Phlebotomist Training Programs
How to Choose the Right One Near College Station Texas 

Perhaps the most serious decision you must make to enter the fulfilling healthcare profession of phlebotomy is to select the best phlebotomy training near College Station TX. It may seem like a daunting task to investigate and compare all of the training alternatives that are available to you. However, to ensure that you will get a first-rate education you must perform a detailed audit prior to making your decision. In fact, a large number of prospective students begin their search by considering two 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. What's important to keep in mind is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Researching if the program is accredited or if the school has a job placement program should also be included in your evaluation process. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you choose the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let's cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online training.

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Phlebotomist Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their primary function, there is in fact much more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the instruments being utilized are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient's data. Next, paperwork needs to be accurately completed to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory screening procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers 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. Some phlebotomists actually work in College Station TX labs and are responsible for making sure that samples are tested properly under the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren't sufficient duties, they may be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Phlebotomy Training, Licensing and Certification

There are primarily 2 kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomy training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes under a year to complete and furnishes a general 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, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at junior and community colleges, they usually require two years to finish. Bachelor's Degrees are not as accessible and as a 4 year program provide a more extensive background in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will probably want to become certified. While not mandated in most states, a number of College Station TX employers look for certification before employing technicians. Some of the key certifying organizations 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 call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, such as California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it's essential that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only supplies a superior education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Colleges

To begin with, let's resolve one potential mistaken belief. You can't obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A good component of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved healthcare facility or an on-campus lab. 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 may be a more convenient alternative for many College Station TX students. As an additional benefit, a number of online colleges are less expensive than their on-campus competitors. And some expenditures, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be minimized as well. Just verify that the online phlebotomy college you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the best option for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomy Certificate or Degree Programs

Now that you have a basic understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it's time to start your due diligence process. You might have already picked the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the campus is significant if you will be commuting from College Station TX in addition to the cost of tuition. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomist college. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for selecting a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Following are some questions that you need to ask about all of the colleges you are considering before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As previously mentioned, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it's extremely important to select a phlebotomy program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Texas or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you pick should be accredited by a recognized regional or national 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 in addition to a guarantee of a premium education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the College Station TX job market.

What is the Program's Reputation? In many 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 essential to check the reputations of all schools you are considering. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can research online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can also talk to some College Station TX hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can offer any insights. As a closing thought, you can check with the Texas school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Adequate Training Provided? To begin with, check with the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums might signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish adequate training.

Are Internships Included? Find out from the schools you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with local health care facilities. They are the ideal means to get hands-on practical training frequently not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students develop relationships within the local College Station TX health care community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Finding your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the schools you are reviewing 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 school has both an excellent reputation as well as a substantial network of professional contacts within the College Station TX medical community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it's important to confirm that the final college you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you opt to still work while going to school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near College Station TX, make certain they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, make sure 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 ask what the make-up protocol is should you need to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

Learn More About Becoming a Phlebotomist in College Station

Pick the Right College Station Phlebotomy Training Program

Making sure that you enroll in the ideal phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this fulfilling health care field. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium school. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are found in a variety of educational institutions, such as community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive array of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program offerings can differ somewhat across the country as every state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to diligently screen and compare each college prior to making your final choice. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the ideal phlebotomy program for you. And with the proper training, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in College Station Texas.

 

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