Phlebotomist Programs
How to Find the Right One Near Desoto Texas 

Picking the right phlebotomy technician training near Desoto TX is an important first step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult undertaking to assess and compare each of the training options that are accessible to you. However, to ensure that you will get a top-notch education you must complete a detailed audit before making your selection. In fact, many students begin their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially 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 phlebotomy training programs, location and cost shouldn’t be the only parameters you are looking at. Other variables such as accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and should be part of your decision process as well. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you pick 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 training.

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Should You Train to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

Right out of the gate, not many people are likely to know what a phlebotomist or phlebotomy technician is. The basic definition is a health care professional who draws blood from patients. So naturally anyone who chooses this profession must be able to handle needles and blood. And if you are anxious in hospitals or other Desoto TX medical environments, well this job may not be right for you. And then there are the patients. Phlebotomy Techs tend to work around anxious people who hate needles or having a blood sample drawn. And because most health care facilities are open around the clock, you may be expected to work weekends, evenings and, you guessed it even on holidays. But if you can handle the hours and the needles and blood, and if you enjoy interacting with people and are compassionate and very patient, this may be the perfect profession for you.

Phlebotomist Education, Licensing and Certification

There are basically 2 types of programs that provide phlebotomist training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to complete and provides a basic education as well as 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, even though it's not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they typically require two years to finish. Bachelor's Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program provide a more expansive background in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to become certified. Although not mandated in most states, many Desoto TX employers require certification before employing technicians. A few 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 require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, including California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it's important that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only provides a premium education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomist Online Certificates and Degrees

First, let's resolve one likely mistaken belief. You can't receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant portion of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be performed either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. A large number of courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-clinical portion of the training may be accessed online, it might be a more practical option for many Desoto TX students. As an added benefit, a number of online colleges are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. And some costs, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomist program you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (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 disciplined enough to learn at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online might be the best option for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomist Training Programs

Now that you have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it's time to begin 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 previously mentioned, the location of the campus is important if you will be commuting from Desoto TX as well as the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomy school. All of these decisions are a critical part of the process for choosing a phlebotomy program or school. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Following are several questions that you should ask about each of the programs you are looking at before making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As previously mentioned, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states call for certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed before working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it's extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that complies with the state specific requirements for Texas or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for all examinations you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded regional or national accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many 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 qualify to take a certification exam administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are typically not available for non-accredited schools. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the Desoto TX 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 caliber. So along with accreditation, it's essential to investigate the reputations of any schools you are considering. 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 screen internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even check with some Desoto TX hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and see if they can provide any insights. As a closing thought, you can contact the Texas school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Enough Training Included? 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. As a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are looking at should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internships Included? Find out from the colleges you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with regional healthcare facilities. They are the ideal means to receive hands-on practical training typically not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Desoto TX medical community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Landing your first phlebotomist job will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the schools you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place most of their students in jobs, it's an indication that the program has both a good reputation as well as an extensive network of professional contacts within the Desoto TX healthcare community.

Are Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it's crucial to confirm that the ultimate program you pick offers classes at times that are compatible with your hectic schedule. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Desoto TX, check that they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option also. Even 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 procedure is in case you need to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Find Out About How to Become a Phlebotomist in Desoto

Choose the Right Desoto Phlebotomist Training

Making sure that you choose the right phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this gratifying health care field. As we have addressed in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be offered in a variety of academic institutes, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive assortment of courses in medical care and health sciences. Program offerings can differ a bit across the country as every state has its own prerequisites when it comes to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly research and compare each school before making your ultimate selection. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the best phlebotomy program for you. And with the proper education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Desoto Texas.

 

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