{"id":368,"date":"2016-07-12T02:27:57","date_gmt":"2016-07-12T02:27:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/?p=368"},"modified":"2018-09-14T16:40:46","modified_gmt":"2018-09-14T16:40:46","slug":"look-phlebotomy-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/look-phlebotomy-school\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Look for in a Phlebotomy School"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve decided to train to become a phlebotomist, you\u2019ll likely discover that there are two main routes to take to get started: You can receive your training in the workplace<\/strong><\/a>, or you can attend a phlebotomy school that offers an official training course and certification.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re not already in the medical field and you don\u2019t have any experience in phlebotomy, choosing the training program is usually a better way to go to get the proper resources needed to become a professional phlebotomist. But, how do you know what to look for in a phlebotomy school?<\/p>\n

There are certainly some online training programs<\/strong><\/a> and schools that are better than others, and without a bit of knowledge at your fingertips, it can be hard to pick out the \u2018good\u2019 from the \u2018bad\u2019 at times. Let\u2019s first take a look at what you\u2019ll study in phlebotomy school, and what you can expect from a quality, solid program. From there, we\u2019ll go through some tips you can use when it comes to choosing a good program, and weeding out \u2018shady\u2019 training solutions that offer little more than empty promises.<\/p>\n

What to Look for in a Phlebotomy School<\/h3>\n

Though every phlebotomy school will be a little bit different, they will all cover the same basic topics and methods to fulfill the accepted requirements, and even certification if needed. You can expect everything from coursework, to hands-on work, and even lessons in dealing with patients every day. Most phlebotomy training programs will feature the following subjects:<\/p>\n

Anatomy<\/h4>\n

In training to be a phlebotomist, it\u2019s important to know the human body inside and out. Most training programs will cover anatomy, and the systems of the body, including circulatory, respiratory, and nervous systems. You\u2019ll learn the functions of different organs, as well as the general composition of blood cells, and what they do within the body itself. The circulatory system will be your main focus.<\/p>\n

\"What<\/p>\n

Venipuncture<\/h4>\n

This is the very act of drawing blood – a phlebotomist\u2019s primary job when working with patients. At a typical school, you\u2019ll learn various drawing techniques, how to find a vein quickly, and even how to find an alternate vein. You will also learn how to work with patients with blood disorders, to make sure the process is not only painless for them but that you can accurately draw a successful sample of their blood.<\/p>\n

Safety, Procedures, & Legal<\/h4>\n

Every hospital or clinic will likely have their own specific set of safety rules and overall procedures you\u2019ll need to know once you get a job, but every training program should teach you the basics in keeping yourself, and your patients safe. Drawing blood can be riskier than people expect, but it is absolutely nothing to take lightly. From an accidental puncture to a patient\u2019s blood getting somewhere it shouldn\u2019t, and just about any possible scenario in between, it\u2019s important to know how to maintain a safe environment.<\/p>\n

Labeling & Labs<\/h4>\n

Aside from actually drawing blood, a phlebotomist has to know how to accurately label the blood samples to be taken to the lab, and how to transfer them safely and quickly so they may be tested. It\u2019s important to understand these different labels, what they mean, and how to use them.<\/p>\n

Once you move past your initial training, which can last anywhere from 4-8 months, depending on the school you choose, you may have the option to continue for another 4-6 weeks to complete an additional certification program. It\u2019s a good idea to check if your selected school offers such certification before enrolling, as many states across the country now require phlebotomy certification<\/strong><\/a> before you\u2019ll be able to get hired somewhere.<\/p>\n

How to Choose The Right Phlebotomy School<\/h3>\n

Choosing the right school to take a phlebotomy course is a matter of preference and functionality, overall. There are several things to look for when you\u2019re deciding on a training program and a few things you should avoid. First, it\u2019s important to know where you can look. Many universities, community colleges, and hospitals\/clinics offer phlebotomy training programs, and it\u2019s usually safe to say these types of institutions will be offering quality programs you can trust.<\/p>\n

\"where<\/p>\n

However, if you look elsewhere, the most important thing you can do to protect yourself is to make sure the school you\u2019re choosing for your phlebotomy training is an accredited facility. Just what does that mean?<\/p>\n

There are several national phlebotomy accrediting agencies throughout the U.S., and with a quick search, you can not only find out what those agencies are but if a school you\u2019re interested is recognized by one of them. While there are a few non-accredited schools that teach proper techniques, employers will always give favor to graduates of an accredited phlebotomy program.<\/p>\n

Location can also be a factor in choosing the right phlebotomy school – take into consideration that in choosing a classroom setting, you\u2019ll likely be completing upwards of 120 hours of both classroom training and practical training. Choosing a school that\u2019s inconvenient to travel to or far from your home is not the best idea. If you can\u2019t find a school near you, there are online training programs available – just make sure they also offer the practical, hands-on portion.<\/p>\n

Any school that doesn\u2019t require a minimum of 40 hours of classroom training and 120 hours of practical training may not be a good idea. It\u2019s important to be as well-versed in venipuncture as possible, and you can only get that experience through hands-on practice. Many places won\u2019t even consider hiring someone who has had less than 120 hours of experience in the field drawing blood.<\/p>\n

This can be the most difficult part of your entire schooling experience, but it\u2019s also the most important because it\u2019s exactly what you\u2019ll be doing every day at your job. Being able to feel comfortable and confident using needles and drawing blood will allow you to excel at your job as a phlebotomist, both in your blood-drawing skills, and how you interact with patients and make them feel comfortable. A school that stresses the importance of practice is always a good sign.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also a good idea to choose a school with a strong job placement program. A school that has strong, solid connections with area hospitals, clinics, and even private practices with a good record of finding their graduates employment will end up working in your favor. Don\u2019t be afraid to start networking within the healthcare community as you complete your training.<\/p>\n

\"What<\/p>\n

Ultimately, all of these factors fall underneath the overall reputation of the school you decide to choose for your phlebotomy training. Unfortunately, many programs aren\u2019t regulated, and because phlebotomy has become such a booming career industry, many organizations are trying to capitalize on it by starting up a school with no real accolades and the wrong resources.<\/p>\n

We live in a world of technology, where people aren\u2019t afraid to give their reviews and opinions of things online – when it comes to finding a phlebotomy school, it\u2019s no different.<\/p>\n

A quick search online will not only show you what other people might be saying about a specific school or program, but you\u2019ll also likely to be able to see some red flags as they pop up.<\/p>\n

Things That You Must\u00a0Avoid<\/h4>\n

Just like you\u2019ll probably utilize the Internet to find the best phlebotomy school near you, the Internet can also help you to recognize any red flags that might come up from other programs and schools trying to get you to enroll.<\/p>\n

[su_list icon=”icon: check-circle”]<\/p>\n

A few things you should avoid are:<\/p>\n