Selecting a Phlebotomist School near Loxley Alabama

Selecting the right phlebotomy technician training near Loxley AL is an important first step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting undertaking to evaluate and compare each of the training options that are available to you. However it’s important that you perform your due diligence to ensure that you receive a quality education. In reality, many prospective students start their search by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Another factor you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors such as accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and need to be part of your decision process too. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you choose the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our discussion about online training.

Phlebotomist Career Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. While that is their primary function, there is actually much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to confirm that the tools being used are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, 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 may be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some Loxley AL phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are responsible for making certain that samples are analyzed correctly under the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they can be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?

The quickest response is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are numerous and varied, including Loxley AL medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood banks. They can be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a particular type of patient. For example, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns solely. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be collecting blood from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients every day.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Licensing and Certification

There are basically 2 types of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Loxley AL, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes under a year to finish and furnishes a general education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they typically take two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program offer a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to get certified. While not mandated in most states, most employers require certification before hiring technicians. Some of the main certifying agencies include:

• National Phlebotomy Association
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• American Medical Technologists (AMT)

There are some states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, including Nevada and California. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only offers a superior education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomy Schools

First, let’s resolve one potential mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial portion of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Loxley AL 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 accessed online, it may be a more convenient alternative for some students. As an additional benefit, some online colleges are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some expenditures, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just verify that the online phlebotomy school you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a premium education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomist Programs

Now that you have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already chosen the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Alabama college is significant in addition to the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomist college. All of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for selecting a program or school. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you need to ask about all of the Loxley AL colleges you are looking at prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Alabama or the state where you will be working and readies you for any examinations you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you choose should be accredited by a reputable regional or national accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited program aside from a guarantee of a premium education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to take a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are often not available for non-accredited programs in Loxley AL. Finally, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to future employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s important to check the reputations of all colleges you are considering. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also contact several Loxley AL area clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and see if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can contact the Alabama school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Enough Training Included? First, check with the Alabama regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Loxley AL phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Find out from the Alabama schools you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with area health care facilities. They are the optimal means to receive hands-on clinical training frequently not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Loxley AL health care community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Landing your first phlebotomist position will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the colleges you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, signifying they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation along with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Loxley AL health care community.

Are Class Times Conveniently Scheduled? And last, it’s critical to verify that the final program you pick offers classes at times that are compatible with your active schedule. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Loxley AL, make certain they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option also. Even if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is should you need to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Phlebotomist?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician job, it's helpful to reflect on questions you might be asked. One of the things that recruiters often ask Phlebotomy Tech applicants is "What drove you to choose Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what characteristics and talents you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you should ready some ideas about how you would like to address them. Because there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the strengths you have that make you an outstanding Phlebotomist and the perfiect candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down several ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Enroll in the Ideal Phlebotomy Course near Loxley AL

Making certain that you choose the right phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding health care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium program. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs are available in a wide range of educational institutions, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide assortment of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program options may differ slightly across the country as each state has its own requirements when it pertains to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must carefully evaluate and compare each college before making your final choice. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the right college for you. And with the proper training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Loxley AL.

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