Selecting a Phlebotomy Technician Course near Reno Nevada

Selecting the ideal phlebotomist training near Reno NV is an essential initial step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult task to analyze and compare each of the training alternatives that are available to you. However it’s important that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you receive a superior education. In fact, a large number of prospective students begin the process by considering two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional factor you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll review more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is far 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 need to be part of your decision process as well. Toward that end, we will furnish a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you pick the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online training.

Phlebotomist Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. While that is their principal responsibility, there is in fact much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to confirm that the instruments being utilized are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork has to be properly filled out to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory screening procedure. 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. Some Reno NV phlebotomists actually work in labs and are in charge of making sure that samples are analyzed properly utilizing the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they may be asked to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The easiest answer is wherever patients are treated. Their work environments are numerous and varied, such as Reno NV hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood banks. They can be charged to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to senior citizens. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a certain type of patient. For instance, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be collecting blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns solely. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital environment would be collecting blood from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Training, Certification and Licensing

There are basically two kinds of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Reno NV, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes under a year to finish and offers a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomist. Available at community and junior colleges, they normally take two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program offer a more expansive background in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will probably want to become certified. Although not required in most states, many employers look for 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 some states that do call for 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 select a phlebotomy training program that not only furnishes a quality education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Training

To begin with, let’s resolve one potential misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial component of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Reno NV 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 in order to graduate. However since the non-practical component of the training may be accessed online, it may be a more convenient alternative for some students. As an added benefit, a number of online schools are more affordable than their traditional competitors. And some costs, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced as well. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy program you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a quality education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the best choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomist Programs

Now that you have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already chosen the kind of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Nevada school is relevant as well as the cost of tuition. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomy online college. Each of these decisions are an important component of the process for choosing a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you should ask about all of the Reno NV colleges you are considering prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Nevada? As previously mentioned, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomy program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Nevada or the state where you will be working and readies you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded regional or national 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 aside from a guarantee of a superior education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to take a certification exam administered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are typically not available for non-accredited schools in Reno NV. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Reputation? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to check out the reputations of all colleges you are looking at. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job assistance program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also talk to several Reno NV local clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and find out if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Nevada school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Enough Training Provided? First, contact the Nevada regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Reno NV phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums may indicate that the program is not expansive enough to furnish adequate training.

Are Internships Provided? Find out from the Nevada schools you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with area health care facilities. They are the optimal means to get hands-on practical training typically not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Reno NV healthcare community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Getting your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Find out if the programs you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation as well as a substantial network of professional contacts within the Reno NV healthcare community.

Are Class Times Available as Needed? Finally, it’s crucial to verify that the final school you select provides classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is particularly true if you choose to continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Reno NV, make sure they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option also. 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 need to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Phlebotomist?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician job, it's a good idea to consider questions you might be asked. Among the things that recruiters frequently ask Phlebotomy Technician prospects is "What compelled you to select Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not only the personal reasons you might have for being Phlebotomist, but also what qualities and talents you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to Phlebotomy, in addition to a significant number of general interview questions, so you should organize some ideas about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the talents you possess that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down several ideas and talking points that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Enroll in the Ideal Phlebotomy Course near Reno NV

Making certain that you choose the ideal phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this fulfilling health care field. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomist training programs are available in a variety of educational institutes, including junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive range of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Program options may differ slightly from state to state as each state has its own criteria when it pertains to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must diligently research and compare each college before making your final selection. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the right program for you. And with the appropriate education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Reno NV.

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