Selecting a Phlebotomy Training Program near Framingham Massachusetts

Picking the ideal phlebotomy technician school near Framingham MA is a critical initial step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult task to evaluate and compare all of the school alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s vital that you perform your due diligence to make sure that you get a quality education. In fact, most prospective students start the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another factor you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll discuss more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and must be part of your selection process as well. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you select the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online schools.

Phlebotomy Technician Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their principal function, there is in fact far more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the instruments being used are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample must be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork needs to be correctly filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory screening process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some Framingham MA phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are accountable for ensuring that samples are tested correctly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they may be required to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The simplest answer is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are many and diverse, such as Framingham MA medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a specific type of patient. For example, 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 mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from different patients every day.

Phlebotomist Education, Licensing and Certification

There are basically 2 kinds of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Framingham MA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to finish and furnishes a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will include training to become a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they normally require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a 4 year program furnish a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not mandated in most states, a number of employers require certification before employing technicians. Some of the primary certifying organizations include:

• National Phlebotomy Association
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• American Medical Technologists (AMT)

There are several states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, like California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you pick a phlebotomist training program that not only offers a superior education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomist Online Schools

To start with, let’s dispel one likely mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant portion of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Framingham 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 could be a more practical alternative for many students. As an added benefit, many online programs are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenditures, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be lowered also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy program you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the best option for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Now that you have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already selected 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 college is relevant as well as the cost of tuition. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomy school. All of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for picking a school or program. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you should ask about each of the Framingham MA programs you are reviewing before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Massachusetts? As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states call for certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomy program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Massachusetts or the state where you will be working and preps you for any examinations you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you select should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a superior education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are often unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Framingham MA. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are reviewing. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their students as part of their job assistance program. You can research online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can also talk to a few Framingham MA area clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and ask if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the Massachusetts school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Included? First, contact the Massachusetts 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 Framingham MA phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Ask the Massachusetts programs you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with local health care facilities. They are the optimal means to get hands-on practical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Framingham MA health care community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Landing your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the colleges you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Framingham MA healthcare community.

Are Class Times Conveniently Scheduled? And last, it’s critical to make sure that the ultimate college you choose offers classes at times that will accommodate your busy lifestyle. This is especially true if you opt to still work while attending school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Framingham MA, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option also. And if you have decided to study online, with the clinical 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 because of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Phlebotomist?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician job, it's a good idea to consider questions you may be asked. One of the things that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomy Technician applicants is "What compelled you to decide on Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what qualities and abilities you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of standard interview questions, so you must ready several approaches about how you want to address them. Since there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the talents you possess that make you an outstanding Phlebotomist and the best candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but write down some concepts and anecdotes that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Enroll in the Best Phlebotomy College near Framingham MA

Making certain that you choose the ideal phlebotomist training is an important first step toward your success in this fulfilling health care career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are found in a number of educational institutions, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive assortment of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Program options may differ somewhat from state to state as each state has its own requirements when it comes to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly evaluate and compare each college before making your final choice. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can pick the right program for you. And with the proper education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Framingham MA.

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