Picking a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Bristol New Hampshire

Selecting the right phlebotomy technician school near Bristol NH is an important initial step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting undertaking to investigate and compare all of the school options that are accessible to you. However it’s vital that you do your due diligence to ensure that you get a superior education. In fact, most potential students begin the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Another factor you might consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll review a bit more about online schools later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is far more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and should be part of your decision process also. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you select the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our conversation about online classes.

Phlebotomy Technician Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their principal function, there is actually far more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to verify that the instruments being employed are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample must be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork needs to be correctly completed to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory screening process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Bristol NH phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are accountable for making sure that samples are tested properly under the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they can be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The simplest response is wherever patients are treated. Their work places are numerous and varied, such as Bristol NH medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be charged to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or young children to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a particular kind of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomist Training, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially 2 types of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Bristol NH, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program normally takes under a year to complete and furnishes a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomist. Offered at junior and community colleges, they usually take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program furnish a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. While not mandated in most states, most employers require certification prior to 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 a few states that do call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, like California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a superior education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomist Colleges

First, let’s resolve one potential mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant component of the course of study will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Bristol NH 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-clinical portion of the training can be attended online, it can be a more convenient alternative for many students. As an added benefit, many online programs are more affordable than their traditional competitors. And some expenditures, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be minimized also. Just verify that the online phlebotomist school you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the best choice for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Since you now have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already decided on the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the New Hampshire college is relevant as well as the tuition expense. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online school. Each of these decisions are an important part of the process for selecting a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Following are several questions that you need to ask about all of the Bristol NH schools you are looking at prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As previously mentioned, 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 performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomist program that complies with the state specific requirements for New Hampshire or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you pick should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited school in addition to a guarantee of a superior education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited schools in Bristol NH. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to check out the reputations of all colleges you are considering. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can research internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also talk to a few Bristol NH local clinics or hospitals that you might have an interest in working for and ask if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the New Hampshire school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Ample Training Included? To begin with, check with the New Hampshire 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 classroom and practical. As a minimum, any Bristol NH phlebotomist program that you are looking at should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums might signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask the New Hampshire colleges you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with area healthcare facilities. They are the ideal means to get hands-on clinical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Bristol NH healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Getting your first phlebotomist position will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the colleges you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation along with a large network of professional contacts within the Bristol NH healthcare community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it’s crucial to confirm that the final program you pick offers classes at times that are compatible with your hectic schedule. This is especially true if you opt to continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Bristol NH, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option also. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is in case you need to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomist job, it's advantageous to review questions you may be asked. One of the questions that interviewers typically ask Phlebotomy Technician applicants is "What drove you to choose Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not only the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what qualities and talents you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of routine interview questions, so you must prepare some strategies about how you want to address them. Since there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down some concepts and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Choose the Best Phlebotomist Program near Bristol NH

Making sure that you enroll in the ideal phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this fulfilling healthcare career position. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be available in a wide range of academic institutions, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive range of programs in medical care and health sciences. Program offerings may vary somewhat across the country as each state has its own requirements when it concerns phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must carefully research and compare each college prior to making your final selection. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the ideal school for you. And with the appropriate education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Bristol NH.

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