Selecting a Phlebotomy School near Hurlburt Field Florida

Enrolling in the ideal phlebotomy training near Hurlburt Field FL is an essential initial step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult undertaking to analyze and compare each of the school options that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you receive a quality education. In fact, most students start the process by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Another factor you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online schools later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is much more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and must be part of your decision process as well. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing 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 discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomist Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. While that is their main duty, there is actually far more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the tools being used are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork needs to be properly completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some Hurlburt Field FL phlebotomists actually work in labs and are accountable for ensuring that samples are analyzed correctly using the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they might be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The simplest response is wherever there are patients. Their workplaces are many and diverse, such as Hurlburt Field FL medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They may be charged to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or young children to seniors. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a particular type of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Training, Certification and Licensing

There are essentially two kinds of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Hurlburt Field FL, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes under 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 phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomist. Available at community and junior colleges, they usually take two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program offer a more extensive background in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to be certified. While not required in most states, many employers require certification prior to 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 prior to practicing 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 phlebotomist 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 Phlebotomy Classes

To begin with, let’s dispel one possible misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial portion of the course of study will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Hurlburt Field FL healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-clinical component of the training may be attended online, it might be a more convenient option for some students. As an additional benefit, many online colleges are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just verify that the online phlebotomist program you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive 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 may be the ideal choice for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomist Programs

Since you now have a basic understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already decided on 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 Florida campus is relevant as well as the cost of tuition. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomy school. Each of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for choosing a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you need to ask about all of the Hurlburt Field FL schools you are reviewing before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed before working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Florida or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for all examinations you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you choose should be accredited by a respected national or regional accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to a guarantee of a superior education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges in Hurlburt Field FL. Last, 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 School’s Reputation? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to check the reputations of any colleges you are considering. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can even contact some Hurlburt Field FL local clinics or hospitals that you might have an interest in working for and see if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Florida school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Included? First, contact the Florida 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 clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Hurlburt Field FL phlebotomist program that you are looking at should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums may signify that the program is not expansive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Ask the Florida colleges you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with regional health care facilities. They are the optimal means to get hands-on practical training typically not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Hurlburt Field FL medical community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Getting your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, signifying they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation together with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Hurlburt Field FL health care community.

Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s critical to make sure that the ultimate program you choose provides classes at times that are compatible with your busy lifestyle. This is especially important if you decide to still work while going to college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Hurlburt Field FL, check that they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is in case you need to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Want to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's helpful to review questions you may be asked. Among the things that interviewers often ask Phlebotomy Technician candidates is "What made you select Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not just the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomist, but also what qualities and talents you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of routine interview questions, so you need to ready some strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Given that there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomist and the best choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down a few ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Select the Right Phlebotomy College near Hurlburt Field FL

Making sure that you pick the right phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this rewarding health care career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a quality program. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs are found in a wide range of educational institutes, such as community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive range of programs in medical care and health sciences. Course options can differ slightly from state to state as each state has its own criteria when it concerns phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must carefully research and compare each school prior to making your final decision. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can select the right school for you. And with the appropriate education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Hurlburt Field FL.

Learn About Hurlburt Field Florida

 

 

More Interesting Florida Cities

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Plymouth FL 32768

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Vero Beach FL 32960

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Stuart FL 34994

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Debary FL 32713

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Land o Lakes FL 34639

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Miami Beach FL 33109

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Inverness FL 34450

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Altamonte Springs FL 32701

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Wauchula FL 33873

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Lynn Haven FL 32444