Choosing a Phlebotomist Training Program near Jacksonville Texas

Choosing the right phlebotomy technician school near Jacksonville TX is an important initial step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult task to assess and compare each of the training alternatives that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you do your due diligence to make certain that you receive a superior education. In reality, many prospective students start their search by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Another option you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll review more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to remember 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 significant considerations and need to be part of your decision process also. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you select the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online training.

Phlebotomist Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their principal responsibility, there is actually far more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the instruments being used are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be correctly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork needs to be correctly filled out to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Jacksonville TX phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are in charge of ensuring that samples are analyzed correctly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they can be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?

The quickest answer is wherever there are patients. Their work places are numerous and diverse, such as Jacksonville TX hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be tasked to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a particular kind of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be collecting blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital setting would be collecting blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Training, Certification and Licensing

There are basically two kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in Jacksonville TX, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program normally takes less than a year to complete and furnishes a general education together with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at community and junior colleges, they usually take 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program offer a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will probably want to get certified. Although not required in the majority of states, many employers require certification prior to employing 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 require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, such as California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a superior education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Colleges

First, let’s resolve one possible misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant part of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Jacksonville TX healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. A large number of courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-practical component of the training can be accessed online, it can be a more convenient option for many students. As an additional benefit, many online colleges are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenditures, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be minimized as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist program you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a superior education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online may be the right option for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomy Programs

Now that you have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already chosen the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Texas campus is important in addition to the cost of tuition. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomy college. All of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for selecting a program or school. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Following are several questions that you should ask about all of the Jacksonville TX programs you are looking at prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Texas? As previously mentioned, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Texas or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded regional or national 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 a guarantee of a superior education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are typically not available for non-accredited schools in Jacksonville TX. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to investigate the reputations of any schools you are considering. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even contact some Jacksonville TX area hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and see if they can offer any insights. As a closing thought, you can check with the Texas school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Adequate Training Provided? First, contact the Texas regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Jacksonville TX phlebotomy program that you are looking at should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums may indicate that the program is not expansive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internships Included? Ask the Texas programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with area health care facilities. They are the optimal way to get hands-on practical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Jacksonville TX healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Landing your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the programs you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high 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 an extensive network of professional contacts within the Jacksonville TX healthcare community.

Are Class Times Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s crucial to confirm that the ultimate program you choose offers classes at times that are compatible with your active lifestyle. This is particularly important if you opt to still work while going to school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Jacksonville TX, make sure they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, confirm it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up policy is should you have to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician job, it's important to reflect on questions you might be asked. One of the things that interviewers often ask Phlebotomy Technician applicants is "What drove you to choose Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not only the personal reasons you may have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but also what attributes and talents you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you need to prepare several strategies about how you want to address them. Because there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomist and the best choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down some concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Select the Ideal Phlebotomy Program near Jacksonville TX

Making sure that you choose the right phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding medical care career position. As we have covered in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomist training programs can be available in a wide range of academic institutions, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive array of courses in medical care and health sciences. Program options can differ slightly from state to state as each state has its own requirements when it pertains to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must carefully research and compare each school prior to making your ultimate selection. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the best college for you. And with the proper education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Jacksonville TX.

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