Picking a Phlebotomy Training Program near Middlefield Connecticut

Choosing the ideal phlebotomy training near Middlefield CT is an essential first step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging task to investigate and compare all of the training options that are available to you. However it’s vital that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you receive a superior education. In fact, many potential students begin the process by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional factor you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. We’ll discuss 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 cheapest or the closest one. Other factors such as accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and must be part of your decision process as well. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomist Career Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their principal task, there is actually much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to verify that the instruments being used are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample has to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork needs to be correctly completed in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab screening process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some Middlefield CT phlebotomists actually work in labs and are in charge of ensuring that samples are tested correctly under the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they can be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The easiest answer is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are many and varied, such as Middlefield CT medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a specific type of patient. For instance, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively 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 working in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide variety of patients and would work with new patients each day.

Phlebotomist Education, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially 2 kinds of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Middlefield CT, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to complete and provides a basic 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, although not specifically 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 accessible and as a 4 year program provide a more expansive background in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will probably want to be certified. While not required in the majority of states, a number of employers look for certification before 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 a few states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, such as California and Nevada. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a quality education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomy Online Colleges

First, let’s dispel one potential mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant part of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Middlefield 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 prior to graduation. However since the non-practical part of the training may be accessed online, it might be a more practical alternative for many students. As an added benefit, some online colleges are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenditures, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered also. Just verify that the online phlebotomist school you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium 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 best option for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Now that you have a basic understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already chosen the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Connecticut school is significant as well as the tuition expense. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online college. All of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for choosing a school or program. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you should ask about each of the Middlefield CT colleges you are looking at before making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As previously mentioned, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed before working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for Connecticut or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for any exams 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 agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited school in addition to an assurance of a superior education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited schools in Middlefield CT. Finally, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to future employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Reputation? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to check out the reputations of all colleges you are considering. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can even check with several Middlefield CT local clinics or hospitals that you may 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 complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Enough Training Provided? To begin with, check with the Connecticut regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Middlefield CT phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums might signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internships Provided? Ask the Connecticut programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with regional medical facilities. They are the ideal way to get hands-on clinical training often not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Middlefield CT medical community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Landing your first phlebotomist position will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation as well as a substantial network of professional contacts within the Middlefield CT healthcare community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? And last, it’s crucial to confirm that the ultimate school you select offers classes at times that are compatible with your active lifestyle. This is especially true if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Middlefield CT, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option also. Even if you have decided to study 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 need to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's important to review questions you might be asked. Among the things that recruiters frequently ask Phlebotomist prospects is "What compelled you to decide on Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not merely the private reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomist, but also what attributes and talents you possess that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating specifically to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of standard interview questions, so you need to organize several strategies about how you want to address them. Given that there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the talents you have that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but take down some ideas and topics that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can help you to prepare your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Find the Best Phlebotomist Program near Middlefield CT

Making sure that you enroll in the most suitable phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding health care career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are available in a variety of educational institutions, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive assortment of programs in medical care and health sciences. Training program offerings can vary somewhat from state to state as each state has its own criteria when it comes to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must diligently evaluate and compare each college prior to making your final decision. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can pick the best program for you. And with the appropriate training, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Middlefield CT.

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