Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician Course near Columbia Connecticut

Picking the right phlebotomy school near Columbia CT is an essential initial step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult task to investigate and compare all of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you obtain a superior education. In reality, many students begin their search by considering two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another factor you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll talk more about online classes later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is far more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and need to be part of your selection process as well. To assist in that effort, we will furnish a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online training.

Phlebotomy Technician Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. While that is their main task, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must confirm that the instruments being used are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork must be properly completed in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab screening 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 infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some Columbia CT phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are responsible for ensuring that samples are analyzed properly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they may be asked to train other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The simplest response is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are many and diverse, including Columbia CT medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood banks. They can be charged to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a specific type of patient. For example, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomist Training, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially two kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in Columbia CT, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to complete and offers a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest method to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomist. Offered at junior and community colleges, they normally take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program furnish a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to become certified. While not required in most states, a number of employers look for certification prior to employing technicians. Some of the principal 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 in order to practice as a phlebotomist, including California and Nevada. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a quality education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Classes

To begin with, let’s dispel one likely mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant part of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Columbia CT healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. A large number of courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-practical component of the training may be attended online, it may be a more convenient option for some students. As an additional benefit, some online programs are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some costs, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be lowered as well. Just verify that the online phlebotomist program you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can receive a superior education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Now that you have a basic understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already selected the kind of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Connecticut campus is significant in addition to the tuition expense. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomy online college. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for selecting a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about each of the Columbia CT colleges you are considering prior to making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of practical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Connecticut or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for any exams you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you select should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of advantages to graduating from an accredited program in addition to a guarantee of a quality education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to take a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are typically not available for non-accredited programs in Columbia CT. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to future employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of any schools you are looking at. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also check with several Columbia CT local hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and find out if they can provide any insights. As a closing thought, you can contact the Connecticut school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Provided? 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 Columbia CT phlebotomist program that you are considering should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask the Connecticut programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with area healthcare facilities. They are the ideal way to obtain hands-on practical training frequently not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Columbia CT health care community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Landing your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Find out if the colleges you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a higher rate, signifying they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation along with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Columbia CT health care community.

Are Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it’s important to make sure that the ultimate college you pick offers classes at times that are compatible with your active schedule. This is especially important if you choose to still work while attending college. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Columbia CT, make sure they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is should you need to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Want to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's important to consider questions you could be asked. One of the questions that recruiters often ask Phlebotomy Tech applicants is "What drove you to select Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not just the private reasons you might have for being Phlebotomist, but additionally what attributes and skills you have that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of typical interview questions, so you need to prepare several ideas about how you want to answer them. Given that there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the abilities you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Technician and the leading choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down several concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right Phlebotomy Program near Columbia CT

Making certain that you enroll in the right phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this fulfilling healthcare field. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a quality program. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be available in a variety of academic institutions, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive array of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Course offerings may differ slightly across the country as each state has its own criteria when it comes to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must diligently screen and compare each college before making your ultimate decision. By addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the right program for you. And with the appropriate training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Columbia CT.

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