![\"Union](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/phlebotomist-drawing-blood-from-patient.jpg\" "\\"Union")
Choosing the right phlebotomist school near Union Springs AL<\/strong> is a critical first step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult task to investigate and compare all of the school options that are available to you. However it’s vital that you perform your due diligence to make certain that you obtain a quality education. In fact, a large number of prospective students begin the process by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another factor you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables such as accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and should be part of your decision process also. Toward that end, we will furnish a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you choose the best one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online classes.<\/p>\nRequest Free Information on Phlebotomy Training Near You!<\/h4>\n
Should You Train to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?<\/h3>\n
![\"blood](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/blood-analysis-performed-in-lab.jpg\" "\\"blood")
Right out of the gate, not many people are likely to know what a phlebotomy tech or phlebotomist is. The basic 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 blood and needles. And if you are nervous in hospitals or other Union Springs AL medical facilities, well this profession probably is not right for you. And then there are the patients. Phlebotomists often work around anxious people who don’t like needles or having their blood drawn. And because most health care 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 may be the right profession for you.<\/p>\n
Click Here to Get Free Information on Phlebotomy Training Near You!<\/a><\/h4>\nPhlebotomy Technician Work Summary<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"Union](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/phlebotomist-holding-blood-sample.jpg\" "\\"Union")
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their primary duty, there is in fact so 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. Following the collection, the sample has to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork has to be properly completed to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory testing process. The phlebotomist then transports 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. Many phlebotomists actually work in Union Springs AL labs and are in charge of making certain that samples are analyzed properly utilizing the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they might 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 patients are treated. Their work environments are numerous and diverse, such as Union Springs AL medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be charged to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a particular kind of patient. For example, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients on a daily basis.<\/p>\n
Phlebotomist Education, Certification and Licensing<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"Union](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/phlebotomy.jpg\" "\\"Union")
There are basically two types of programs that provide phlebotomist training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes under a year to finish and offers a general education along with 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, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they normally require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program furnish a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, many Union Springs AL employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. A few of the primary certifying organizations 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 call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, such as Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a superior education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.<\/p>\n
Online Phlebotomy Training<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"Union](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/student-attending-online-phlebotomy-classes.jpg\" "\\"Union")
To begin with, let’s dispel one potential misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant part of the course of study will be practical training and it will be performed either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. A large number of courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-practical part of the training may be attended online, it can be a more practical alternative for some Union Springs AL students. As an additional benefit, many online schools are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be lowered as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist college you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the best choice for you.<\/p>\n
Points to Ask Phlebotomist Schools<\/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 phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already decided on the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the campus is significant if you will be commuting from Union Springs AL as well as the cost of tuition. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an accredited phlebotomy online program. All of these decisions are a critical component of the process for choosing a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when arriving at your decision. Following are several questions that you should ask about all of the programs you are considering before making your final selection.<\/p>\n
Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State?<\/strong> As mentioned previously, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomy program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Alabama or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for all examinations you may have to take.<\/p>\nIs the School Accredited?<\/strong> The phlebotomy school and program you select should be accredited by a reputable national or regional accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many advantages to graduating from an accredited program aside from a guarantee of a premium education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification exam administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited schools. Finally, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to future employers in the Union Springs AL job market.<\/p>\nWhat is the College’s Reputation?<\/strong> In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of all colleges you are looking at. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job assistance program. You can screen online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also talk to some Union Springs AL hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and see if they can provide any insights. As a closing thought, you can contact the Alabama school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.<\/p>\nIs Ample Training Provided?<\/strong> First, contact the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums may signify that the program is not expansive enough to furnish sufficient training.<\/p>\nAre Internship Programs Included?<\/strong> Ask the programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with local medical facilities. They are the optimal means to obtain hands-on practical training often not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Union Springs AL health care community. And they are a plus on resumes also.<\/p>\nIs Job Placement Assistance Available?<\/strong> Finding your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Union Springs AL healthcare community.<\/p>\nAre Classes Compatible With Your Schedule?<\/strong> Finally, it’s crucial to confirm that the ultimate program you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your busy lifestyle. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Union Springs AL, make certain they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, confirm it is an option as well. And if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is in case you have to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.<\/p>\nHow Much Does It Cost To Become A Phlebotomist Union Springs AL<\/a><\/h3>\n
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their primary duty, there is in fact so 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. Following the collection, the sample has to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork has to be properly completed to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory testing process. The phlebotomist then transports 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. Many phlebotomists actually work in Union Springs AL labs and are in charge of making certain that samples are analyzed properly utilizing the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they might 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 patients are treated. Their work environments are numerous and diverse, such as Union Springs AL medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be charged to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a particular kind of patient. For example, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients on a daily basis.<\/p>\n
Phlebotomist Education, Certification and Licensing<\/strong><\/h3>\nThere are basically two types of programs that provide phlebotomist training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes under a year to finish and offers a general education along with 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, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they normally require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program furnish a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, many Union Springs AL employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. A few of the primary certifying organizations 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 call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, such as Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a superior education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.<\/p>\n
Online Phlebotomy Training<\/strong><\/h3>\nTo begin with, let’s dispel one potential misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant part of the course of study will be practical training and it will be performed either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. A large number of courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-practical part of the training may be attended online, it can be a more practical alternative for some Union Springs AL students. As an additional benefit, many online schools are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be lowered as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist college you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the best choice for you.<\/p>\n
Points to Ask Phlebotomist Schools<\/strong><\/h3>\nSince you now have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already decided on the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the campus is significant if you will be commuting from Union Springs AL as well as the cost of tuition. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an accredited phlebotomy online program. All of these decisions are a critical component of the process for choosing a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when arriving at your decision. Following are several questions that you should ask about all of the programs you are considering before making your final selection.<\/p>\n
Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State?<\/strong> As mentioned previously, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomy program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Alabama or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for all examinations you may have to take.<\/p>\nIs the School Accredited?<\/strong> The phlebotomy school and program you select should be accredited by a reputable national or regional accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many advantages to graduating from an accredited program aside from a guarantee of a premium education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification exam administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited schools. Finally, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to future employers in the Union Springs AL job market.<\/p>\nWhat is the College’s Reputation?<\/strong> In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of all colleges you are looking at. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job assistance program. You can screen online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also talk to some Union Springs AL hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and see if they can provide any insights. As a closing thought, you can contact the Alabama school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.<\/p>\nIs Ample Training Provided?<\/strong> First, contact the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums may signify that the program is not expansive enough to furnish sufficient training.<\/p>\nAre Internship Programs Included?<\/strong> Ask the programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with local medical facilities. They are the optimal means to obtain hands-on practical training often not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Union Springs AL health care community. And they are a plus on resumes also.<\/p>\nIs Job Placement Assistance Available?<\/strong> Finding your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Union Springs AL healthcare community.<\/p>\nAre Classes Compatible With Your Schedule?<\/strong> Finally, it’s crucial to confirm that the ultimate program you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your busy lifestyle. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Union Springs AL, make certain they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, confirm it is an option as well. And if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is in case you have to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.<\/p>\nHow Much Does It Cost To Become A Phlebotomist Union Springs AL<\/a><\/h3>\n
There are basically two types of programs that provide phlebotomist training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes under a year to finish and offers a general education along with 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, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they normally require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program furnish a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, many Union Springs AL employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. A few of the primary certifying organizations 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 call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, such as Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a superior education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.<\/p>\n
Online Phlebotomy Training<\/strong><\/h3>\n
To begin with, let’s dispel one potential misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant part of the course of study will be practical training and it will be performed either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. A large number of courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-practical part of the training may be attended online, it can be a more practical alternative for some Union Springs AL students. As an additional benefit, many online schools are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be lowered as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist college you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the best choice for you.<\/p>\nPoints to Ask Phlebotomist Schools<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Since you now have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already decided on the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the campus is significant if you will be commuting from Union Springs AL as well as the cost of tuition. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an accredited phlebotomy online program. All of these decisions are a critical component of the process for choosing a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when arriving at your decision. Following are several questions that you should ask about all of the programs you are considering before making your final selection.<\/p>\nIs the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State?<\/strong> As mentioned previously, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomy program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Alabama or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for all examinations you may have to take.<\/p>\n
Is the School Accredited?<\/strong> The phlebotomy school and program you select should be accredited by a reputable national or regional accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many advantages to graduating from an accredited program aside from a guarantee of a premium education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification exam administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited schools. Finally, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to future employers in the Union Springs AL job market.<\/p>\n
What is the College’s Reputation?<\/strong> In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of all colleges you are looking at. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job assistance program. You can screen online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also talk to some Union Springs AL hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and see if they can provide any insights. As a closing thought, you can contact the Alabama school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.<\/p>\n
Is Ample Training Provided?<\/strong> First, contact the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums may signify that the program is not expansive enough to furnish sufficient training.<\/p>\n
Are Internship Programs Included?<\/strong> Ask the programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with local medical facilities. They are the optimal means to obtain hands-on practical training often not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Union Springs AL health care community. And they are a plus on resumes also.<\/p>\n
Is Job Placement Assistance Available?<\/strong> Finding your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Union Springs AL healthcare community.<\/p>\n
Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule?<\/strong> Finally, it’s crucial to confirm that the ultimate program you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your busy lifestyle. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Union Springs AL, make certain they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, confirm it is an option as well. And if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is in case you have to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.<\/p>\n
How Much Does It Cost To Become A Phlebotomist Union Springs AL<\/a><\/h3>\n
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)<\/strong><\/li>\n