Phlebotomist Training Classes
How to Choose the Right One Near Wichita Falls Texas 

Choosing the right phlebotomy technician training near Wichita Falls TX is a critical first step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult task to investigate and compare each of the school options that are available to you. However, to guarantee that you will get a quality education you must perform your due diligence prior to making your decision. In reality, most potential students start their search by considering two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. And if you will commute to classes or participate online is an option you need to consider as well. Online classes will be discussed in greater detail a bit later. So when comparing phlebotomy training programs, cost and location shouldn’t be the sole parameters 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 evaluation process. To assist in that effort, we will provide 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 prior to doing that, let's cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online training.

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Phlebotomy Tech Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. While that is their main task, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the instruments being employed are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient's data. Next, paperwork must be properly completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing 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. A number of phlebotomists in fact work in Wichita Falls TX laboratories and are accountable for ensuring that samples are tested correctly utilizing the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren't enough responsibilities, they might be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially 2 types of programs that provide phlebotomy training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to complete and furnishes a general education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it's not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomist. 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. Once you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. Although not required in most states, many Wichita Falls TX employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. Some of the primary certifying organizations include:

• National Phlebotomy Association
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• American Medical Technologists (AMT)

There are several states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, such as Nevada and California. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it's essential that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only offers a quality education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomy Online Classes

To begin with, let's resolve one potential misconception. You can't obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant component of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved healthcare facility or an on-campus lab. Many courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-practical part of the training may be attended online, it could be a more convenient option for some Wichita Falls TX students. As an additional benefit, a number of online colleges are more affordable than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist school you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Now that you have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it's time to start your due diligence process. You may have already picked 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 school is significant if you will be commuting from Wichita Falls TX as well as the tuition expense. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an accredited phlebotomy online school. All of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for choosing a phlebotomy program or school. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you should ask about each of the schools you are looking at before making your ultimate selection.

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

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you select should be accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of advantages to graduating from an accredited program in addition to a guarantee of a premium education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited colleges. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to potential employers in the Wichita Falls TX job market.

What is the College's Reputation? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it's essential to investigate the reputations of all colleges you are looking at. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even contact several Wichita Falls TX clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and see 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 colleges are in full compliance.

Is Ample Training Provided? First, 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 phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internships Included? Ask the colleges you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with local medical facilities. They are the optimal means to receive hands-on clinical training often not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Wichita Falls TX medical community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Available? Getting your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in positions, it's an indication that the school has both a good reputation along with a large network of professional contacts within the Wichita Falls TX medical community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it's important to confirm that the ultimate college you pick offers classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is particularly important if you decide to still work while going to college. If you need to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Wichita Falls TX, make sure they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, 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 policy is in case you need to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

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Pick the Best Wichita Falls Phlebotomist Training Program

Making sure that you select the most suitable phlebotomist training is an important first step toward your success in this fulfilling health care career position. As we have covered in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a quality school. Phlebotomy training programs are offered in a number of educational institutes, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide range of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Course options can differ somewhat from state to state as each state has its own prerequisites when it concerns phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must carefully screen and compare each school before making your ultimate decision. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the ideal phlebotomy college for you. And with the proper education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Wichita Falls Texas.

 

Wichita Falls Phlebotomy Programs Near Me | Wichita Falls Phlebotomy Schools Near Me