Phlebotomist Training Schools
How to Find the Right One Near Wichita Falls Texas 

An important first step you must take to enter the gratifying medical profession of phlebotomy is to select the right phlebotomy school near Wichita Falls TX. It may seem like a challenging task to analyze and compare each of the training alternatives that are available to you. Nevertheless it's necessary that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you get a superior education. In reality, a large number of prospective students start their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional option you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. Online courses will be covered in more detail a bit later. So when comparing phlebotomy training programs, location and cost must not be the only criteria you are looking at. Researching if the program is accredited or if the school has a job assistance program should also be part of your due diligence process. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you should 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 address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our conversation about online schools.

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

Phlebotomist Career Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal function, there is actually far more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the tools being used are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient's data. Next, paperwork must be properly completed to be able to track the sample from the time 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 tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. A number of phlebotomists in fact work in Wichita Falls TX laboratories and are responsible for making sure that samples are analyzed correctly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren't enough responsibilities, they may be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Phlebotomy Education, Licensing and Certification

There are primarily 2 types of programs that provide phlebotomy training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to complete and offers a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it's not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they normally take two years to finish. Bachelor's Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program provide a more extensive background in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. While not required in the majority of states, most Wichita Falls TX employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. A few 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 some states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, like California and Nevada. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it's essential that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a superior education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomy Online Training

To begin with, let's dispel one likely mistaken belief. You can't receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A good part of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved healthcare facility or an on-campus lab. Many courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-clinical portion of the training can be accessed online, it might be a more practical alternative for many Wichita Falls TX students. As an added benefit, a number of online classes are less expensive than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened as well. Just make sure 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 online and clinical training, you can receive a superior education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomy Programs

Since you now have a basic understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it's time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already decided on the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the college is relevant if you will be commuting from Wichita Falls TX as well as the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomist school. All of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for selecting a phlebotomy program or school. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you should ask about all of the schools you are considering prior to making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states require certification, while some others require licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed before working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it's extremely important to choose a phlebotomy program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Texas or the state where you will be working and preps you for any exams you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you select should be accredited by a respected national or regional accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many advantages 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 take a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are typically not available for non-accredited schools. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the Wichita Falls TX job market.

What is the College's Reputation? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it's important to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are considering. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their students as part of their job assistance program. You can research internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even contact some Wichita Falls TX clinics or hospitals that you might have an interest in working for and see if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the Texas school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Included? To begin with, check with the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums might indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Ask the colleges you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with local health care facilities. They are the ideal way to obtain hands-on practical training frequently not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Wichita Falls TX medical community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Getting your first phlebotomist job will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the colleges you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it's an indication that the college has both a good reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Wichita Falls TX healthcare community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it's crucial to make sure that the final school you select provides classes at times that are compatible with your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you decide to still work while attending school. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Wichita Falls TX, check that they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up procedure is should you need to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.

Get More Info on Becoming a Phlebotomist in Wichita Falls

Enroll in the Best Wichita Falls Phlebotomist Training

Making sure that you select the right phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding health care career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomy training programs can be available in a variety of educational institutions, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive assortment of programs in medical care and health sciences. Program offerings may differ slightly across the country as each state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must diligently evaluate and compare each school prior to making your ultimate selection. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the ideal phlebotomist school for you. And with the proper education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Wichita Falls Texas.

 

Wichita Falls Phlebotomy Classes | Wichita Falls Phlebotomy Courses