Selecting a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Clearfield Utah

Enrolling in the right phlebotomy training near Clearfield UT is a critical initial step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging undertaking to analyze and compare each of the training options that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you get a superior education. In reality, a large number of potential students start the process by considering two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another option you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll review a bit more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is much more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors including reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and must be part of your decision process too. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you select the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online classes.

Phlebotomy Technician Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their principal duty, there is actually far more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the tools being utilized are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork must be accurately completed in order 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 Clearfield UT phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are responsible for making certain that samples are tested correctly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they can be required to train other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The quickest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work environments are numerous and varied, including Clearfield UT medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood banks. They can be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing blood from a specific type of patient. For instance, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide variety of patients and would work with new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Education, Licensing and Certification

There are basically 2 kinds of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Clearfield UT, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to complete and provides a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest means 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 on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they usually take two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a four year program provide a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will probably want to become certified. Although not mandated in the majority of states, a number of employers look for certification before employing technicians. A few of the principal certifying organizations include:

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

There are several states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, such as Nevada and California. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only supplies a premium education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomist Online Training

To start with, let’s dispel one likely misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial portion of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Clearfield UT healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. A large number of courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-clinical part of the training may be attended online, it may be a more practical option for many students. As an additional benefit, many online schools are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist school you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can receive a premium education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online might be the best choice for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomy Programs

Now that you have a basic understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, 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 degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Utah campus is important in addition to the tuition expense. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomist program. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for choosing a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Following are several questions that you need to ask about all of the Clearfield UT programs you are looking at prior to making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Utah? As earlier discussed, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for Utah or the state where you will be working and preps you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting organization, such as 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 quality education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Clearfield UT. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Reputation? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to investigate the reputations of all schools you are considering. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even contact several Clearfield UT area hospitals or clinics that you may have an interest in working for and ask if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the Utah school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Provided? First, check with the Utah regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any Clearfield UT phlebotomist program that you are considering should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything lower than these minimums might signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out from the Utah colleges you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with area medical facilities. They are the optimal means to obtain hands-on practical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Clearfield UT 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 schools 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 positions, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation along with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Clearfield UT health care community.

Are Classes Available as Needed? Finally, it’s critical to verify that the ultimate school you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Clearfield UT, check that they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option also. And if you have decided to study online, with the practical 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 need to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Phlebotomist?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician job, it's advantageous to consider questions you may be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomy Technician candidates is "What drove you to pick Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not only the personal reasons you might have for being Phlebotomist, but also what characteristics and skills you have that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of routine interview questions, so you should organize some approaches about how you want to respond to them. Because there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Tech and the best candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down several ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can help you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Select the Ideal Phlebotomy College near Clearfield UT

Making certain that you choose the ideal phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this fulfilling medical care career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a quality program. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be offered in a number of academic institutions, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive range of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program options can differ somewhat across the country as every state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to carefully research and compare each college before making your final selection. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can select the right school for you. And with the appropriate training, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Clearfield UT.

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