![\"Alexandria](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/phlebotomist-drawing-blood-from-patient.jpg\" "\\"Alexandria")
Choosing the right phlebotomist training near Alexandria AL<\/strong> is a critical initial step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult task to evaluate and compare all of the school options that are available to you. However it’s necessary that you do your due diligence to ensure that you get a quality education. In fact, a large number of potential students begin the process by looking at two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional option you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and must be part of your decision process as well. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you choose the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online schools.<\/p>\nRequest Free Information on Phlebotomy Training Near You!<\/h4>\n
Should You Go to School to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?<\/h3>\n
![\"blood](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/blood-analysis-performed-in-lab.jpg\" "\\"blood")
First of all, not many people probably know what a phlebotomist or phlebotomy technician is. The short answer 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 able to handle needles and blood. And if you are anxious in hospitals or other Alexandria AL medical facilities, well this profession probably is not the best choice for you. And then there are the patients. Phlebotomy Technicians routinely work with nervous people who don’t like needles or having their blood drawn. And because many medical facilities are open around the clock, you may be expected to work weekends, evenings and, you guessed it even on holidays. But if you can handle the hours and the blood and needles, and if you enjoy helping people and are patient and compassionate, this could be the perfect job for you.<\/p>\n
Click Here to Get Free Information on Phlebotomy Training Near You!<\/a><\/h4>\nPhlebotomy Technician Career Summary<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"Alexandria](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/phlebotomist-holding-blood-sample.jpg\" "\\"Alexandria")
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their principal responsibility, there is in fact much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the tools being employed are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork must be correctly filled out 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 tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some phlebotomists in fact work in Alexandria AL laboratories and are responsible for ensuring that samples are tested properly utilizing the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they can be required to train other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.<\/p>\n
Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe easiest response is wherever patients are treated. Their work environments are many and varied, including Alexandria AL hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a specific kind of patient. For instance, 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, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients each day.<\/p>\n
Phlebotomist Education, Certification and Licensing<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"Alexandria](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/phlebotomy.jpg\" "\\"Alexandria")
There are essentially two types of programs that provide phlebotomist training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to finish and offers a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at community and junior colleges, they usually require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program offer a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to be certified. Although not required in the majority of states, most Alexandria AL employers require certification prior to employing technicians. Some of the principal certifying agencies include:<\/p>\n
\n- National Phlebotomy Association<\/strong><\/li>\n
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)<\/strong><\/li>\n
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)<\/strong><\/li>\n
- American Medical Technologists (AMT)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
There are some states that do require 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 imperative that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a superior education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.<\/p>\n
Phlebotomist Online Training<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"Alexandria](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/student-attending-online-phlebotomy-classes.jpg\" "\\"Alexandria")
To start with, let’s resolve one likely misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A good component of the curriculum will be practical 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-clinical component of the training may be attended online, it may be a more convenient option for many Alexandria AL students. As an additional benefit, some online schools are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenses, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be minimized also. Just verify that the online phlebotomist school you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.<\/p>\n
Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Programs<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"What](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/What-to-ask-phlebotomy-schools.jpg\" "\\"What")
Since you now have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already chosen the kind of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the college is important if you will be commuting from Alexandria AL in addition to the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomist program. All of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for selecting a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about each of the colleges you are looking at prior to making your final decision.<\/p>\n
Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific?<\/strong> As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states call for certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed before working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for Alabama or the state where you will be working and preps you for any examinations you may be required to take.<\/p>\nIs the Program Accredited?<\/strong> The phlebotomist program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a respected regional or national accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a superior education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited schools. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the Alexandria AL job market.<\/p>\nWhat is the School’s Reputation?<\/strong> In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to check out the reputations of any schools you are looking at. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their graduates 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 contact a few Alexandria AL hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the Alabama school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.<\/p>\nIs Sufficient Training Provided?<\/strong> To begin with, check with 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 looking at should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish sufficient training.<\/p>\nAre Internships Included?<\/strong> Ask the schools you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with local health care facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on clinical training frequently not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Alexandria AL health care community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.<\/p>\nIs Job Placement Help Provided?<\/strong> Getting your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the assistance 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, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation together with a large network of professional contacts within the Alexandria AL medical community.<\/p>\nAre Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule?<\/strong> And last, it’s critical to make sure that the ultimate program you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Alexandria AL, make sure they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, 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 because of emergencies or illness.<\/p>\nPhlebotomy School Near Me Alexandria AL<\/a><\/h3>\n
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their principal responsibility, there is in fact much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the tools being employed are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork must be correctly filled out 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 tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some phlebotomists in fact work in Alexandria AL laboratories and are responsible for ensuring that samples are tested properly utilizing the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they can be required to train other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.<\/p>\n
Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe easiest response is wherever patients are treated. Their work environments are many and varied, including Alexandria AL hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a specific kind of patient. For instance, 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, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients each day.<\/p>\n
Phlebotomist Education, Certification and Licensing<\/strong><\/h3>\nThere are essentially two types of programs that provide phlebotomist training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to finish and offers a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at community and junior colleges, they usually require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program offer a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to be certified. Although not required in the majority of states, most Alexandria AL employers require certification prior to employing technicians. Some of the principal certifying agencies include:<\/p>\n
\n- National Phlebotomy Association<\/strong><\/li>\n
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)<\/strong><\/li>\n
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)<\/strong><\/li>\n
- American Medical Technologists (AMT)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
There are some states that do require 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 imperative that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a superior education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.<\/p>\n
Phlebotomist Online Training<\/strong><\/h3>\nTo start with, let’s resolve one likely misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A good component of the curriculum will be practical 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-clinical component of the training may be attended online, it may be a more convenient option for many Alexandria AL students. As an additional benefit, some online schools are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenses, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be minimized also. Just verify that the online phlebotomist school you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.<\/p>\n
Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Programs<\/strong><\/h3>\nSince you now have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already chosen the kind of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the college is important if you will be commuting from Alexandria AL in addition to the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomist program. All of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for selecting a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about each of the colleges you are looking at prior to making your final decision.<\/p>\n
Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific?<\/strong> As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states call for certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed before working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for Alabama or the state where you will be working and preps you for any examinations you may be required to take.<\/p>\nIs the Program Accredited?<\/strong> The phlebotomist program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a respected regional or national accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a superior education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited schools. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the Alexandria AL job market.<\/p>\nWhat is the School’s Reputation?<\/strong> In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to check out the reputations of any schools you are looking at. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their graduates 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 contact a few Alexandria AL hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the Alabama school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.<\/p>\nIs Sufficient Training Provided?<\/strong> To begin with, check with 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 looking at should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish sufficient training.<\/p>\nAre Internships Included?<\/strong> Ask the schools you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with local health care facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on clinical training frequently not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Alexandria AL health care community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.<\/p>\nIs Job Placement Help Provided?<\/strong> Getting your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the assistance 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, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation together with a large network of professional contacts within the Alexandria AL medical community.<\/p>\nAre Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule?<\/strong> And last, it’s critical to make sure that the ultimate program you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Alexandria AL, make sure they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, 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 because of emergencies or illness.<\/p>\nPhlebotomy School Near Me Alexandria AL<\/a><\/h3>\n
There are essentially two types of programs that provide phlebotomist training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to finish and offers a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at community and junior colleges, they usually require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program offer a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to be certified. Although not required in the majority of states, most Alexandria AL employers require certification prior to employing technicians. Some of the principal certifying agencies include:<\/p>\n
- \n
- National Phlebotomy Association<\/strong><\/li>\n
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)<\/strong><\/li>\n
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)<\/strong><\/li>\n
- American Medical Technologists (AMT)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
There are some states that do require 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 imperative that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a superior education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.<\/p>\n
Phlebotomist Online Training<\/strong><\/h3>\n
To start with, let’s resolve one likely misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A good component of the curriculum will be practical 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-clinical component of the training may be attended online, it may be a more convenient option for many Alexandria AL students. As an additional benefit, some online schools are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenses, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be minimized also. Just verify that the online phlebotomist school you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.<\/p>\nTopics to Ask Phlebotomy Programs<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Since you now have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already chosen the kind of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the college is important if you will be commuting from Alexandria AL in addition to the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomist program. All of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for selecting a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about each of the colleges you are looking at prior to making your final decision.<\/p>\nIs the Phlebotomy Program State Specific?<\/strong> As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states call for certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed before working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for Alabama or the state where you will be working and preps you for any examinations you may be required to take.<\/p>\n
Is the Program Accredited?<\/strong> The phlebotomist program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a respected regional or national accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a superior education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited schools. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the Alexandria AL job market.<\/p>\n
What is the School’s Reputation?<\/strong> In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to check out the reputations of any schools you are looking at. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their graduates 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 contact a few Alexandria AL hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the Alabama school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.<\/p>\n
Is Sufficient Training Provided?<\/strong> To begin with, check with 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 looking at should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish sufficient training.<\/p>\n
Are Internships Included?<\/strong> Ask the schools you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with local health care facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on clinical training frequently not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Alexandria AL health care community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.<\/p>\n
Is Job Placement Help Provided?<\/strong> Getting your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the assistance 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, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation together with a large network of professional contacts within the Alexandria AL medical community.<\/p>\n
Are Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule?<\/strong> And last, it’s critical to make sure that the ultimate program you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Alexandria AL, make sure they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, 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 because of emergencies or illness.<\/p>\n
Phlebotomy School Near Me Alexandria AL<\/a><\/h3>\n
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)<\/strong><\/li>\n