Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician Course near Norcross Georgia

Enrolling in the right phlebotomist training near Norcross GA is an essential first step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging undertaking to evaluate and compare each of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s vital that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you get a quality education. In fact, most potential students begin the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. 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 schools later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and must be part of your selection process too. Toward that end, we will supply 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 before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online classes.

Phlebotomy Tech Career Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their primary function, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must verify that the tools being used are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork must be accurately filled out to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab screening procedure. The phlebotomist then transports 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. Many Norcross GA phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are accountable for making certain that samples are tested correctly using the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they can be required to train other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The quickest response is wherever patients are treated. Their work places are many and diverse, such as Norcross GA hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood banks. They can be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a particular type of patient. For instance, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomists working in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.

Phlebotomy Education, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially 2 types of programs that furnish phlebotomy training in Norcross GA, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to complete and offers a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they usually take two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a four 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, most employers require certification before employing technicians. Some of the key certifying agencies 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, like California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you pick a phlebotomist training program that not only provides a quality education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Schools

First, let’s dispel one potential mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial part of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Norcross GA 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 prior to graduation. But since the non-practical portion of the training can be attended online, it could be a more practical option for many students. As an added benefit, a number of online schools are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenses, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomist school you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can receive a premium education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Now that you have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already decided on the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Georgia campus is relevant as well as the cost of tuition. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomy online program. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for choosing a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Following are some questions that you need to ask about all of the Norcross GA schools you are considering before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Georgia? As earlier discussed, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed before working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomy program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Georgia or the state where you will be working and preps you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded regional or national accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited school in addition to a guarantee of a quality education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Norcross GA. Last, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to future 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 in addition to accreditation, it’s important to check the reputations of all colleges 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 also. You can also talk to some Norcross GA area clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and ask if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the Georgia school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Adequate Training Included? To begin with, check with the Georgia 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. At a minimum, any Norcross GA phlebotomist 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 below these minimums may indicate that the program is not expansive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internships Included? Find out from the Georgia programs 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 typically not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Norcross GA healthcare community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Getting your first phlebotomist job will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the colleges you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school 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 along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Norcross GA medical community.

Are Class Times Available as Needed? Finally, it’s critical to make sure that the final school you pick offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is especially true if you decide to still work while going to school. If you need to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Norcross GA, make certain they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, confirm it is an option as well. And if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is in case you have to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomist job, it's important to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the things that hiring managers typically ask Phlebotomy Tech candidates is "What made you pick Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not only the private reasons you may have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but also what qualities and talents you possess that make you good at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you must ready a number of ideas about how you want to respond to them. Since there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the talents you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Technician and the best choice for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down some ideas and talking points that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Enroll in the Right Phlebotomist Course near Norcross GA

Making sure that you pick the most suitable phlebotomy training is a critical 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 training programs can be offered in a wide range of educational institutions, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive array of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Program options may differ slightly from state to state as each state has its own mandates when it comes to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to thoroughly screen and compare each college before making your final selection. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the ideal school for you. And with the appropriate education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Norcross GA.

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