![\"Clanton](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/phlebotomist-drawing-blood-from-patient.jpg\" "\\"Clanton")
Selecting the ideal phlebotomy training near Clanton AL<\/strong> is an essential first step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting undertaking 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 ensure that you obtain a superior education. In reality, a large number of potential students start their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Another option you may look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll discuss more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors including accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your decision 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 ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online schools.<\/p>\nRequest Free Information on Phlebotomy Training Near You!<\/h4>\n
Should You Choose a Career as a Phlebotomy Tech?<\/h3>\n
![\"blood](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/blood-analysis-performed-in-lab.jpg\" "\\"blood")
First of all, not many people are likely to know what a phlebotomist or phlebotomy technician is. The short answer is a medical professional who draws blood from patients. We will provide more details later. So naturally anyone who chooses this profession must be able to handle blood and needles. And if you are nervous in hospitals or other Clanton AL medical facilities, well this profession may not be right for you. And now let’s talk about the patients. Phlebotomists often work with nervous people who don’t like needles or having their blood drawn. And because many medical facilities are open 24 hours, 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 helping people and are compassionate and very patient, this could be the right profession for you.<\/p>\n
Click Here to Get Free Information on Phlebotomy Training Near You!<\/a><\/h4>\nPhlebotomy Tech Work Description<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"Clanton](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/phlebotomist-holding-blood-sample.jpg\" "\\"Clanton")
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their main responsibility, there is in fact far more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must verify that the instruments being employed are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample must be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork needs to be correctly completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some phlebotomists actually work in Clanton AL labs and are accountable for making sure that samples are analyzed correctly utilizing the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they may be asked to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.<\/p>\n
Where are Phlebotomists Employed?<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe easiest response is wherever there are patients. Their workplaces are many and diverse, such as Clanton AL hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a certain type of patient. For example, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be drawing blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.<\/p>\n
Phlebotomist Training, Licensing and Certification<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"Clanton](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/phlebotomy.jpg\" "\\"Clanton")
There are primarily two types of programs that provide phlebotomist training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to complete and provides a general education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomist. Available at community and junior colleges, they usually take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program provide a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will probably want to become certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, many Clanton AL employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. A few of the primary 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 a few states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, including 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 supplies a quality education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.<\/p>\n
Online Phlebotomist Colleges<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"Clanton](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/student-attending-online-phlebotomy-classes.jpg\" "\\"Clanton")
To begin with, let’s dispel one potential misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A good part 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 completion of an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-clinical component of the training may be attended online, it may be a more practical alternative for some Clanton AL students. As an added benefit, many online colleges are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some costs, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be minimized as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy college you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a premium education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal option for you.<\/p>\n
What to Ask Phlebotomist 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 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 wish 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 Clanton AL as well as the cost of tuition. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an accredited phlebotomy online school. All of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for selecting a phlebotomy program or school. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Following are a few questions that you need to ask about each of the colleges you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection.<\/p>\n
Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific?<\/strong> As previously mentioned, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomy program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Alabama or the state where you will be working and readies you for any exams you may have to take.<\/p>\nIs the School Accredited?<\/strong> The phlebotomist school and program you select should be accredited by a respected 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 aside from an assurance of a quality education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification examination administered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited programs. Last, graduating from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the Clanton AL job market.<\/p>\nWhat is the School’s Ranking?<\/strong> In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to check the reputations of any schools you are considering. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer 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 even contact a few Clanton AL clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can contact the Alabama school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.<\/p>\nIs Sufficient Training Provided?<\/strong> First, contact the state regulator where you will be working 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 no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to offer sufficient training.<\/p>\nAre Internships Sponsored?<\/strong> Find out from the schools you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with area medical facilities. They are the ideal way to obtain hands-on practical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Clanton AL healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.<\/p>\nIs Job Placement Help Offered?<\/strong> Landing your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the colleges you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation together with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Clanton AL medical community.<\/p>\nAre Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule?<\/strong> Finally, it’s important to make sure that the final program you select provides classes at times that are compatible with your busy lifestyle. This is particularly true if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Clanton AL, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option as well. 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 procedure is should you need to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.<\/p>\nWeekend Phlebotomy Training Clanton AL<\/a><\/h3>\n
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their main responsibility, there is in fact far more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must verify that the instruments being employed are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample must be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork needs to be correctly completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some phlebotomists actually work in Clanton AL labs and are accountable for making sure that samples are analyzed correctly utilizing the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they may be asked to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.<\/p>\n
Where are Phlebotomists Employed?<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe easiest response is wherever there are patients. Their workplaces are many and diverse, such as Clanton AL hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a certain type of patient. For example, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be drawing blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.<\/p>\n
Phlebotomist Training, Licensing and Certification<\/strong><\/h3>\nThere are primarily two types of programs that provide phlebotomist training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to complete and provides a general education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomist. Available at community and junior colleges, they usually take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program provide a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will probably want to become certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, many Clanton AL employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. A few of the primary 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 a few states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, including 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 supplies a quality education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.<\/p>\n
Online Phlebotomist Colleges<\/strong><\/h3>\nTo begin with, let’s dispel one potential misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A good part 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 completion of an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-clinical component of the training may be attended online, it may be a more practical alternative for some Clanton AL students. As an added benefit, many online colleges are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some costs, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be minimized as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy college you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a premium education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal option for you.<\/p>\n
What to Ask Phlebotomist Programs<\/strong><\/h3>\nSince you now have a general understanding 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 wish 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 Clanton AL as well as the cost of tuition. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an accredited phlebotomy online school. All of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for selecting a phlebotomy program or school. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Following are a few questions that you need to ask about each of the colleges you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection.<\/p>\n
Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific?<\/strong> As previously mentioned, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomy program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Alabama or the state where you will be working and readies you for any exams you may have to take.<\/p>\nIs the School Accredited?<\/strong> The phlebotomist school and program you select should be accredited by a respected 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 aside from an assurance of a quality education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification examination administered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited programs. Last, graduating from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the Clanton AL job market.<\/p>\nWhat is the School’s Ranking?<\/strong> In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to check the reputations of any schools you are considering. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer 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 even contact a few Clanton AL clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can contact the Alabama school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.<\/p>\nIs Sufficient Training Provided?<\/strong> First, contact the state regulator where you will be working 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 no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to offer sufficient training.<\/p>\nAre Internships Sponsored?<\/strong> Find out from the schools you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with area medical facilities. They are the ideal way to obtain hands-on practical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Clanton AL healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.<\/p>\nIs Job Placement Help Offered?<\/strong> Landing your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the colleges you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation together with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Clanton AL medical community.<\/p>\nAre Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule?<\/strong> Finally, it’s important to make sure that the final program you select provides classes at times that are compatible with your busy lifestyle. This is particularly true if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Clanton AL, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option as well. 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 procedure is should you need to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.<\/p>\nWeekend Phlebotomy Training Clanton AL<\/a><\/h3>\n
There are primarily two types of programs that provide phlebotomist training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to complete and provides a general education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomist. Available at community and junior colleges, they usually take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program provide a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will probably want to become certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, many Clanton AL employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. A few of the primary 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 a few states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, including 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 supplies a quality education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.<\/p>\n
Online Phlebotomist Colleges<\/strong><\/h3>\n
To begin with, let’s dispel one potential misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A good part 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 completion of an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-clinical component of the training may be attended online, it may be a more practical alternative for some Clanton AL students. As an added benefit, many online colleges are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some costs, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be minimized as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy college you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a premium education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal option for you.<\/p>\nWhat to Ask Phlebotomist Programs<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Since you now have a general understanding 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 wish 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 Clanton AL as well as the cost of tuition. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an accredited phlebotomy online school. All of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for selecting a phlebotomy program or school. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Following are a few questions that you need to ask about each of the colleges you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection.<\/p>\nIs the Phlebotomist Program State Specific?<\/strong> As previously mentioned, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomy program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Alabama or the state where you will be working and readies you for any exams you may have to take.<\/p>\n
Is the School Accredited?<\/strong> The phlebotomist school and program you select should be accredited by a respected 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 aside from an assurance of a quality education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification examination administered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited programs. Last, graduating from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the Clanton AL job market.<\/p>\n
What is the School’s Ranking?<\/strong> In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to check the reputations of any schools you are considering. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer 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 even contact a few Clanton AL clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can contact the Alabama school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.<\/p>\n
Is Sufficient Training Provided?<\/strong> First, contact the state regulator where you will be working 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 no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to offer sufficient training.<\/p>\n
Are Internships Sponsored?<\/strong> Find out from the schools you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with area medical facilities. They are the ideal way to obtain hands-on practical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Clanton AL healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.<\/p>\n
Is Job Placement Help Offered?<\/strong> Landing your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the colleges you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation together with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Clanton AL medical community.<\/p>\n
Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule?<\/strong> Finally, it’s important to make sure that the final program you select provides classes at times that are compatible with your busy lifestyle. This is particularly true if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Clanton AL, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option as well. 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 procedure is should you need to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.<\/p>\n
Weekend Phlebotomy Training Clanton AL<\/a><\/h3>\n
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)<\/strong><\/li>\n