Picking a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Brooklyn Connecticut

Selecting the ideal phlebotomy technician training near Brooklyn CT is a critical initial step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult undertaking to investigate and compare all of the training options that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you do your due diligence to ensure that you get a superior education. In reality, a large number of students begin their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Another option you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll review a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is far more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and need to be part of your decision process too. To assist in that effort, we will furnish a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you choose the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our discussion about online schools.

Phlebotomy Tech Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal responsibility, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the instruments being used are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample must be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork has to be properly filled out to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory screening procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some Brooklyn CT phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are accountable for making certain that samples are tested properly under the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they might be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?

The most basic answer is wherever patients are treated. Their work places are numerous and varied, such as Brooklyn CT medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They may be tasked to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a certain type of patient. For instance, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Education, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially 2 types of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Brooklyn CT, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to finish and offers a general education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will include training to become a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they usually require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program offer a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. Although not required in most states, many employers look for certification before hiring technicians. A few of the main certifying agencies include:

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

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

Online Phlebotomist Training

To start with, let’s dispel one potential mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial part of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Brooklyn CT healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-clinical portion of the training may be accessed online, it might be a more convenient alternative for some students. As an additional benefit, some online schools are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some expenses, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be lowered as well. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy school you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can receive a superior education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomist Programs

Since you now have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already picked the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Connecticut college is relevant in addition to the cost of tuition. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online school. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for selecting a school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you need to ask about each of the Brooklyn CT schools you are considering prior to making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Connecticut or the state where you will be working and readies you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you select should be accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of advantages to graduating from an accredited school in addition to an assurance of a quality education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are often unavailable for non-accredited schools in Brooklyn CT. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Reputation? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s important to check the reputations of all schools you are reviewing. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also contact a few Brooklyn CT area clinics or hospitals that you might have an interest in working for and see if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can contact the Connecticut school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Included? To begin with, contact the Connecticut regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Brooklyn CT phlebotomist 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 may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide sufficient training.

Are Internships Provided? Ask the Connecticut schools you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with regional health care facilities. They are the optimal way to get hands-on practical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Brooklyn CT medical community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Getting your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the colleges you are reviewing provide 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 school has both an excellent reputation together with a large network of professional contacts within the Brooklyn CT medical community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s important to make sure that the ultimate school you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Brooklyn CT, make sure they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, confirm it is an option also. And if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is in case you need to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you might be asked. One of the things that recruiters frequently ask Phlebotomist applicants is "What compelled you to decide on Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not only the personal reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what qualities and skills you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of routine interview questions, so you need to ready several approaches about how you would like to address them. Given that there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the talents you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomist and the perfiect choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down several concepts and anecdotes that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Choose the Best Phlebotomy Program near Brooklyn CT

Making certain that you select the most suitable phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this fulfilling healthcare field. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium program. Phlebotomy training programs are found in a variety of educational institutions, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive assortment of programs in medical care and health sciences. Program offerings can vary somewhat across the country as every state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to diligently evaluate and compare each program prior to making your ultimate selection. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can select the right program for you. And with the appropriate education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Brooklyn CT.

Learn About Brooklyn Connecticut

 

 

More Interesting Connecticut Cities

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Collinsville CT 06022

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Gaylordsville CT 06755

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Uncasville CT 06382

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Plantsville CT 06479

Phlebotomy Training Schools near East Granby CT 06026

Phlebotomy Training Schools near North Branford CT 06471

Phlebotomy Training Schools near New Milford CT 06776

Phlebotomy Training Schools near New Canaan CT 06840

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Centerbrook CT 06409

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Washington CT 06793