Selecting a Phlebotomist Training Program near Lexington Tennessee

Picking the right phlebotomist school near Lexington TN is an important first step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting undertaking to analyze and compare each of the training options that are available to you. However it’s necessary that you perform your due diligence to make sure that you receive a quality education. In reality, many prospective students start their search by considering two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Another option you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll review a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need 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 including reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and must be part of your decision process also. Toward that end, we will furnish a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you pick the best one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online classes.

Phlebotomist Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their principal function, there is actually far more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to check that the instruments being used are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork needs to be accurately filled out to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some Lexington TN phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are responsible for ensuring that samples are tested properly utilizing the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they can be required to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?

The quickest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are many and varied, such as Lexington TN medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be charged to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or young children to senior citizens. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a certain type of patient. For example, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be collecting blood from elderly 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 collecting blood from a wide variety of patients and would work with different patients each day.

Phlebotomist Training, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially two kinds of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Lexington TN, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to finish and provides a general education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at community and junior colleges, they normally require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a four year program furnish a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, many employers look for certification before employing technicians. Some 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 other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only supplies a premium education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomy Online Colleges

To begin with, let’s dispel one possible 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 performed either in an approved Lexington TN healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-clinical portion of the training may be attended online, it can be a more convenient alternative for some students. As an added benefit, a number of online classes are more affordable than their traditional competitors. And some costs, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized as well. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy college you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a superior education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the best choice for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomist Programs

Since you now have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already picked the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Tennessee college is important as well as the cost of tuition. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online college. All of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for choosing a school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when arriving at your decision. Following are a few questions that you should ask about all of the Lexington TN schools you are considering before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As previously mentioned, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed before working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomist program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Tennessee or the state where you will be working and preps you for any examinations you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you select should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited school aside from an assurance of a premium education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification examination administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited programs in Lexington TN. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Reputation? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to check out the reputations of all colleges you are considering. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their students as part of their job assistance program. You can screen internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even contact some Lexington TN area hospitals or clinics that you may have an interest in working for and ask if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Tennessee school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Enough Training Provided? To begin with, check with the Tennessee regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Lexington TN phlebotomy program that you are looking at should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Find out from the Tennessee colleges you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with area health care facilities. They are the optimal way to receive hands-on practical training frequently not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Lexington TN health care community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Finding your first phlebotomist job will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation along with a large network of professional contacts within the Lexington TN healthcare community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s crucial to confirm that the final program you pick provides classes at times that are compatible with your hectic schedule. This is especially true if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Lexington TN, check that they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option also. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is in case you have to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's important to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the questions that interviewers frequently ask Phlebotomist applicants is "What made you choose Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not merely the private reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what characteristics and skills you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to Phlebotomy, as well as a certain number of standard interview questions, so you must prepare a number of ideas about how you would like to answer them. Considering there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Technician and the ideal choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but jot down some concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Enroll in the Best Phlebotomist School near Lexington TN

Making sure that you enroll in the most suitable phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this gratifying medical care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior college. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs are offered in a variety of educational institutes, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive assortment of courses in medical care and health sciences. Program options can differ somewhat across the country as every state has its own criteria when it comes to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to diligently screen and compare each program prior to making your ultimate decision. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the ideal school for you. And with the proper training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Lexington TN.

Learn About Lexington Tennessee

 

 

More Interesting Tennessee Cities

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Minor Hill TN 38473

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Lynnville TN 38472

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Lewisburg TN 37091

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Pickwick Dam TN 38365

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Mount Juliet TN 37121

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Sewanee TN 37375

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Dresden TN 38225

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Bon Aqua TN 37025

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Tennessee Ridge TN 37178

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Lafayette TN 37083