Selecting a Phlebotomy School near Exmore Virginia
Selecting the right phlebotomy technician training near Exmore VA is a critical initial step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting task to evaluate and compare all of the school alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you perform your due diligence to make certain that you get a quality education. In fact, many students start their search by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Another factor you might consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors including accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and must be part of your decision process as well. Toward that end, we will furnish 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 cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online schools.
Phlebotomy Tech Career Summary
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their primary responsibility, there is in fact much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to confirm that the tools being used are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample needs to be correctly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork has to be properly completed to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab screening process. 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. Many Exmore VA phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are accountable for making sure that samples are tested correctly utilizing the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they may be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.
Where are Phlebotomists Employed?
The most basic response is wherever patients are treated. Their work environments are numerous and varied, such as Exmore VA medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They may be charged to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or young children to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a certain kind of patient. For instance, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be collecting blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from different patients on a daily basis.
Phlebotomist Education, Certification and Licensing
There are primarily 2 types of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in Exmore VA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to finish and furnishes a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest method 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 phlebotomist. Offered at junior and community colleges, they typically require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a 4 year program furnish a more extensive background in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. While not required in the majority of states, most employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. Some of the main 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 phlebotomy tech, including California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only offers a premium education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.
Phlebotomist Online Classes
To begin with, let’s resolve one likely misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial component of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Exmore VA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous 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 might be a more practical alternative for some students. As an additional benefit, many online schools are more affordable than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, for instance those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomy college you enroll in 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 approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the best choice for you.
Topics to Ask Phlebotomist Programs
Now that you have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already selected the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Virginia campus is important in addition to the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomy online school. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for picking a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you need to ask about all of the Exmore VA programs you are considering prior to making your ultimate selection.
Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of practical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Virginia or the state where you will be working and readies you for any examinations you may have to take.
Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you select 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 benefits to graduating from an accredited program aside from a guarantee of a premium education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools in Exmore VA. Last, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.
What is the Program’s Ranking? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of all colleges you are considering. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can screen internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even contact a few Exmore VA 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 check with the Virginia school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in full compliance.
Is Adequate Training Provided? First, check with the Virginia regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Exmore VA phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums might indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer adequate training.
Are Internship Programs Included? Find out from the Virginia programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional healthcare facilities. They are the optimal way to get hands-on clinical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Exmore VA health care community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Getting your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are reviewing offer 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 program has both a good reputation along with a large network of professional contacts within the Exmore VA health care community.
Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s crucial to make sure that the ultimate school you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you decide to still work while going to school. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Exmore VA, make certain they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option also. 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 ask what the make-up policy is in case you have to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.
Why Did You Decide to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?
When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's important to review questions you may be asked. One of the questions that interviewers often ask Phlebotomy Technician prospects is "What made you choose Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not just the personal reasons you might have for being Phlebotomist, but additionally what characteristics and skills you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you must ready some approaches about how you want to address them. Given that there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the talents you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Technician and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down a few ideas and talking points that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.Find the Best Phlebotomist Program near Exmore VA
Making sure that you choose the right phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding medical care field. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a quality school. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be offered in a variety of educational institutions, including junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide array of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. 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 diligently research and compare each college prior to making your final selection. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can select the right college for you. And with the appropriate education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Exmore VA.
Learn About Exmore Virginia
Exmore, Virginia
Exmore is the largest town in Northampton County on the Eastern Shore of the U.S. state of Virginia. The population was 1,136 at the 2000 census. A popular story is that Exmore received its name because it is the tenth railroad station south of the Delaware state line, so there were "X more" stations to go.[3] The same website also states another theory behind the town's name—that it was named for Exmoor in Devon, southwest England. This theory is more plausible because many towns and counties in Virginia were named for places in England. Northampton County itself was named for Northamptonshire, a county in the East Midlands of England.
Benjamin's Department Store and John W. Chandler House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[4]
The Virginia Barrier Island Center (BIC) offers exhaustive information on the local culture and history. Founded in 1996 and opened to visitors in 2002 on the former site of the Almshouse Farm in Machipongo 10 miles south of the town of Exmore and 20 miles north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, the BIC is a cultural center, a museum and a meeting and event place. Its mission is to preserve and perpetuate the culture and history of Virginia's barrier islands through education and the collection and interpretation of artifacts. The museum holds more than 7,500 artefacts and showcases a permanent exhibition.[5]
Exmore is located at 37°31′59″N 75°49′28″W / 37.53306°N 75.82444°W / 37.53306; -75.82444 (37.532930, -75.824474).[6]
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