Selecting a Phlebotomist Training Program near Clarkston Georgia

Picking the ideal phlebotomist school near Clarkston GA is an essential first step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting undertaking to evaluate and compare all of the training alternatives that are available to you. However it’s vital that you do your due diligence to ensure that you receive a quality education. In reality, a large number of prospective students start their search by considering two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional factor you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. We’ll review a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and must be part of your decision process also. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you select the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online training.

Phlebotomy Technician Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their main duty, there is actually far more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the instruments being employed are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample needs to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork needs to be properly completed 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 in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Many Clarkston GA phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are in charge of making sure that samples are tested properly utilizing the strictest quality control 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 do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?

The quickest response is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are numerous and varied, such as Clarkston GA medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting samples from a specific type of patient. For instance, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians working 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.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Licensing and Certification

There are basically two types of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Clarkston GA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes under a year to complete and provides a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they typically require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program offer a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. While not required in most states, a number of employers require certification before 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 several states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, like California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a superior education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomy Colleges

First, let’s dispel one potential mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant part of the course of study will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Clarkston GA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. A large number of courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-clinical portion of the training can be attended online, it could be a more practical option for some students. As an additional benefit, many online schools are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some costs, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened also. Just verify that the online phlebotomy college you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a premium education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the best choice for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Now that you have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already selected the kind of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Georgia school is significant as well as the cost of tuition. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomist online school. All of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for picking a school or program. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you should ask about all of the Clarkston GA colleges you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Georgia? As earlier discussed, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for Georgia or the state where you will be working and prepares you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you pick should be accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited program aside from an assurance of a superior education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam administered 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 colleges in Clarkston GA. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to check out the reputations of any schools you are looking at. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can research internet school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also talk to several Clarkston GA area hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and ask if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can contact the Georgia school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Adequate Training Provided? First, check with the Georgia regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any Clarkston GA phlebotomist program that you are looking at should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums may indicate that the program is not expansive enough to furnish adequate training.

Are Internships Provided? Find out from the Georgia programs you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional medical facilities. They are the optimal means to receive hands-on clinical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Clarkston GA medical community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Available? Landing your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the colleges you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation along with a large network of professional contacts within the Clarkston GA health care community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it’s crucial to verify that the final school you choose provides classes at times that are compatible with your active lifestyle. This is especially true if you opt to still work while attending school. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Clarkston GA, make sure they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option also. And if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is should you have to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Phlebotomist?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's important to reflect on questions you might be asked. One of the things that hiring managers frequently ask Phlebotomist applicants is "What compelled you to select Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not merely the private reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomist, but additionally what qualities and abilities you have that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, in addition to a significant number of general interview questions, so you must ready several approaches about how you want to respond to them. Considering there are so many variables 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 appeals to you as well as the talents you possess that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but jot down a few concepts and talking points that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Choose the Right Phlebotomy Course near Clarkston GA

Making sure that you enroll in the right phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding medical care career position. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomist training programs can be found in a number of educational institutions, such as community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive assortment of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Program offerings can differ somewhat across the country as every state has its own requirements when it concerns phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly screen and compare each program 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 pick the right college for you. And with the appropriate education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Clarkston GA.

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