Selecting a Phlebotomist School near Parsons West Virginia

Selecting the right phlebotomist training near Parsons WV is an important initial step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult task to assess and compare all of the training alternatives that are available to you. However it’s necessary that you perform your due diligence to make sure that you obtain a superior education. In reality, most students start their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another option you might consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll talk more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors such as accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and need to be part of your selection process too. To assist in that effort, we will furnish a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you choose the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our conversation about online schools.

Phlebotomist Work Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. While that is their main duty, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to verify that the instruments being used are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample must be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork needs to be correctly completed to be able 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 may be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Many Parsons WV phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are accountable for making certain that samples are tested properly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they might be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The quickest answer is wherever patients are treated. Their work environments are numerous and diverse, including Parsons WV hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood banks. They can be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a particular type of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers solely. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide variety of patients and would work with different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomist Training, Licensing and Certification

There are basically two types of programs that furnish phlebotomy training in Parsons WV, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically 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 means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will include training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at community and junior colleges, they typically take two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program furnish a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will probably want to become certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, many employers require certification before hiring technicians. Some 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 some states that do call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, such as California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a superior education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Certificates and Degrees

To begin with, let’s dispel one possible mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial component of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Parsons WV healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. A large number of courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical part of the training can be accessed online, it could be a more convenient alternative for many students. As an added benefit, a number of online programs are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened as well. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist college you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can receive a quality education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the best option for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Since you now have a basic understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already picked the kind of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the West Virginia campus is significant as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomy college. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the process for choosing a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Following are some questions that you need to ask about all of the Parsons WV programs you are looking at prior to making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to West Virginia? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states require certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed before working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomy program that satisfies the state specific requirements for West Virginia or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for any examinations you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you select should be accredited by a respected regional or national accrediting organization, such as 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. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited schools in Parsons WV. Last, 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 Ranking? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to check out the reputations of any colleges 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 online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even contact a few Parsons WV local clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and find out if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can contact the West Virginia school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Enough Training Included? To begin with, contact the West Virginia regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Parsons WV phlebotomist program that you are considering should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out from the West Virginia colleges you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with area medical facilities. They are the optimal way to get hands-on practical training frequently not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Parsons WV health care community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Landing your first phlebotomist job will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Find out if the programs you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Parsons WV health care community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s important to confirm that the ultimate school you select provides classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is especially true if you choose to still work while attending school. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Parsons WV, make certain they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option also. Even if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is should you have to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's helpful to consider questions you may be asked. Among the things that hiring managers typically ask Phlebotomist candidates is "What compelled you to choose Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not just the personal reasons you may have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what qualities and talents you possess that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to organize a number of ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Tech and the ideal candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down a few ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Choose the Ideal Phlebotomy School near Parsons WV

Making certain that you select the most suitable phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this gratifying medical care field. As we have addressed in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium school. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be available in a variety of academic institutions, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive assortment of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Program options may differ slightly from state to state as every state has its own criteria when it comes to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly screen and compare each program prior to making your final choice. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the right school for you. And with the proper training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Parsons WV.

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