Choosing a Phlebotomy Training Program near Prentiss Mississippi

Choosing the ideal phlebotomist school near Prentiss MS is a critical first step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a challenging undertaking to assess and compare each of the training alternatives that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you obtain a quality education. In reality, most potential students start the process by considering two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another option you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables including reputation and accreditation 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 should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing 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 resume our discussion about online schools.

Phlebotomy Technician Career Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. While that is their primary responsibility, there is actually much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must confirm that the instruments being used are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork must be correctly filled out in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory testing 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 pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Many Prentiss MS phlebotomists actually work in labs and are in charge of ensuring that samples are analyzed correctly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they may be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The quickest answer is wherever patients are treated. Their work places are many and varied, such as Prentiss MS hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be charged to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to seniors. A number of phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a specific type of patient. For instance, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be collecting blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting blood from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients each day.

Phlebotomy Education, Certification and Licensing

There are primarily 2 kinds of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Prentiss MS, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to complete and furnishes 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 specifically a phlebotomy degree, will include training to become a phlebotomy tech. Available at community and junior colleges, they normally require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program provide a more expansive background in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. Although not mandated in most states, most employers require certification before employing technicians. Some of the primary certifying agencies 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 in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, including California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you pick a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a quality education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Classes

To start with, let’s resolve one likely mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant component of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Prentiss MS healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-clinical part of the training can be attended online, it may be a more practical alternative for many students. As an added benefit, some online classes are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, for instance those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized also. Just confirm that the online phlebotomy program you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can receive a quality education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal option for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Now that you have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already decided on the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Mississippi campus is important in addition to the tuition expense. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomist online program. All of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for selecting a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Following are a few questions that you need to ask about each of the Prentiss MS programs you are looking at prior to making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As mentioned previously, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states call for certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Mississippi or the state where you will be working and preps you for all examinations you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you select should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited school in addition to an assurance of a superior education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are often not available for non-accredited schools in Prentiss MS. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are looking at. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can research online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also talk to several Prentiss MS area hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and ask if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the Mississippi school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Ample Training Provided? To begin with, contact the Mississippi 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 Prentiss MS phlebotomy program that you are considering should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out from the Mississippi colleges you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with local healthcare facilities. They are the optimal way to get hands-on practical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Prentiss MS medical community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Getting your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation as well as a substantial network of professional contacts within the Prentiss MS healthcare community.

Are Classes Available as Needed? And last, it’s critical to confirm that the ultimate school you choose offers classes at times that are compatible with your busy schedule. This is particularly true if you opt to still work while going to school. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Prentiss MS, make certain they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm 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 policy is in case you need to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Desire to Become a Phlebotomist?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's helpful to review questions you may be asked. One of the questions that interviewers frequently ask Phlebotomy Tech prospects is "What compelled you to decide on Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what qualities and talents you possess that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of typical interview questions, so you need to prepare several ideas about how you want to answer them. Considering there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the abilities you have that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Tech and the best choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but write down a few concepts and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can help you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Select the Ideal Phlebotomist Course near Prentiss MS

Making sure that you pick the right phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding healthcare career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a superior college. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are offered in a variety of educational institutions, including junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive array of courses in medical care and health sciences. Program offerings can differ slightly from state to state as every state has its own criteria when it comes to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you need to thoroughly screen and compare each college before 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 ideal program for you. And with the proper training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Prentiss MS.

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