Selecting a Phlebotomist Course near Terryville Connecticut

Enrolling in the right phlebotomy technician school near Terryville CT is a critical initial step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting task to investigate and compare all of the school alternatives that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you perform your due diligence to make sure that you obtain a superior education. In reality, most potential students begin their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another option you may consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll discuss more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables including reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your selection process also. 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 pick the best one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomist Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their main duty, there is actually far more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the instruments being employed are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork needs to be correctly filled out in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory testing procedure. The phlebotomist then transports 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 Terryville CT phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are in charge of making certain that samples are tested correctly under the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they might be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Practice?

The easiest answer is wherever patients are treated. Their work places are numerous and varied, including Terryville CT hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or young children to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting samples from a particular kind of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be drawing blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomist Education, Licensing and Certification

There are basically two types of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Terryville CT, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to finish and furnishes a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest method 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 phlebotomist. Offered at community and junior colleges, they typically take two years to finish. 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 be certified. While not required in the majority of states, a number of employers require certification before employing technicians. A few of the main 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 call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, like Nevada and California. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you pick a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a premium education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomy Online Colleges

First, let’s dispel one potential misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial portion of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Terryville CT healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-clinical component of the training may be attended online, it can be a more convenient option for many students. As an added benefit, a number of online colleges are more affordable than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy school you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a superior education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomy Programs

Since you now have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already selected the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Connecticut campus is important in addition to the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomy college. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the process for choosing a program or school. But they are not the sole concerns when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you should ask about all of the Terryville CT schools you are looking at before making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As previously mentioned, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states require certification, while some others require licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed before working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomist program that complies with the state specific requirements for Connecticut or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable 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 program aside from 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 exam offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited schools in Terryville CT. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Reputation? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to check the reputations of any colleges you are looking at. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their students as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even contact several Terryville CT area hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and see if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the Connecticut school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Enough Training Provided? To begin with, contact the Connecticut regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Terryville CT phlebotomist program that you are considering should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out from the Connecticut schools you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with local healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to obtain hands-on clinical training often not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Terryville CT healthcare community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Getting your first phlebotomist job will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Find out if the programs you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Terryville CT health care community.

Are Classes Available as Needed? And last, it’s important to confirm that the ultimate school you choose offers classes at times that are compatible with your hectic schedule. This is especially true if you decide to still work while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Terryville CT, make sure they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option also. Even 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 protocol is in case you need to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Become a Phlebotomist?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the questions that interviewers typically ask Phlebotomist applicants is "What made you select Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the private reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you must ready some ideas about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Technician and the leading candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down some concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Select the Best Phlebotomist College near Terryville CT

Making certain that you select the ideal phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this fulfilling medical care field. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be found in a wide range of academic institutions, including junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide range of programs in medical care and health sciences. Course offerings can differ somewhat from state to state as each state has its own requirements when it concerns phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must diligently research and compare each school before making your ultimate decision. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the right college for you. And with the appropriate education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Terryville CT.

Learn About Terryville Connecticut

 

 

More Interesting Connecticut Cities

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Burlington CT 06013

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Canton CT 06019

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Collinsville CT 06022

Phlebotomy Training Schools near East Berlin CT 06023

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Ivoryton CT 06442

Phlebotomy Training Schools near New Haven CT 06501

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Sherman CT 06784

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Bethany CT 06524

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Thompson CT 06277

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Bristol CT 06010