How to Choose the Right Phlebotomy Tech School near Sparks Nevada

Selecting the ideal phlebotomist training near Sparks NV is an important first step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult task to assess and compare each of the school options that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you obtain a quality education. In fact, many prospective students start their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional factor you might consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll review more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors such as accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and must be part of your selection process too. 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 right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our conversation about online training.

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Should You Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

First of all, not many people are likely to know what a phlebotomy tech or phlebotomist is. The basic definition is a medical professional whose job is to draw blood. We will provide more details later. So naturally anyone who selects this profession must be able to handle blood and needles. And if you are nervous in hospitals or other Sparks NV medical facilities, well this profession may not be the best choice for you. And then there are the patients. Phlebotomy Techs often work with nervous people who don’t like needles or having their blood taken. And because many medical facilities are open 24 hours, you may be expected to work weekends, nights and, you guessed it even on holidays. But if you don’t mind working with the needles and blood, and if you enjoy helping people and are compassionate and very patient, this could be the perfect profession for you.

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Phlebotomy Technician Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their primary duty, there is in fact far more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the instruments being used are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork must be accurately filled out to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab testing process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some phlebotomists actually work in Sparks NV labs and are accountable for making certain that samples are analyzed correctly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they may be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The quickest answer is wherever patients are treated. Their work places are numerous and diverse, such as Sparks NV medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting samples from a particular type of patient. For example, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be collecting blood from senior patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital setting would be collecting blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.

Phlebotomist Education, Certification and Licensing

There are primarily two types of programs that furnish phlebotomist training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to finish and offers a general education as well as 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 specifically a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they typically require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a four year program provide a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. Although not mandated in most states, most Sparks NV employers require certification prior to employing technicians. A few 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 some states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, including California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s important that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a superior education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Training

First, let’s dispel one likely mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A good portion of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved healthcare facility or an on-campus lab. A large number of courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-practical part of the training can be attended online, it could be a more convenient alternative for some Sparks NV students. As an added benefit, many online schools are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some expenditures, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just confirm that the online phlebotomy school you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can receive a premium education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal option for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Since you now have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already chosen the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the campus is significant if you will be commuting from Sparks NV in addition to the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomist school. Each of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for selecting a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Following are several questions that you should ask about all of the colleges you are reviewing prior to making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Nevada? As mentioned previously, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed before working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Nevada or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you choose should be accredited by a recognized 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 program in addition to an assurance 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 earlier listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited schools. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to future employers in the Sparks NV job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s important to check out 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 placement program. You can research internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also talk to some Sparks NV hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and see if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can contact the Nevada school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Provided? 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 clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are considering should furnish no less than 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 comprehensive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask the programs you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with local health care facilities. They are the ideal way to get hands-on clinical training frequently not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students develop relationships within the local Sparks NV health care community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Finding your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the schools you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a higher rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Sparks NV healthcare community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it’s important to confirm that the final program you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is particularly true if you decide to still work while going to college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Sparks NV, check that they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, 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 fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is in case you have to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.

Phlebotomy Training Online Sparks NV

Find Phlebotomy Education Sparks Nevada

Making certain that you choose the ideal phlebotomist training is an important first step toward your success in this rewarding health care field. As we have discussed in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a superior college. Phlebotomy training programs can be found in a variety of educational institutes, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive assortment of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Program options can differ slightly from state to state as every state has its own mandates when it concerns phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must diligently screen and compare each school prior to making your ultimate decision. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Find Phlebotomy Education and to get more information regarding Free Info on Phlebotomist Classes Near Me.  However, by addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the right phlebotomy college for you. And with the appropriate training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Sparks NV.

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