Phlebotomy Training Schools near Augusta ME 04330

Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician Course near Augusta Maine

Augusta ME phlebotomist taking blood samplePicking the ideal phlebotomy school near Augusta ME is a critical first step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting task to evaluate and compare each of the school options that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you receive a quality education. In fact, most students start the process by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Another option you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll review more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and should be part of your decision process also. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you pick the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online training.

Phlebotomist Job Description

Augusta ME phlebotomist testing blood sampleA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their principal function, there is actually much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to verify that the instruments being utilized are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample has to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork has to be properly completed to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory testing process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some Augusta ME phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are in charge of making certain that samples are analyzed properly using the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they can be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The easiest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are many and diverse, such as Augusta ME hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be charged to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomists, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting samples from a particular type of patient. For instance, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be collecting blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Training, Licensing and Certification

Augusta ME phlebotomist holding blood sampleThere are basically 2 kinds of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Augusta ME, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes under a year to complete and furnishes a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at community and junior colleges, they normally take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available 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 be certified. Although not required in most states, many employers require certification prior to hiring 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 in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, including Nevada and California. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a superior education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Classes

attending phlebotomy training online in Augusta MEFirst, let’s resolve one potential misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant component of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Augusta ME 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. However since the non-practical component of the training can be accessed online, it could be a more practical option for many students. As an additional benefit, a number of online classes are less expensive than their on-campus competitors. And some expenditures, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered as well. Just verify 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 quality education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the best choice for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Since you now have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already decided on the kind of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Maine school is significant as well as the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online program. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the process for selecting a program or school. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you need to ask about each of the Augusta ME schools you are considering prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As previously mentioned, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states call for certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for Maine or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for all examinations you may be required to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you choose should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited school aside from an assurance of a premium education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited programs in Augusta ME. Last, graduating from an accredited school can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of all schools you are reviewing. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job assistance program. You can screen online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also talk to a few Augusta ME area clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and find out if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the Maine school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Included? First, contact the Maine 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 Augusta ME phlebotomist program that you are looking at should furnish at least 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 expansive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internships Provided? Find out from the Maine schools you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with area medical facilities. They are the ideal way to receive hands-on clinical training typically not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Augusta ME medical community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Landing your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Find out if the programs you are reviewing 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 positions, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Augusta ME medical community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s important to make sure that the final school you select offers classes at times that are compatible with your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Augusta ME, check that they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option also. Even if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is should you have to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's important to reflect on questions you may be asked. Among the things that recruiters often ask Phlebotomy Technician applicants is "What made you choose Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not only the private reasons you may have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but also what characteristics and abilities you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you should organize several ideas about how you want to answer them. Considering there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down several ideas and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Choose the Best Phlebotomist College near Augusta ME

Making sure that you select the right phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding health care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a quality program. Phlebotomy training programs can be available in a wide range of academic institutes, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive array of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program offerings can vary a bit across the country as every state has its own prerequisites when it pertains to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to diligently evaluate and compare each school before making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the ideal program for you. And with the appropriate education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Augusta ME.

Learn About Augusta Maine

Augusta, Maine

Augusta is the state capital of the U.S. state of Maine and the county seat of Kennebec County.[5]

The city's population was 19,136 at the 2010 census, making it the third-least populous state capital in the United States after Montpelier, Vermont and Pierre, South Dakota, and the ninth-most populous city in Maine. Located on the Kennebec River at the head of tide, Augusta is home to the University of Maine at Augusta. Augusta is also the principal city in the Augusta-Waterville Micropolitan Statistical Area.

The area was first explored by the ill-fated Popham Colony in September 1607. It was first inhabited by English settlers from the Plymouth Colony in 1628 as a trading post on the Kennebec River. The settlement was known by its Indian name—Cushnoc (or Coussinoc or Koussinoc), meaning "head of tide." Fur trading was at first profitable, but with Indian uprisings and declining revenues, the Plymouth Colony sold the Kennebec Patent in 1661. Cushnoc would remain unoccupied for the next 75 years.[6] This area was inhabited by the Canibas Indians. During the 17th century they were on friendly terms with the English settlers in the region.[7][8]

A hotbed of Abenaki hostility toward British settlements was located further up the Kennebec at Norridgewock. In 1722, the tribe and its allies attacked Fort Richmond (now Richmond) and destroyed Brunswick. In response, Norridgewock was sacked in 1724 during Dummer's War, when English forces gained tentative control of the Kennebec. In 1754, a blockhouse named Fort Western (now the oldest wooden fort in America), was built at Cushnoc on the eastern bank of the Kennebec River. It was intended as a supply depot for Fort Halifax upriver, as well as to protect its own region.[9] In 1775, Benedict Arnold and his 1,100 troops would use Fort Western as a staging area before continuing their journey up the Kennebec to the Battle of Quebec.

 

 

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