How to Enroll in the Best Phlebotomy Tech Training Program near Merrifield Virginia
Choosing the right phlebotomy school near Merrifield VA 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 alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you receive a quality education. In reality, a large number of students begin their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another factor you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll review more about online classes later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors such as accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and must be part of your selection process as well. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing 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 Choose a Career as a Phlebotomy Technician?
Right out of the gate, few people probably know what a phlebotomy tech or phlebotomist is. The short answer is a health care professional who draws blood from patients. We will provide more details later. So of course anyone who decides to enter this profession must be able to handle needles and blood. And if you are nervous in hospitals or other Merrifield VA medical environments, well this job 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 a blood sample taken. And because most health care facilities are open 24 hours, you may be required to work weekends, nights and even on holidays. But if you don’t mind working with the blood and needles, and if you enjoy helping people and are compassionate and very patient, this could be the right job for you.
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Phlebotomy Tech Career Summary
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their principal function, there is in fact much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to verify that the tools being utilized are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork has to be properly completed to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory screening procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of phlebotomists actually work in Merrifield VA laboratories and are in charge of making certain that samples are tested correctly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they may be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.
Where do Phlebotomists Work?
The most basic answer is wherever there are patients. Their work places are numerous and varied, including Merrifield VA medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be charged to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomists, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a particular kind of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be collecting blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers solely. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients on a daily basis.
Phlebotomy Training, Certification and Licensing
There are basically 2 kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomist training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to complete and furnishes a basic education along 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 specifically a phlebotomy degree, will include training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at community and junior colleges, they usually require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program provide a more expansive background in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not mandated in the majority of states, most Merrifield VA employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. Some of the principal 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 require 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 quality education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.
Phlebotomy Online Colleges
First, let’s dispel one likely misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant part 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 prior to graduation. However since the non-clinical component of the training can be accessed online, it might be a more practical alternative for some Merrifield VA students. As an additional benefit, some online classes are less expensive than their on-campus competitors. And some expenditures, for instance those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomy college you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a superior education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the best choice for you.
Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Programs
Now that you have a basic understanding about what is involved in becoming 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 degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the school is relevant if you will be commuting from Merrifield VA in addition to the cost of tuition. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomist school. All of these decisions are a critical part of the process for choosing a phlebotomy program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you need to ask about all of the colleges you are looking at prior to making your ultimate decision.
Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Virginia? As mentioned previously, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for Virginia or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for any exams you may be required to take.
Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you choose should be accredited by a respected regional or national accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many advantages to graduating from an accredited school in addition to an assurance of a quality education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are frequently unavailable 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 Merrifield VA job market.
What is the College’s Reputation? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to check the reputations of all colleges you are considering. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place 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 also talk to some Merrifield VA clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and ask if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the Virginia school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in total 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 length of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish adequate training.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask the programs you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with area healthcare facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on clinical training frequently not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Merrifield VA healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Available? Finding your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire if the schools you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation together with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Merrifield VA medical community.
Are Class Times Available as Needed? And last, it’s important to make sure that the ultimate program you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your active schedule. This is especially true if you decide to still work while going to college. If you need to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Merrifield VA, make sure they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option also. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is in case you need to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.
US Colleges Phlebotomy Merrifield VA
Phlebotomy Training Course Merrifield Virginia
Making certain that you enroll in the ideal phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this gratifying medical care field. As we have addressed in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality program. Phlebotomy training programs are offered in a wide range of educational institutes, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive array of programs in medical care and health sciences. Training program options can vary a bit across the country as every state has its own requirements when it concerns phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must diligently evaluate and compare each school before making your final selection. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Phlebotomy Training Course and to get more information regarding Find Phlebotomy Education. However, by addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the ideal phlebotomy school for you. And with the appropriate training, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Merrifield VA.
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Merrifield, Virginia
Merrifield is located in eastern Fairfax County at 38°52′23″N 77°14′35″W / 38.87306°N 77.24306°W / 38.87306; -77.24306 (38.873144, −77.242994).[4] It is bounded by I-66 on the north, the Capital Beltway on the east, Arlington Boulevard (U.S. Route 50) on the south, and Nutley Street (Virginia State Highway 243) on the west. Neighboring communities are Oakton to the west, the town of Vienna to the north, Dunn Loring to the northeast, Idylwood and West Falls Church to the east, Annandale at the southeast corner of Merrifield, Woodburn and Mantua to the south, and the city of Fairfax to the southwest. Downtown Washington, D.C., is 13 miles (21 km) to the east.
As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 11,170 people, 4,396 households, and 2,725 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 4,107.2 people per square mile (1,585.6/km²). There were 4,534 housing units at an average density of 1,667.1/sq mi (643.6/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 54.67% White, 5.94% African American, 0.25% Native American, 29.94% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 5.00% from other races, and 4.11% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.91% of the population.
There were 4,396 households out of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.7% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.0% were non-families. 25.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 3.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.06.
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