Phlebotomist Training
How to Choose the Right One Near Scottsdale Arizona 

Selecting the right phlebotomy training near Scottsdale AZ is a critical first step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a challenging undertaking to assess and compare each of the training options that are accessible to you. Notwithstanding, to guarantee that you receive a top-notch education you must perform your due diligence before making your decision. In reality, a large number of potential students start their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Whether you will drive to classes or participate online is another consideration as well. We'll discuss more about online schools later in this article. So when assessing phlebotomy training programs, cost and location shouldn’t be the sole criteria you are looking at. Researching if the program is accredited or if the school has a job assistance program must also be part of your evaluation process. To assist in that effort, we will furnish a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the right one for you. But before we do that, let's cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our conversation about online schools.

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Phlebotomy Technician Career Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their primary responsibility, there is actually far more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the instruments being used are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient's data. Next, paperwork needs to be accurately completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory screening process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some phlebotomists actually work in Scottsdale AZ labs and are in charge of making certain that samples are tested properly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren't enough duties, they can be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Phlebotomy Training, Licensing and Certification

There are primarily two types of programs that furnish phlebotomist training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes less than a year to finish and provides a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at community and junior colleges, they normally take two years to finish. Bachelor's Degrees are not as accessible and as a four year program offer a more extensive background in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will probably want to be certified. While not required in most states, many Scottsdale AZ employers look for certification before hiring technicians. Some of the main certifying agencies include:

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

There are several states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, including Nevada and California. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it's essential that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only offers a premium education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomist Schools

To start with, let's resolve one likely misconception. You can't receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A good part of the course of study will be practical training and it will be conducted either in 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-clinical component of the training can be attended online, it could be a more practical option for some Scottsdale AZ students. As an added benefit, some online classes are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some costs, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist college you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the ideal option for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Now that you have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it's time to start your due diligence process. You may have already decided on the kind of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the college is significant if you will be commuting from Scottsdale AZ as well as the cost of tuition. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomy school. Each of these decisions are an important part of the process for choosing a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Following are some questions that you should ask about all of the programs you are considering prior to making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Arizona? As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it's extremely important to choose a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for Arizona or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a premium education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the Scottsdale AZ job market.

What is the Program's Ranking? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it's important to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are reviewing. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also contact a few Scottsdale AZ clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and find out if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the Arizona school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Enough Training Included? To begin with, contact the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything lower than these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide sufficient training.

Are Internships Provided? Find out from the schools you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional health care facilities. They are the optimal means to receive hands-on clinical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Scottsdale AZ medical community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Landing your first phlebotomist job will be a lot 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 percentage is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in jobs, it's an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Scottsdale AZ health care community.

Are Classes Available as Needed? Finally, it's important to verify that the ultimate program you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your busy lifestyle. This is especially true if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Scottsdale AZ, check that they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option also. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make sure 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.

Learn More About Becoming a Phlebotomist in Scottsdale

Choose the Right Scottsdale Phlebotomist Training

Making certain that you pick the right phlebotomist training is an important first step toward your success in this gratifying medical care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomist training programs can be found in a wide range of academic institutes, such as community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide range of courses in medical care and health sciences. Training program offerings can differ slightly from state to state as each state has its own prerequisites when it comes to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must diligently screen and compare each school prior to making your ultimate choice. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the right phlebotomy college for you. And with the proper education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Scottsdale Arizona.

 

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