Phlebotomist Classes
How to Find the Best One Near Katy Texas 

Picking the ideal phlebotomist training near Katy TX is an important initial step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. There are a number of training programs that are offered in your area and it may seem like an intimidating undertaking to research and compare each one. Nevertheless it's necessary that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you receive a quality education. In fact, a large number of prospective students begin the process by considering two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. And if you will commute to classes or attend them online is another consideration as well. Online courses will be discussed in more detail a bit later. What's important to remember 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 assistance program should also be part of your evaluation process. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you select the right one for you. But before we do that, let's address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online training.

It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Phlebotomy Career Below!

Phlebotomy Technician Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their main duty, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to check that the tools being employed are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample needs to be correctly labeled with the patient's information. Afterward, paperwork has to be correctly filled out to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab testing procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Many phlebotomists in fact work in Katy TX laboratories and are in charge of making certain that samples are analyzed properly utilizing the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren't enough duties, they might be asked to train other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Phlebotomist Education, Certification and Licensing

There are primarily two types of programs that provide phlebotomist training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to complete and offers a general education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at community and junior colleges, they usually require two years to complete. Bachelor's Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program offer a more expansive background in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will probably want to get certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, many Katy TX employers look for certification before employing technicians. Some of the main 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, including California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it's imperative that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only supplies a quality education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomy Classes

To start with, let's resolve one potential misconception. You can't get all of your phlebotomist training online. A good portion of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. A large number of courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-clinical component of the training can be accessed online, it can be a more practical alternative for many Katy TX students. As an added benefit, some online colleges are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenditures, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized also. Just confirm that the online phlebotomy school you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a superior education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Now that you have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it's time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already chosen the type of program you wish 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 Katy TX as well as the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomy school. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the process for choosing a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you should ask about all of the colleges you are looking at before making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Texas? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed before working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it's extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Texas or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for all examinations you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you pick should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to an assurance of a premium education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to take a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges. Last, graduating from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the Katy TX job market.

What is the School's Reputation? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it's imperative to check the reputations of any colleges you are reviewing. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their students as part of their job assistance program. You can research online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even check with some Katy TX clinics or hospitals that you might have an interest in working for and find out if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the Texas school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Enough Training Provided? First, check with the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are looking at should provide at least 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 furnish sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Find out from the colleges you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional health care facilities. They are the ideal means to receive hands-on clinical training often not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Katy TX healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Landing your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Find out if the schools you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it's an indication that the college has both a good reputation as well as a substantial network of professional contacts within the Katy TX health care community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it's critical to verify that the final school you pick offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is particularly true if you decide to continue working while going to college. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Katy TX, make certain 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 clinical training requirement, make certain 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.

Learn More About Becoming a Phlebotomist in Katy

Enroll in the Best Katy Phlebotomist Training

Making certain that you select the right phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a premium school. Phlebotomy training programs can be offered in a number of educational institutions, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide assortment of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Course offerings can differ slightly across the country as every state has its own requirements when it concerns phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must thoroughly research and compare each program before making your ultimate decision. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can pick the ideal phlebotomy program for you. And with the proper training, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Katy Texas.

 

Katy Phlebotomy Courses Near Me | Katy Phlebotomy Classes Online