Picking a Phlebotomist Course near Andover Connecticut

Choosing the ideal phlebotomy training near Andover CT is an important first step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging task to investigate and compare all of the school options that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you obtain a quality education. In fact, most potential students begin their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional factor you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll review more about online schools later in this article. What you need to remember 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 selection process also. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the best one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our discussion about online training.

Phlebotomy Technician Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their main function, there is actually far more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must confirm that the tools being used are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample has to be correctly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork must be correctly completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. A number of Andover CT phlebotomists actually work in labs and are in charge of making certain that samples are tested correctly using the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they can be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The simplest answer is wherever patients are treated. Their work places are many and varied, such as Andover CT hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood banks. They can be tasked to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomists, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting samples from a particular type of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be collecting blood from senior patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns solely. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Certification and Licensing

There are essentially two types of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Andover CT, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to finish and furnishes a general education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest 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 on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at community and junior colleges, they typically require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a four year program offer a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. While not required in most states, many employers require certification before employing technicians. Some of the key certifying organizations include:

• National Phlebotomy Association
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• American Medical Technologists (AMT)

There are some states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, such as Nevada and California. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a superior education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomy Online Training

To start with, let’s dispel one possible misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant portion of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Andover CT healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-practical portion of the training may be accessed online, it might be a more convenient option for some students. As an additional benefit, many online programs are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some expenditures, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized also. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist program you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a superior education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Now that you have a basic understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already chosen 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 Connecticut college is important as well as the cost of tuition. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomist online college. All of these decisions are an important component of the process for choosing a school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about all of the Andover CT schools you are reviewing before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As previously mentioned, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states call for certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomist program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Connecticut or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for all exams you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you pick should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited program in addition to a guarantee of a superior education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges in Andover CT. Last, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to future employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to check the reputations of all schools you are considering. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also talk to a few Andover CT local hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and find out if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Connecticut school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Ample Training Included? To begin with, contact the Connecticut regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Andover CT phlebotomy program that you are considering should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to furnish adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask the Connecticut programs you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with local medical facilities. They are the ideal means to receive hands-on practical training often not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Andover CT health care community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Available? Landing your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation together with a large network of professional contacts within the Andover CT healthcare community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it’s important to verify that the final school you select offers classes at times that are compatible with your busy lifestyle. This is particularly true if you choose to still work while attending school. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Andover CT, check that they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is in case you need to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers typically ask Phlebotomy Tech candidates is "What drove you to select Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not only the personal reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomist, but additionally what attributes and skills you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of standard interview questions, so you should ready some approaches about how you would like to answer them. Since there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the talents you have that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Technician and the best choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but jot down some ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can help you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Choose the Right Phlebotomy Program near Andover CT

Making certain that you choose the right phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this fulfilling health care field. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomy training programs can be found in a wide range of educational institutions, such as community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive array of programs in medical care and health sciences. Training program offerings can vary a bit across the country as each state has its own prerequisites when it comes to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to carefully screen and compare each college prior to making your final choice. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the ideal school for you. And with the appropriate education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Andover CT.

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