Selecting a Phlebotomist Training Program near East Killingly Connecticut

Picking the right phlebotomy technician training near East Killingly CT is an important first step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting task to assess and compare each of the school alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s vital that you do your due diligence to ensure that you receive a quality education. In reality, a large number of prospective students begin their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another option you may look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll review 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 finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables such as accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and should be part of your decision process as well. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you select the ideal 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. Although that is their principal function, there is actually far more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to verify that the instruments being employed are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork has to be accurately filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. A number of East Killingly CT phlebotomists actually work in labs and are accountable for making sure that samples are analyzed properly utilizing the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they may be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The simplest response is wherever there are patients. Their work places are numerous and diverse, including East Killingly CT hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a certain kind of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be collecting blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital setting would be collecting blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Education, Licensing and Certification

There are basically 2 kinds of programs that provide phlebotomy training in East Killingly CT, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to complete and furnishes a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at community and junior colleges, they typically require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a 4 year program provide a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. While not required in most states, a number of employers require certification before employing technicians. Some of the key 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, such as California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you pick a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a quality education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomy Classes

To begin with, let’s dispel one possible misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant component of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved East Killingly CT healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. A large number of courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-practical component of the training may be accessed online, it might be a more practical option for some students. As an additional benefit, many online classes are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some costs, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist college you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a quality education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Since you now have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already decided on the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Connecticut college is relevant in addition to the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online school. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the process for choosing a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Following are several questions that you should ask about all of the East Killingly CT schools you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Connecticut? As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed before working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for Connecticut or the state where you will be working and prepares you for any examinations you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you select should be accredited by a highly regarded regional or national accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to a guarantee of a superior education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are often unavailable for non-accredited schools in East Killingly CT. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are considering. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even contact some East Killingly CT local hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and find out if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Connecticut school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Provided? First, check with the Connecticut regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any East Killingly CT phlebotomist program that you are considering should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish adequate training.

Are Internships Provided? Ask the Connecticut colleges you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with local health care facilities. They are the optimal means to obtain hands-on clinical training typically not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local East Killingly CT healthcare community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Getting your first phlebotomist job will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the schools you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation along with a large network of professional contacts within the East Killingly CT medical community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s crucial to confirm that the ultimate program you pick offers classes at times that are compatible with your active lifestyle. This is particularly important if you choose to still work while going to school. If you need to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near East Killingly 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. And if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is should you have to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's important to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the questions that recruiters typically ask Phlebotomist applicants is "What drove you to select Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not only the personal reasons you may have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what qualities and talents you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of standard interview questions, so you must ready some approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you along with the abilities you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Technician and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down some concepts and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can help you to prepare your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Find the Best Phlebotomy Program near East Killingly CT

Making sure that you enroll in the most suitable phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior college. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be available in a wide range of academic institutions, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide array of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Course offerings can vary a bit across the country as every state has its own requirements when it comes to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must carefully screen and compare each school before making your ultimate decision. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the best school for you. And with the proper training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in East Killingly CT.

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