area hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and see if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can contact the Washington school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Enough Training Included? First, check with 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 clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Mount Vernon WA phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should provide at least 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 expansive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internships Included? Ask the Washington schools you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with local medical facilities. They are the ideal way to receive hands-on clinical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Mount Vernon WA health care community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Landing your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Find out if the colleges you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation together with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Mount Vernon WA healthcare community.

Are Class Times Available as Needed? And last, it’s crucial to confirm that the ultimate program you pick offers classes at times that are compatible with your busy lifestyle. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while attending college. If you need to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Mount Vernon WA, check that 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 clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is in case you need to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Phlebotomist?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's important to review questions you may be asked. Among the things that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomy Technician applicants is "What drove you to pick Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not merely the private reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what qualities and talents you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to Phlebotomy, as well as a certain number of routine interview questions, so you should prepare some strategies about how you want to answer them. Considering there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the talents you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomist and the leading candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but take down some concepts and talking points that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Choose the Ideal Phlebotomist College near Mount Vernon WA

Making certain that you pick the ideal phlebotomist training is an important first step toward your success in this gratifying medical care field. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality school. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be offered in a variety of academic institutes, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide range of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Course options can differ slightly across the country as each state has its own criteria when it pertains to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly evaluate and compare each college before making your ultimate 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 program for you. And with the appropriate education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Mount Vernon WA.

Learn About Mount Vernon Washington

 

 

More Interesting Washington Cities

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Elma WA 98541

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Danville WA 99121

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Southworth WA 98386

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Bingen WA 98605

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Fairfield WA 99012

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Benton City WA 99320

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Dallesport WA 98617

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Anacortes WA 98221

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Roslyn WA 98941

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Clarkston WA 99403