How to Enroll in the Best Phlebotomy Technician Training Course near Hermitage Tennessee
Choosing the ideal phlebotomy technician school near Hermitage TN is an essential initial step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult task to investigate and compare all of the training alternatives that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you get a superior education. In fact, a large number of potential students start the process by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Another factor you may consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. We’ll review more about online schools later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables including reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your selection process as well. Toward that end, we will furnish a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you pick the best one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our discussion about online classes.
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Should You Go to School to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?
Right out of the gate, not many people are likely to know what a phlebotomy tech or phlebotomist is. The basic definition is a medical professional who draws blood from patients. We will go into more depth later. So of course anyone who decides to enter this profession must be OK around needles and blood. And if you are anxious in hospitals or other Hermitage TN medical environments, well this job probably is not the best choice for you. And now let’s talk about the patients. Phlebotomy Techs often work with nervous people who hate needles or having their blood drawn. And because most health care facilities are open around the clock, you will probably be required to work weekends, nights and, you guessed it even on holidays. But if you can handle the hours and the needles and blood, and if you enjoy interacting with people and are patient and compassionate, this could be the perfect profession for you.
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Phlebotomy Tech Work Description
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. While that is their main task, there is actually far more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must confirm that the tools being utilized are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork has to be properly filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab testing procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of phlebotomists actually work in Hermitage TN labs and are accountable for making sure that samples are analyzed correctly under the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they may be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.
Where are Phlebotomists Employed?
The easiest response is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are many and varied, such as Hermitage TN medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They may be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to seniors. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing blood from a certain kind of patient. For instance, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be drawing blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients on a daily basis.
Phlebotomy Education, Licensing and Certification
There are basically two types of programs that furnish phlebotomy training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to finish and offers a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomist. Offered at junior and community colleges, they normally require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a four year program provide a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. Although not required in most states, a number of Hermitage TN employers require certification before employing technicians. Some 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 some states that do call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, like California and Nevada. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only furnishes a quality education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.
Phlebotomy Online Colleges
First, let’s resolve one potential misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial component of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be carried out 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-practical portion of the training may be attended online, it might be a more convenient alternative for some Hermitage TN students. As an added benefit, a number of online schools are more affordable than their traditional competitors. And some expenditures, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomist program you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a quality education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Phlebotomy Programs
Now that you have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already picked the kind of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the school is significant if you will be commuting from Hermitage TN as well as the tuition expense. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomist program. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for selecting a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about all of the schools you are considering before making your ultimate decision.
Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As previously mentioned, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states call for certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Tennessee or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for any examinations you may have to take.
Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you pick should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited school in addition to an assurance of a superior education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited schools. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the Hermitage TN job market.
What is the School’s Ranking? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of all schools you are reviewing. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can research online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can also check with several Hermitage TN hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and see if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the Tennessee school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in total compliance.
Is Ample Training Included? To begin with, contact the state regulator where you will be working to learn 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 clinical training. Anything less than these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish sufficient training.
Are Internships Provided? Ask the schools you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with area healthcare facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on practical training typically not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Hermitage TN health care community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Finding your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a higher 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 Hermitage TN health care community.
Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s important to confirm that the final college you select provides classes at times that are compatible with your busy schedule. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while going to school. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Hermitage TN, make sure they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, confirm it is an option also. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up procedure is should you have to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.
How To Be A Certified Phlebotomist Hermitage TN
Weekend Phlebotomy Tech Programs Hermitage Tennessee
Making sure that you enroll in the ideal phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this fulfilling healthcare career position. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be available in a number of educational institutions, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide array of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program options may differ slightly across the country as every state has its own requirements when it concerns phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to carefully research and compare each school before making your final selection. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Weekend Phlebotomy Tech Programs and to get more information regarding Accelerated Phlebotomy Colleges Near Me. However, by addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the right phlebotomist program for you. And with the appropriate training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Hermitage TN.
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Hermitage, Tennessee
Hermitage, Tennessee, is a neighborhood in Metropolitan Nashville, Tennessee, located in eastern Davidson County, adjacent to – and named in honor of – The Hermitage, the historic home of Andrew Jackson, seventh President of the United States. Although the area is incorporated as part of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, it maintains its own identity as a residential and commercial suburban area.
Hermitage is located immediately to the east of Donelson, a Nashville borough named in honor of Andrew Jackson's father-in-law John Donelson, and just to the west of Mount Juliet in adjacent Wilson County.[1] Once a rural area, Hermitage is now a thriving district with a highly developed network of retail stores and typical suburban tract houses, ranging from the "starter home" to the "executive residence". The technology headquarters of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, one of the Big Four auditors, is located in Hermitage, sprawling across 200,000 square feet (19,000 m2) and employing more than 1,000 people.[2] Also including a range of apartment dwellings, Hermitage is a small example of urban sprawl.
Major thoroughfares include U.S. Route 70, Interstate 40, and State Route 45. The neighborhood also has a station on the new Music City Star commuter rail service and is home to the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association, the organization that administers junior and senior high school sporting events.
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