Picking a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Cummington Massachusetts

Selecting the right phlebotomy school near Cummington MA is a critical initial step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a challenging undertaking to analyze and compare each of the training alternatives that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s vital that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you obtain a quality education. In reality, a large number of prospective students begin the process by considering two 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 an area campus. We’ll talk more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and need to be part of your selection process as well. To assist in that effort, we will furnish a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online schools.

Phlebotomy Tech Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. While that is their principal duty, there is actually far more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to confirm that the instruments being utilized are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork needs to be properly completed 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 in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some Cummington MA phlebotomists actually work in labs and are responsible for making certain that samples are tested properly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they may be asked to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?

The most basic answer is wherever there are patients. Their workplaces are many and diverse, such as Cummington MA medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They may be tasked to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting samples from a specific kind of patient. For instance, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.

Phlebotomist Education, Certification and Licensing

There are essentially two types of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Cummington MA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to finish and provides a basic education together 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, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomist. Offered at community and junior colleges, they usually require 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program provide a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. Although not required in most states, most employers look for certification before employing technicians. A few of the main 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 require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, such as Nevada and California. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only furnishes a superior education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Colleges

To begin with, let’s resolve one potential misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant component of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Cummington MA 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 prior to graduation. However since the non-practical component of the training can be attended online, it might be a more convenient option for many students. As an additional benefit, some online colleges are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some costs, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomist school you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal option for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Now that you have a general 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 wish to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Massachusetts school is significant as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomy online school. Each of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for picking a school or program. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you need to ask about all of the Cummington MA schools you are looking at before making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomist program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Massachusetts or the state where you will be working and preps you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many advantages to graduating from an accredited program in addition to a guarantee of a premium education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to take a certification examination administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are typically not available for non-accredited colleges in Cummington MA. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Reputation? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to check out the reputations of any colleges you are looking at. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can screen internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also contact several Cummington MA area hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the Massachusetts school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Enough Training Provided? To begin with, contact the Massachusetts regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any Cummington MA phlebotomy program that you are looking at should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internships Provided? Ask the Massachusetts colleges you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional medical facilities. They are the optimal means to obtain hands-on practical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Cummington MA healthcare community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Finding your first phlebotomist job will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation as well as a substantial network of professional contacts within the Cummington MA medical community.

Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s important to confirm that the final college you choose provides classes at times that are compatible with your busy lifestyle. This is particularly true if you decide to continue working while attending college. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Cummington MA, make sure they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option also. And if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is should you have to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician job, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the questions that recruiters typically ask Phlebotomist prospects is "What drove you to select Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not just the personal reasons you may have for being Phlebotomist, but also what qualities and abilities you possess that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, in addition to a significant number of typical interview questions, so you must ready some strategies about how you want to answer them. Considering there are several factors that go into choosing 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 as well as the talents you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Technician and the best candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down several concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Select the Best Phlebotomist Program near Cummington MA

Making certain that you pick the most suitable phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding health care field. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomist training programs are found in a wide range of educational institutes, such as community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive range of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Program options can differ a bit from state to state as each state has its own mandates when it comes to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must thoroughly evaluate and compare each program prior to making your final selection. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the right school for you. And with the appropriate education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Cummington MA.

Learn About Cummington Massachusetts

 

 

More Interesting Massachusetts Cities

Phlebotomy Training Schools near West Tisbury MA 02575

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Weymouth MA 02188

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Lincoln MA 01773

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Walpole MA 02081

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Pittsfield MA 01201

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Ludlow MA 01056

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Brockton MA 02301

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Chatham MA 02633

Phlebotomy Training Schools near South Deerfield MA 01373

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Douglas MA 01516