Picking a Phlebotomy Training Program near Green Cove Springs Florida

Choosing the right phlebotomy training near Green Cove Springs FL is a critical initial step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a challenging task to analyze and compare each of the training alternatives that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s vital that you perform your due diligence to make sure that you obtain a quality education. In fact, most students start their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another factor you might consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is far more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and should be part of your decision process also. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you select the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our discussion about online training.

Phlebotomy Technician Career Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. While that is their primary task, there is actually much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the tools being used are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork has to be correctly completed in order 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 may be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. A number of Green Cove Springs FL phlebotomists actually work in labs and are in charge of making certain that samples are analyzed correctly using the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they may be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The easiest response is wherever patients are treated. Their workplaces are many and diverse, including Green Cove Springs FL hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to seniors. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a certain type of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients each day.

Phlebotomist Training, Licensing and Certification

There are primarily 2 kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in Green Cove Springs FL, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes under a year to complete and provides 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 exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they usually take 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program offer a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. While not required in most states, many employers look for certification before hiring technicians. Some of the key 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 require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, such as Nevada and California. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a quality education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Classes

To start with, let’s resolve one potential misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant part of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Green Cove Springs FL healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. A large number of courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-clinical part of the training may be accessed online, it can be a more practical option for some students. As an added benefit, some online schools are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenses, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomist program you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can receive a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Since you now have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already chosen the kind of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Florida school is relevant as well as the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomy school. Each of these decisions are an important component of the procedure for selecting a program or school. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Following are some questions that you need to ask about each of the Green Cove Springs FL programs you are considering before making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Florida? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for Florida or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for all examinations you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you pick should be accredited by a reputable national or regional 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 aside from an assurance of a quality education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are often not available for non-accredited schools in Green Cove Springs FL. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s important to check out the reputations of any colleges you are reviewing. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their students as part of their job assistance program. You can research online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even check with several Green Cove Springs FL local clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and see if they can offer any insights. As a closing thought, you can contact the Florida school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Provided? First, contact the Florida 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 Green Cove Springs FL phlebotomy program that you are looking at should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internships Included? Ask the Florida programs you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with local medical facilities. They are the optimal means to get hands-on practical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Green Cove Springs FL health care community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Landing your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation together with a large network of professional contacts within the Green Cove Springs FL health care community.

Are Class Times Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s crucial to verify that the ultimate school you select offers classes at times that are compatible with your active schedule. This is especially important if you opt to still work while going to college. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Green Cove Springs FL, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option as well. And if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is should you need to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Phlebotomist?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the things that interviewers often ask Phlebotomy Tech candidates is "What compelled you to pick Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not only the private reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, in addition to a significant number of general interview questions, so you must prepare a number of strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you along with the strengths you have that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Tech and the ideal candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down several ideas and topics that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Find the Best Phlebotomy School near Green Cove Springs FL

Making certain that you select the ideal phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this gratifying medical care career position. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a superior school. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs are offered in a number of academic institutions, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive assortment of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Program offerings can vary a bit across the country as each state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly research and compare each program prior to making your ultimate choice. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the best program for you. And with the appropriate education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Green Cove Springs FL.

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