Picking a Phlebotomist Training Program near Lebanon Tennessee

Selecting the right phlebotomy technician school near Lebanon TN is an essential initial step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult task to assess and compare all of the school alternatives that are available to you. However it’s vital that you perform your due diligence to make certain that you receive a quality education. In fact, many students begin their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Another option you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll review more about online schools later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and need to be part of your selection process as well. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you choose the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online schools.

Phlebotomist Work Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their principal responsibility, there is actually much more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must verify that the instruments being utilized are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork must be properly completed to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing procedure. The phlebotomist then transports 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. A number of Lebanon TN phlebotomists actually work in labs and are accountable for ensuring that samples are tested properly under the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they can be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The easiest answer is wherever patients are treated. Their work places are many and diverse, such as Lebanon TN hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They may be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to seniors. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a particular kind of patient. For instance, 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 exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide variety of patients and would work with different patients every day.

Phlebotomy Training, Certification and Licensing

There are basically 2 kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in Lebanon TN, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to complete and furnishes a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest method to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at community and junior colleges, they typically require 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program provide a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, most employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. A few of the primary certifying agencies include:

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

There are a few states that do call for 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 important that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only furnishes a premium education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomy Online Certificates and Degrees

To begin with, let’s dispel one likely misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant part of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Lebanon TN healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-clinical part of the training can be accessed online, it may be a more convenient alternative for many students. As an additional benefit, many online colleges are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some costs, for instance those for textbooks or commuting, may be lowered also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomist school you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a premium education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Since you now 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 decided on the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Tennessee school is important as well as the tuition expense. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomist program. Each of these decisions are an important component of the process for choosing a program or school. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you need to ask about all of the Lebanon TN colleges you are considering before making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you might have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Tennessee or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for all examinations you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you pick should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited program aside from a guarantee of a premium education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to take a certification examination offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are often unavailable for non-accredited programs in Lebanon TN. Last, graduating from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are reviewing. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job assistance program. You can research internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also check with a few Lebanon TN area clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and find out if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the Tennessee school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Enough Training Provided? First, contact the Tennessee regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any Lebanon TN phlebotomy program that you are looking at should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internships Included? Ask the Tennessee schools you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with local medical facilities. They are the ideal way to receive hands-on clinical training typically not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Lebanon TN healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Getting your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Find out if the colleges you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation along with a large network of professional contacts within the Lebanon TN health care community.

Are Class Times Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s important to verify that the ultimate school you pick provides classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is especially true if you choose to continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Lebanon TN, check that they are available 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 attend online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is in case you need to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's a good idea to review questions you may be asked. Among the questions that recruiters often ask Phlebotomy Tech prospects is "What drove you to pick Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not just the private reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what characteristics and talents you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, in addition to a significant number of typical interview questions, so you need to organize several ideas about how you want to address them. Considering there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the abilities you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomist and the leading choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but jot down several ideas and topics that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Find the Best Phlebotomist School near Lebanon TN

Making certain that you pick the most suitable phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this rewarding medical care career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a quality program. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be available in a number of academic institutions, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive assortment of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program offerings can vary slightly across the country as each state has its own prerequisites when it pertains to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must carefully screen and compare each program before making your final choice. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can select the ideal college for you. And with the appropriate training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Lebanon TN.

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