Points to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Since you now have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it's time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already chosen the type of program you wish 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 Texarkana AR in addition to the tuition expense. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomy school. All of these decisions are a critical component of the process for selecting a phlebotomy program or school. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you need to ask about each of the colleges you are considering before making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As earlier discussed, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it's very important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Arkansas or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for any examinations you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a respected national or regional accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many advantages to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a superior education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification exam offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the Texarkana AR job market.

What is the School's Ranking? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it's imperative to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are considering. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can screen internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also talk to a few Texarkana AR clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and see if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can contact the Arkansas school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Enough Training Provided? First, check with the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out from the programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with area medical facilities. They are the ideal way to receive hands-on clinical training often not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Texarkana AR healthcare community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Available? Getting your first phlebotomist job will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Ask if the colleges you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it's an indication that the college has both a good reputation as well as an extensive network of professional contacts within the Texarkana AR health care community.

Are Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it's important to make sure that the final school you pick provides classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Texarkana AR, check that they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option also. Even 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 procedure is should you have to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Choose the Right Phlebotomist Training Program near Texarkana Arkansas

Making sure that you pick the ideal phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding medical care field. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior school. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are offered in a number of educational institutions, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide array of programs in medical care and health sciences. Training program offerings can differ somewhat from state to state as each state has its own requirements when it pertains to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must diligently evaluate and compare each college before making your ultimate selection. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the best phlebotomist school for you. And with the appropriate education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Texarkana AR.