Selecting a Phlebotomy Training Program near Maitland Florida

Enrolling in the right phlebotomist school near Maitland FL is a critical first step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging undertaking to assess and compare each of the training alternatives that are available to you. However it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you receive a quality education. In fact, a large number of students start their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another option you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and should be part of your selection process as well. Toward that end, we will supply 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 address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomy Technician Career Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their main task, there is in fact much more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the tools being employed are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork needs to be accurately completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening procedure. The phlebotomist then transports 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. Some Maitland FL phlebotomists actually work in labs and are accountable for ensuring that samples are tested correctly utilizing the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they might be asked to train other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The easiest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work environments are many and varied, such as Maitland FL medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to seniors. A number of phlebotomy techs, based on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing blood from a particular type of patient. For instance, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomist Training, Certification and Licensing

There are basically two kinds of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Maitland FL, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to complete and offers a general education together with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will include training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they normally take two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a four year program provide a more expansive background in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. While not required in most states, a number of employers require certification prior to hiring 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 some states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, such as California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a quality education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomy Online Schools

To begin with, let’s dispel one likely misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial portion of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Maitland FL healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-clinical part of the training can be accessed online, it could be a more convenient option for some students. As an additional benefit, some online programs are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some expenditures, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist school you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a premium education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Since you now have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already picked the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Florida school is important in addition to the tuition expense. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomy college. All of these decisions are an important part of the process for choosing a program or school. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Following are a few questions that you need to ask about all of the Maitland FL schools you are reviewing prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Florida? As previously mentioned, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Florida or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for any examinations you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of advantages to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a premium education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges in Maitland FL. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to future employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Reputation? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to check the reputations of any schools you are reviewing. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their students as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even contact a few Maitland FL area clinics or hospitals that you might have an interest in working for and see if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Florida school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Provided? First, check with 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 classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Maitland FL phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internships Provided? Ask the Florida programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with area medical facilities. They are the optimal means to get hands-on practical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Maitland FL medical community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Finding your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place most 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 Maitland FL health care community.

Are Class Times Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s critical to make sure that the ultimate program you select offers classes at times that are compatible with your active schedule. This is especially true if you choose to still work while attending college. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Maitland FL, check that they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option as well. And if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is should you have to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomist job, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the things that recruiters often ask Phlebotomy Tech candidates is "What compelled you to choose Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but also what characteristics and abilities you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you should ready a number of ideas about how you want to answer them. Because there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the strengths you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomist and the leading choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but write down several ideas and talking points that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can help you to prepare your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Find the Best Phlebotomist Course near Maitland FL

Making certain that you enroll in the right phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding health care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomy training programs can be offered in a wide range of academic institutions, such as community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide range of programs in medical care and health sciences. Course options may vary slightly from state to state as each state has its own criteria when it concerns phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must diligently research and compare each program before making your ultimate decision. By addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can pick the right program for you. And with the proper training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Maitland FL.

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