Picking a Phlebotomist School near Old Greenwich Connecticut

Selecting the ideal phlebotomist school near Old Greenwich CT is an essential initial step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting undertaking to evaluate and compare all of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you obtain a superior education. In reality, most potential students start their search by considering two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another factor you may look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll review more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors including reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and should be part of your selection process also. Toward that end, we will furnish a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you pick the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online training.

Phlebotomy Technician Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their main function, there is in fact far more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to verify that the tools being used are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample has to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork has to be accurately completed to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab testing process. 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. A number of Old Greenwich CT phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are responsible for ensuring that samples are analyzed properly using the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they might be asked to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The most basic answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are numerous and varied, including Old Greenwich CT medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a specific kind of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers solely. In contrast, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide variety of patients and would work with different patients every day.

Phlebotomist Training, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially two kinds of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Old Greenwich CT, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to finish and furnishes a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at community and junior colleges, they normally take two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program offer a more expansive background in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will probably want to become certified. While not mandated in most states, most employers require certification before hiring technicians. A few 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 call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, such as Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only supplies a premium education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomy Online Schools

First, let’s resolve one possible misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial part of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Old Greenwich CT healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-clinical portion of the training may be attended online, it may be a more practical option for many students. As an added benefit, a number of online programs are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some costs, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomist college you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a premium education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal choice for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Since you now 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 decided on the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Connecticut college is significant in addition to the tuition expense. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomy online college. Each of these decisions are an important component of the process for picking a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you should ask about each of the Old Greenwich CT programs you are reviewing prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As earlier discussed, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Connecticut or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for all examinations you may have to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many advantages to graduating from an accredited program aside from an assurance of a premium education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to take a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are typically not available for non-accredited programs in Old Greenwich CT. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to future employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to check 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 screen internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even talk to a few Old Greenwich CT area hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and find out if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the Connecticut school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Enough Training Provided? First, contact the Connecticut 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 Old Greenwich CT phlebotomy program that you are looking at should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out from the Connecticut programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with local healthcare facilities. They are the optimal way to receive hands-on clinical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Old Greenwich CT medical community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Getting your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the colleges you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school 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 as well as an extensive network of professional contacts within the Old Greenwich CT medical community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? And last, it’s critical to verify that the ultimate program you choose provides classes at times that are compatible with your active lifestyle. This is particularly true if you choose to still work while attending school. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Old Greenwich CT, check that they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option as well. 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 find out what the make-up protocol is in case you have to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's important to consider questions you might be asked. One of the things that recruiters often ask Phlebotomist prospects is "What made you choose Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not merely the private reasons you might have for being Phlebotomist, but also what characteristics and abilities you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating specifically to Phlebotomy, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you should ready a number of strategies about how you would like to address them. Given that there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but take down a few ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Enroll in the Ideal Phlebotomist Course near Old Greenwich CT

Making sure that you enroll in the right phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this gratifying health care field. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a superior college. Phlebotomy training programs can be available in a wide range of academic institutes, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive assortment of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Program options may differ a bit from state to state as every state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly evaluate and compare each school before making your final decision. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can select the ideal program for you. And with the proper training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Old Greenwich CT.

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