Picking a Phlebotomy Training Program near Oldsmar Florida

Selecting the ideal phlebotomy training near Oldsmar FL is an important first step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult task to evaluate and compare all of the school options that are available to you. However it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you obtain a quality education. In reality, many prospective students begin their search by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Another option you might consider is whether to attend classes online 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 a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors including reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and should be part of your decision process also. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you select the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online training.

Phlebotomist Work Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their principal duty, there is in fact much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to check that the tools being employed are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample has to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork has to be properly filled out in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory screening 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 Oldsmar FL phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are accountable for making sure that samples are tested correctly using the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they may be required to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The simplest answer is wherever there are patients. Their work places are many and diverse, including Oldsmar FL medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be charged to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or young children to seniors. A number of phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a particular kind of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be collecting blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients every day.

Phlebotomy Training, Licensing and Certification

There are primarily 2 types of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Oldsmar FL, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to complete and furnishes a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they usually require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program furnish a more extensive background in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. Although not required in the majority of states, a number of employers require certification before employing technicians. Some of the main 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 in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, such as California and Nevada. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s important that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a superior education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Certificates and Degrees

To begin with, let’s dispel one potential mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A good component of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Oldsmar FL healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-practical part of the training may be attended online, it can be a more practical option for many students. As an added benefit, many online classes are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenses, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be minimized as well. Just verify that the online phlebotomy college you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Now that you have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already decided on the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Florida school is important in addition to the tuition expense. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomy college. All of these decisions are an important component of the procedure for picking a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you should ask about each of the Oldsmar FL schools you are considering prior to making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for Florida or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for all exams you may be required to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited school in addition to a guarantee of a superior education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Oldsmar FL. Last, 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 Program’s Reputation? 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 the reputations of any colleges you are looking at. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their students as part of their job assistance program. You can screen internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even talk to several Oldsmar FL local clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and ask if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the Florida school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Adequate Training Included? First, check with the Florida regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Oldsmar FL phlebotomist program that you are looking at should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out from the Florida programs you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with area health care facilities. They are the ideal way to get hands-on clinical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Oldsmar FL health care community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Finding your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Oldsmar FL health care community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s critical to make sure that the final school you select offers classes at times that are compatible with your hectic schedule. This is especially true if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Oldsmar FL, make sure they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, verify 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 completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is in case you have to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Want to Be a Phlebotomist?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's advantageous to consider questions you could be asked. One of the things that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomy Tech candidates is "What made you decide on Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not only the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what attributes and abilities you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, in addition to a significant number of typical interview questions, so you need to prepare several ideas about how you want to respond to them. Since there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but take down several concepts and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can help you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Enroll in the Ideal Phlebotomy School near Oldsmar FL

Making certain that you select the right phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this fulfilling medical care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a superior school. Phlebotomist training programs are offered in a variety of academic institutions, including junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide range of programs in medical care and health sciences. Course offerings may differ a bit across the country as each state has its own mandates when it comes to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must carefully research and compare each school prior to making your final choice. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the best program for you. And with the appropriate education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Oldsmar FL.

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