Choosing a Phlebotomy Training Program near Point Harbor North Carolina

Choosing the right phlebotomist training near Point Harbor NC is a critical first step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting undertaking to investigate and compare each of the school options that are available to you. However it’s important that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you get a quality education. In reality, a large number of students start the process by considering 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional option you may consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll review more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and should be part of your selection process as well. Toward that end, we will furnish a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomy Tech Work Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their primary task, there is actually so much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to verify that the tools being employed are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork must be accurately completed in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab testing process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Many Point Harbor NC phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are in charge of making certain that samples are tested correctly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they can be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The quickest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are numerous and varied, such as Point Harbor NC medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a certain type of patient. For instance, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively 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, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients every day.

Phlebotomy Education, Certification and Licensing

There are basically 2 kinds of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Point Harbor NC, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes less than a year to complete and offers a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they typically take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a four year program offer a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will probably want to get certified. Although not mandated in most states, many employers require certification prior to employing technicians. A few 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 several states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, including California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a quality education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomist Online Schools

First, let’s dispel one possible misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant portion of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Point Harbor NC healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical component of the training can be attended online, it may be a more practical option for many students. As an added benefit, many online schools are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenditures, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced as well. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy college you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can receive a premium education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Since you now have a basic understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already chosen 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 North Carolina college is important in addition to the cost of tuition. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomy online school. All of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for selecting a school or program. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Following are a few questions that you should ask about each of the Point Harbor NC programs you are considering prior to making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to North Carolina? 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. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of practical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for North Carolina or the state where you will be working and prepares you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school 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 a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited school in addition to a guarantee of a premium education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges in Point Harbor NC. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to check out the reputations of all colleges you are reviewing. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their students as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also talk to several Point Harbor NC local hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and find out if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the North Carolina school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Provided? First, check with the North Carolina regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Point Harbor NC phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums may indicate that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask the North Carolina programs you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with area medical facilities. They are the ideal way to get hands-on clinical training typically not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Point Harbor NC health care community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Available? Landing your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Find out 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 positions, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation as well as an extensive network of professional contacts within the Point Harbor NC medical community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s important to confirm that the ultimate program you pick provides classes at times that are compatible with your hectic schedule. This is particularly important if you choose to still work while attending school. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Point Harbor NC, make certain they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, confirm it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to study 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 have to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's important to review questions you may be asked. Among the things that recruiters frequently ask Phlebotomist prospects is "What compelled you to pick Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the personal reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what qualities and skills you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you should prepare a number of ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Considering there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomist and the leading choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but take down several concepts and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right Phlebotomy Program near Point Harbor NC

Making certain that you select the most suitable phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding healthcare career position. As we have covered in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a quality school. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be available in a wide range of academic institutions, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive assortment of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Course options may differ slightly from state to state as every state has its own prerequisites when it pertains to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to diligently research and compare each school before making your ultimate choice. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the best program for you. And with the appropriate education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Point Harbor NC.

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