Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Shannon Alabama

Picking the ideal phlebotomist school near Shannon AL is an essential initial step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting undertaking to evaluate and compare each of the school alternatives that are available to you. However it’s vital that you perform your due diligence to make sure that you get a superior education. In reality, most students begin their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional option you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors including reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and must 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 evaluating to help you choose the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomy Technician Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their primary function, there is actually so much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the tools being employed are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork needs to be accurately completed to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory screening process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some Shannon AL phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are responsible for ensuring that samples are tested properly using the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they might be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Practice?

The easiest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are numerous and diverse, including Shannon AL hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood banks. They can be tasked to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a specific kind of patient. For instance, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be drawing blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients each day.

Phlebotomy Training, Licensing and Certification

There are basically 2 types of programs that furnish phlebotomy training in Shannon AL, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to finish and provides a general education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at community and junior colleges, they usually take two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program provide a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. While not required in most states, most employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. A few 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 some states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, like Nevada and California. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a premium education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomy Online Certificates and Degrees

To start with, let’s dispel one potential misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial portion of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Shannon AL healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-clinical part of the training may be accessed online, it can be a more practical alternative for many students. As an added benefit, some online programs are more affordable than their traditional competitors. And some expenditures, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy school you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (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 disciplined enough to learn at home, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Now that you have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already selected the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Alabama campus is significant in addition to the tuition expense. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomist program. Each of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for choosing a program or school. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you need to ask about all of the Shannon AL colleges you are looking at prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As previously mentioned, 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 requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed before working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomy program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Alabama or the state where you will be working and readies you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you pick should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to an assurance of a premium education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are typically not available for non-accredited colleges in Shannon AL. Last, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to future employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Ranking? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to investigate the reputations of all schools you are looking at. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even talk to some Shannon AL area hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and see if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can contact the Alabama school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Enough Training Provided? 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 clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Shannon AL phlebotomy program that you are looking at should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums may indicate that the program is not expansive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask the Alabama colleges you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to obtain hands-on practical training often not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Shannon AL health care community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Getting your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the schools you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a high rate, signifying they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Shannon AL medical community.

Are Class Times Available as Needed? And last, it’s important to verify that the final school you pick provides classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while going to school. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Shannon AL, check that they are offered at those times. Additionally, 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 ask what the make-up policy is should you need to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers typically ask Phlebotomist applicants is "What compelled you to select Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not just the private reasons you might have for being Phlebotomist, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of standard interview questions, so you should organize several approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Given that there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the talents you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Tech and the perfiect candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down a few ideas and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Enroll in the Best Phlebotomy Program near Shannon AL

Making certain that you enroll in the right phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding medical care field. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a superior college. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are available in a number of academic institutes, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive assortment of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Course offerings can vary somewhat from state to state as each state has its own mandates when it comes to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to thoroughly screen and compare each college prior to making your final choice. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the ideal college for you. And with the proper education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Shannon AL.

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