Phlebotomist Training
How to Choose the Right One Near Richardson Texas 

Picking the right phlebotomy school near Richardson TX is an essential first step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. There are a number of training options available to you and it may seem like an intimidating undertaking to investigate and compare each one. Notwithstanding, to ensure that you receive a first-rate education you must perform your due diligence prior to making your selection. More often than not the two qualifications that first are considered by student applicants are where the school is located and how much the tuition is. Another option you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. Online schools will be covered in greater detail a bit later. So when evaluating phlebotomist training courses, cost and location must not be the only parameters you are looking at. Finding out if the program is accredited or if the school has a job placement program must also be included in your due diligence process. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you select the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let's address education options, licensing and certification, and online schools.

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Phlebotomy Technician Education, Licensing and Certification

There are primarily 2 types of programs that provide phlebotomist training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to complete and furnishes a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they usually require 2 years to complete. Bachelor's Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program provide a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. While not required in the majority of states, a number of Richardson TX employers require certification prior to employing technicians. A few of the primary 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 call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, including California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it's essential that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only supplies a quality education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomy Online Classes

To begin with, let's dispel one potential misconception. You can't obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant part of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical part of the training may be attended online, it could be a more practical alternative for some Richardson TX students. As an added benefit, a number of online schools are less expensive than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomy program you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can receive a premium education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal choice for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Training Programs

Since you now have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it's time to start your due diligence process. You might have already chosen the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the college is important if you will be commuting from Richardson TX as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomy program. Each of these decisions are an important part of the process for selecting a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you should ask about each of the programs you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Texas? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it's extremely important to select 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 College Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you select should be accredited by a highly regarded regional or national accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited program aside from a guarantee of a quality 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. Also, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are typically not available for non-accredited colleges. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the Richardson TX job market.

What is the College's Ranking? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it's imperative to investigate the reputations of all schools you are looking at. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their graduates 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 talk to several Richardson TX hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can contact the Texas school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Included? To begin with, contact 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. At a minimum, any phlebotomist program that you are considering should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums might signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internships 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 optimal way to get hands-on practical training frequently not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Richardson TX healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Available? Landing your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire if the colleges you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it's an indication that the program has both a good reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Richardson TX health care community.

Are Class Times Available as Needed? And last, it's crucial to make sure that the ultimate school you select provides classes at times that are compatible with your active lifestyle. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Richardson TX, make sure they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, confirm it is an option also. And if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is in case you need to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.

Learn More About Becoming a Phlebotomist in Richardson

Enroll in the Right Richardson Phlebotomy Training

Making certain that you choose the right phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this gratifying medical care field. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality school. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be found in a number of academic institutions, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide range of programs in medical care and health sciences. Training program offerings may vary slightly across the country as every state has its own requirements when it pertains to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you need to carefully screen and compare each program prior to making your final selection. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can pick the ideal phlebotomy school for you. And with the proper education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Richardson Texas.

 

Richardson Phlebotomy Schools Near Me | Richardson Phlebotomy Training Near Me