Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Washington Connecticut

Picking the right phlebotomy technician training near Washington CT is an important initial step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging undertaking to analyze and compare all of the school alternatives that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you do your due diligence to ensure that you get a superior education. In fact, a large number of potential students start their search by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another factor you may consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is much more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and should 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 assessing to help you select the best one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomist Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. While that is their primary duty, there is actually far more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must verify that the instruments being used are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork needs to be correctly filled out to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. A number of Washington CT phlebotomists actually work in labs and are in charge of making sure that samples are analyzed properly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they might be asked to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The easiest answer is wherever there are patients. Their workplaces are numerous and varied, including Washington CT medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They may be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a particular type of patient. For example, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Certification and Licensing

There are primarily two types of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Washington CT, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes under a year to finish and offers a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at community and junior colleges, they normally take two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program provide a more extensive background in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. Although not required in the majority of states, most employers require certification prior to employing technicians. Some 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 require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, including Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you pick a phlebotomist training program that not only provides a quality education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomy Online Schools

To begin with, let’s resolve one possible mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A good component of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Washington CT healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-practical part of the training can be attended online, it may be a more practical option for some students. As an added benefit, a number of online classes are more affordable than their traditional competitors. And some costs, for instance those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy school you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a premium education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the best choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomist Programs

Now that you have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already chosen the kind of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Connecticut school is important in addition to the tuition expense. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomy online school. All of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for selecting a school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you should ask about all of the Washington CT schools you are looking at prior to making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As earlier discussed, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite 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 phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Connecticut or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited school aside from an assurance of a superior education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are typically not available for non-accredited schools in Washington 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 College’s Reputation? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to check out the reputations of any colleges 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 some Washington CT local hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and find out if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can contact the Connecticut school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Ample 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 length of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Washington CT phlebotomy program that you are looking at should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Ask the Connecticut colleges you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with local health care facilities. They are the ideal means to receive hands-on clinical training often not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Washington CT medical community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Getting your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Find out if the schools you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place most 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 Washington CT medical community.

Are Class Times Available as Needed? Finally, it’s crucial to confirm that the ultimate school you pick offers classes at times that are compatible with your active lifestyle. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while going to school. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Washington CT, make certain they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option also. And if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up procedure is in case you need to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's helpful to review questions you could be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers typically ask Phlebotomy Technician candidates is "What made you choose Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomist, but additionally what qualities and skills you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of general interview questions, so you should ready several ideas about how you would like to answer them. Because there are several 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 work appeals to you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomist and the ideal choice for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down a few ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Find the Right Phlebotomist Program near Washington CT

Making certain that you pick the right phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this gratifying medical care field. As we have covered in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a superior college. Phlebotomist training programs can be available in a wide range of academic institutions, such as community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide range of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Course options can vary a bit from state to state as every state has its own prerequisites when it comes to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to carefully research and compare each program prior to making your final choice. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the right program for you. And with the appropriate training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Washington CT.

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