Picking a Phlebotomy School near Herndon Virginia

Picking the right phlebotomy technician training near Herndon VA is a critical initial step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult undertaking to analyze and compare all of the training alternatives that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s vital that you perform your due diligence to make sure that you obtain a superior education. In reality, many students start their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional option you might consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is far more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your selection process too. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you pick the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online training.

Phlebotomy Tech Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their main function, there is actually much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to confirm that the tools being used are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork needs to be properly filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory screening procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Herndon VA phlebotomists actually work in labs and are responsible for ensuring that samples are tested properly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they may be asked to train other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The most basic answer is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are many and diverse, including Herndon VA medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be tasked to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, based on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a certain kind of patient. For instance, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.

Phlebotomy Training, Licensing and Certification

There are basically two types of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Herndon VA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to complete and furnishes a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomist. Offered at community and junior colleges, they normally require 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a four year program offer a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will probably want to be certified. While not required in the majority of states, a number of employers look for certification before employing technicians. Some of the primary 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 in order to practice as a phlebotomist, such as Nevada and California. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a superior education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Classes

To begin with, let’s resolve one likely misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant component of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Herndon VA 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. But since the non-practical portion of the training may be accessed online, it could be a more convenient alternative for many students. As an added benefit, some online classes are less expensive than their on-campus competitors. And some costs, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy program you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal option for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomy Programs

Since you now have a basic understanding 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 Virginia school is significant as well as the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomist college. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for selecting a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Following are several questions that you should ask about each of the Herndon VA colleges you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection.

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

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a quality education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to take a certification examination offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Herndon VA. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Reputation? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to check the reputations of all colleges you are looking at. 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 research online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also contact several Herndon VA local clinics or hospitals that you might have an interest in working for and see if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the Virginia school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Adequate Training Provided? To begin with, contact the Virginia regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Herndon VA phlebotomy program that you are looking at should furnish 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 offer sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Find out from the Virginia colleges you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with local health care facilities. They are the optimal way to get hands-on clinical training frequently not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Herndon VA healthcare community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Finding your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Find out if the programs you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation together with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Herndon VA medical community.

Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s crucial to confirm that the ultimate program you select offers classes at times that are compatible with your active schedule. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while going to college. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Herndon VA, check that they are available 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 study online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is should you need to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Phlebotomist?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's helpful to review questions you might be asked. One of the things that interviewers often ask Phlebotomy Technician candidates is "What compelled you to select Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the private reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomist, but also what qualities and talents you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, in addition to a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to prepare some ideas about how you want to address them. Because there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you along with the strengths you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Technician and the perfiect choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but take down a few concepts and topics that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Choose the Right Phlebotomy Program near Herndon VA

Making certain that you select the right phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this gratifying health care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior school. Phlebotomist training programs are found in a wide range of educational institutes, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive assortment of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Program options can differ a bit from state to state as every state has its own prerequisites when it concerns phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to diligently screen and compare each school before making your ultimate selection. By addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can pick the right program for you. And with the proper education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Herndon VA.

Learn About Herndon Virginia

 

 

More Interesting Virginia Cities

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Lunenburg VA 23952

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Newport News VA 23601

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Clintwood VA 24228

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Kenbridge VA 23944

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Elkton VA 22827

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Waverly VA 23890

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Warrenton VA 20186

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Lovettsville VA 20180

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Saltville VA 24370

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Petersburg VA 23803