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Phlebotomist Training
How to Pick the Right One Near Scottsboro Alabama 

Scottsboro Alabama phlebotomy tech taking blood sample from patient's armAn important first step you must take to enter the rewarding healthcare profession of phlebotomy is to select the right phlebotomy training near Scottsboro AL. It might seem like a daunting task to investigate and compare all of the school alternatives that are available to you. Notwithstanding, to guarantee that you will get a first-rate education you must perform a detailed audit prior to making your selection. In reality, most students start their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. And if you will commute to classes or attend them online is another consideration as well. Online classes will be covered in greater detail a bit later. So when assessing phlebotomist training programs, cost and location must not be the only criteria you are looking at. Other variables including reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and should be part of your selection process as well. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you select the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let's cover education options, licensing and certification, and online training.

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Phlebotomy Training, Licensing and Certification

Scottsboro Alabama phlebotomist sorting test tube samples in rack

There are essentially 2 types of programs that furnish phlebotomist training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program normally takes less than a year to complete and furnishes a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomist. Available at community and junior colleges, they typically take 2 years to finish. Bachelor's Degrees are not as accessible and as a 4 year program provide a more expansive background in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will probably want to be certified. While not required in the majority of states, most Scottsboro AL employers look for 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 a few states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, including California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it's important that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only furnishes a quality education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomy Online Schools

Scottsboro Alabama female student attending phlebotomy courses onlineTo begin with, let's dispel one potential misconception. You can't obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial portion of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved healthcare facility or an on-campus lab. Many courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical part of the training can be attended online, it might be a more convenient alternative for some Scottsboro AL students. As an additional benefit, many online schools are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenditures, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced also. Just verify that the online phlebotomist program you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a superior education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.

Points 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 may have already selected the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the campus is relevant if you will be commuting from Scottsboro AL as well as the cost of tuition. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomist program. Each of these decisions are an important part of the process for picking a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you should ask about all of the schools you are considering before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it's very important to select a phlebotomist program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Alabama 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 choose should be accredited by a respected national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited school aside from an assurance of a superior education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are often not available for non-accredited schools. Finally, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to future employers in the Scottsboro AL job market.

What is the College's Reputation? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it's essential to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are reviewing. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even contact some Scottsboro AL hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and find out if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the Alabama school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Provided? To begin with, check with the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums may signify that the program is not expansive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internships Included? Find out from the colleges you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with area medical facilities. They are the optimal means to obtain hands-on clinical training often not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students develop relationships within the local Scottsboro AL healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Landing your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the colleges you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it's an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Scottsboro AL medical community.

Are Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it's crucial to make sure that the final school you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is particularly true if you opt to continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Scottsboro AL, make sure they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option also. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up procedure is should you need to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Learn More About Becoming a Phlebotomist in Scottsboro

Enroll in the Right Scottsboro Phlebotomist Training Program

Making sure that you pick the most suitable phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this gratifying health care field. As we have covered in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be available in a wide range of academic institutions, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive range of programs in medical care and health sciences. Program offerings can differ somewhat across the country as every state has its own criteria when it comes to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you need to thoroughly evaluate and compare each program prior to making your ultimate decision. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the best phlebotomist college for you. And with the appropriate training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Scottsboro Alabama.





 

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