Selecting a Phlebotomy School near Niantic Connecticut

Picking the right phlebotomy technician training near Niantic CT is a critical first step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult undertaking to assess and compare each of the training options that are available to you. However it’s vital that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you obtain a quality education. In fact, many potential students start their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional factor you might consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online schools later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and need to be part of your decision process too. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you choose 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 classes.

Phlebotomy Tech Work Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their principal duty, there is in fact far more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to check that the instruments being employed are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork has to be properly completed to be able 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 may be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some Niantic CT phlebotomists actually work in labs and are in charge of ensuring that samples are tested correctly under the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they can be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The quickest response is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are numerous and varied, including Niantic CT hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be charged to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a specific kind of patient. For instance, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients each day.

Phlebotomy Training, Certification and Licensing

There are essentially 2 kinds of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Niantic CT, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes under a year to finish and offers a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they typically take two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program provide a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will probably want to get certified. While not required in the majority of states, many employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. A few of the primary certifying agencies 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 in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, like Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only supplies a premium education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomist Colleges

First, let’s dispel one likely misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant component of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Niantic CT healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. A large number of courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-clinical component of the training may be attended online, it could be a more convenient option for some students. As an additional benefit, a number of online schools are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some costs, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be lowered also. Just verify that the online phlebotomist school you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a premium education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomy Programs

Now that you have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already selected the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Connecticut college is relevant as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomist school. All of these decisions are an important component of the process 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 need to ask about each of the Niantic CT colleges you are considering prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As previously mentioned, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Connecticut or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you choose should be accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited program aside from a guarantee of a superior education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are typically not available for non-accredited schools in Niantic CT. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to future employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Ranking? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to check out the reputations of all schools you are considering. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even contact some Niantic CT area hospitals or clinics that you may have an interest in working for and see if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can contact the Connecticut school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Ample Training Provided? To begin with, check with the Connecticut regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Niantic CT phlebotomy program that you are considering should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything lower than these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out from the Connecticut schools you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with area health care facilities. They are the optimal way to receive hands-on practical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Niantic CT healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Finding your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a higher rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation together with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Niantic CT medical community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it’s critical to make sure that the ultimate program you select offers classes at times that are compatible with your hectic schedule. This is particularly important if you decide to still work while attending school. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Niantic CT, check that they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, verify 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 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 Want to Be a Phlebotomist?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's a good idea to consider questions you might be asked. One of the questions that recruiters typically ask Phlebotomy Technician prospects is "What drove you to decide on Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomist, but additionally what qualities and skills you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you need to organize some strategies about how you would like to answer them. Given that there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the talents you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Technician and the leading choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down a few ideas and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Select the Right Phlebotomy Course near Niantic CT

Making certain that you choose the most suitable phlebotomist training is an important first step toward your success in this fulfilling medical care field. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomy training programs can be available in a number of academic institutes, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive assortment of courses in medical care and health sciences. Course options may differ slightly from state to state as each state has its own prerequisites when it concerns phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly screen and compare each school prior to making your ultimate decision. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the ideal program for you. And with the proper training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Niantic CT.

Learn About Niantic Connecticut

 

 

More Interesting Connecticut Cities

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Washington Depot CT 06794

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Marlborough CT 06447

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Georgetown CT 06829

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Moodus CT 06469

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Derby CT 06418

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Scotland CT 06264

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Cromwell CT 06416

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Greenwich CT 06830

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Southport CT 06490

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Montville CT 06353