Picking a Phlebotomist School near Darien Connecticut

Enrolling in the ideal phlebotomy technician training near Darien CT is an important initial step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging task to analyze and compare all of the training alternatives that are available to you. However it’s necessary that you do your due diligence to make sure that you get a superior education. In fact, many prospective students start the process by considering 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Another option you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and must be part of your selection process too. Toward that end, we will provide 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 then continue our conversation about online schools.

Phlebotomist Work Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their primary duty, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the tools 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 accurately completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab testing procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Darien CT phlebotomists actually work in labs and are responsible for ensuring that samples are tested properly using the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they can be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The most basic response is wherever they treat patients. Their work environments are many and varied, such as Darien CT hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They may be charged to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a specific kind of patient. For instance, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide variety of patients and would work with different patients each day.

Phlebotomist Education, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially two types of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Darien CT, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to complete and furnishes a general education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they normally require 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program offer a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, many employers require certification prior to employing technicians. Some 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 some states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, like Nevada and California. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only supplies a quality education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomist Online Colleges

First, let’s resolve one likely mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A good portion of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Darien 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 component of the training can be accessed online, it might be a more convenient option for many students. As an additional benefit, many online schools are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomist program you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can receive a quality education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Now that you have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already decided on 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 Connecticut campus is significant as well as the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomy online program. All of these decisions are an important part of the process for picking a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you should ask about all of the Darien CT programs you are considering prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you might have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Connecticut or the state where you will be working and preps you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you enroll in should be accredited by a respected regional or national accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited school aside from an assurance of a premium education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification examination offered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs in Darien 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 College’s Ranking? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of any schools you are considering. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their students as part of their job placement program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also talk to several Darien CT local hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and see if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can contact the Connecticut school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Included? First, 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 classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Darien CT phlebotomist program that you are considering should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums may signify that the program is not expansive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internships Provided? Ask the Connecticut colleges you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional medical facilities. They are the ideal way to get hands-on clinical training typically not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Darien CT medical community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Landing your first phlebotomist job will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire if the colleges you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation as well as an extensive network of professional contacts within the Darien CT healthcare community.

Are Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it’s critical to confirm that the ultimate program you select provides classes at times that will accommodate your hectic schedule. This is particularly true if you decide to still work while attending college. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Darien CT, make certain they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option as well. 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 ask what the make-up policy is in case you have to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's helpful to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the questions that interviewers often ask Phlebotomist applicants is "What compelled you to select Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not merely the private reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what qualities and abilities you possess that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to prepare several ideas about how you would like to answer them. Considering there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the abilities you have that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down a few ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Choose the Right Phlebotomy Program near Darien CT

Making certain that you pick the right phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding health care field. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomist training programs are offered in a number of academic institutes, including junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive assortment of courses in medical care and health sciences. Program options may vary somewhat from state to state as every state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to carefully screen and compare each college prior to making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the ideal school for you. And with the proper training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Darien CT.

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