Phlebotomy Training Schools near Lancaster SC 29720

Picking a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Lancaster South Carolina

Lancaster SC phlebotomist taking blood sampleEnrolling in the ideal phlebotomist training near Lancaster SC is an important first step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a challenging undertaking to investigate and compare each of the training alternatives that are available to you. However it’s important that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you obtain a quality education. In reality, most students start their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another option you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll talk more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is much more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables including reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and must be part of your decision process also. To assist in that effort, we will furnish a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you pick the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our conversation about online schools.

Phlebotomy Technician Job Description

Lancaster SC phlebotomist testing blood sampleA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. While that is their main responsibility, there is in fact far more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must verify that the tools being utilized are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork has to be properly filled out in order to track the sample from the point 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 screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some Lancaster SC phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are responsible for making certain that samples are analyzed correctly under the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they may be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The easiest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are many and varied, such as Lancaster SC medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or young children to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a particular kind of patient. For example, those practicing 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 drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital setting would be collecting blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Certification and Licensing

Lancaster SC phlebotomist holding blood sampleThere are primarily two types of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Lancaster SC, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to complete 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 phlebotomist degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomist. Offered at community and junior colleges, they typically require 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program provide a more expansive background in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will probably want to get certified. Although not mandated in the majority of states, most employers look for 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 some states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, such as California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a quality education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomist Online Classes

attending phlebotomy training online in Lancaster SCTo start with, let’s resolve one potential mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant part of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Lancaster SC healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-clinical component of the training can be attended online, it could be a more practical alternative for many students. As an added benefit, some online programs are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some costs, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened as well. Just verify that the online phlebotomy college you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a quality education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Now that you have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already decided on the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the South Carolina campus is relevant in addition to the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomist school. All of these decisions are an important component of the process for choosing a program or school. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Following are a few questions that you need to ask about each of the Lancaster SC programs you are considering prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? 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 prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that satisfies the state specific requirements for South Carolina or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for any exams you may be required to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting organization, for example 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. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to take a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited programs in Lancaster SC. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to check out the reputations of any colleges 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 assistance program. You can research internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also contact some Lancaster SC area clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and see if they can provide any insights. As a closing thought, you can check with the South Carolina school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Ample Training Provided? First, check with the South Carolina regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Lancaster SC phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums might signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internships Provided? Find out from the South Carolina programs you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with area healthcare facilities. They are the ideal means to get hands-on practical training often not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Lancaster SC medical community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Finding your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the colleges you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation as well as a substantial network of professional contacts within the Lancaster SC health care community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s critical to confirm that the final program you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your busy schedule. This is especially important if you decide to still work while going to college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Lancaster SC, make sure they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option as well. And if you have decided to study 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 in case you need to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the things that recruiters frequently ask Phlebotomy Tech candidates is "What made you decide on Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not merely the private reasons you may have for being Phlebotomist, but additionally what qualities and talents you have that make you good at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of typical interview questions, so you must organize a number of ideas about how you would like to address them. Because there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the talents you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Technician and the leading candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down several concepts and topics that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Enroll in the Ideal Phlebotomist Course near Lancaster SC

Making certain that you select the right phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding medical care field. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are available in a wide range of academic institutes, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive assortment of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Program offerings may differ slightly across the country as each state has its own mandates when it concerns phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to diligently research and compare each college before making your ultimate decision. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the right school for you. And with the proper training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Lancaster SC.

Learn About Lancaster South Carolina

Lancaster, South Carolina

The city of Lancaster /ˈleɪŋkəstər/ is the county seat of Lancaster County, South Carolina, United States, located in the Charlotte Metropolitan Area. As of the United States Census of 2010, the city population was 9,134 but due to South Carolina's strict annexation laws its actual population is well over twenty thousand people. The city was named after the famous House of Lancaster. Locally, Lancaster is pronounced /ˈleɪŋkəstər/ LAYN-kəs-tər, rather than the usual American pronunciation /ˈlænkæstər/ LAN-kas-tər. The modern British pronunciation is /ˈlæŋkæstər/ LANG-kas-tər.

The Robert Barnwell Allison House, Craig House, Cureton House, Thomas Walker Huey House, Lancaster Cotton Oil Company, Lancaster County Courthouse, Lancaster County Jail, Lancaster Downtown Historic District, Lancaster Presbyterian Church, Mount Carmel A.M.E. Zion Campground, North Carolina-South Carolina Cornerstone, Perry-McIlwain-McDow House, Leroy Springs House, Wade-Beckham House, and Waxhaw Presbyterian Church Cemetery are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[4][5]

Lancaster is located at 34°43′16″N 80°46′24″W / 34.72111°N 80.77333°W / 34.72111; -80.77333 (34.721100, -80.773315).[6]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.9 square miles (15 km2), of which 5.8 square miles (15 km2) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km2) (1.36%) is water.

 

 

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