Picking a Phlebotomy School near Collingswood New Jersey
Picking the right phlebotomy technician school near Collingswood NJ is an important initial step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting task to evaluate and compare each of the school options that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you receive a superior education. In reality, most potential students start their search by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Another option you may consider 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 remember is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors such as accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your selection process also. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you choose the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our discussion about online schools.
Phlebotomist Work Description
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their main task, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the instruments being utilized are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample must be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork has to be properly completed to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab screening process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Collingswood NJ phlebotomists actually work in labs and are accountable for making sure that samples are analyzed properly using the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they might be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.
Where are Phlebotomists Employed?
The quickest answer is wherever patients are treated. Their work environments are numerous and varied, including Collingswood NJ medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They may be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a certain kind of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be drawing blood from older 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 practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients every day.
Phlebotomy Technician Education, Licensing and Certification
There are basically 2 kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomy training in Collingswood NJ, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to complete and offers a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they normally require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program offer a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will probably want to become certified. While not required in most states, a number of employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. Some 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 phlebotomist, like California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a premium education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.
Phlebotomist Online Training
To start with, let’s dispel one possible misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial component of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Collingswood NJ 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 prior to graduation. However since the non-practical part of the training can be accessed online, it might be a more convenient alternative for many students. As an added benefit, many online programs are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some expenditures, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be minimized also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy school you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can receive a superior education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Phlebotomy Programs
Since you now have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already picked the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the New Jersey campus is relevant as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomy college. All of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for selecting a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Following are several questions that you need to ask about all of the Collingswood NJ colleges you are looking at before making your final decision.
Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As earlier discussed, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states call for certification, while some others require licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that fulfills the state specific requirements for New Jersey or the state where you will be working and prepares you for any exams you may have to take.
Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you enroll in 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 a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to a guarantee of a premium education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Collingswood NJ. Finally, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.
What is the School’s Reputation? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are some 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 looking at. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even talk to a few Collingswood NJ local hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and ask if they can offer any insights. As a closing thought, you can contact the New Jersey school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.
Is Ample Training Provided? To begin with, check with the New Jersey 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 clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Collingswood NJ phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums may signify that the program is not expansive enough to furnish adequate training.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask the New Jersey colleges you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional medical facilities. They are the optimal way to get hands-on clinical training typically not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Collingswood NJ medical community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Finding your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Find out if the schools you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation as well as an extensive network of professional contacts within the Collingswood NJ healthcare community.
Are Class Times Available as Needed? And last, it’s critical to confirm that the final school you select offers classes at times that are compatible with your active lifestyle. This is particularly true if you decide to still work while attending college. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Collingswood NJ, make sure they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is should you need to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.
Why Did You Decide to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?
When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's important to consider questions you may be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers typically ask Phlebotomy Technician applicants is "What compelled you to choose Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not only the personal reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what attributes and skills you possess that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you should organize several ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Technician and the leading candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down several concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.Find the Ideal Phlebotomist School near Collingswood NJ
Making certain that you pick the ideal phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this gratifying medical care career position. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be available in a number of academic institutes, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive range of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program options can vary a bit from state to state as each state has its own mandates when it comes to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you need to diligently evaluate and compare each program before making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can select the right school for you. And with the proper training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Collingswood NJ.
Learn About Collingswood New Jersey
Collingswood, New Jersey
Collingswood is a borough in Camden County, New Jersey, United States, located 6 miles (9.7 km) east of Center City, Philadelphia.[20] As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough's population was 13,926,[9][10][11] reflecting a decline of 400 (-2.8%) from the 14,326 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn declined by 963 (-6.3%) from the 15,289 counted in the 1990 Census.[21]
Owing in part to its Quaker history, Collingswood was founded as a dry town where alcohol cannot be sold, however restaurant patrons are permitted to bring their own wine and beer to consume.[22][23] In July 2015, the town introduced an ordinance that will allow craft breweries to operate in the town but not serve food. The ordinance is expected to be passed in August 2015.[24] Under the terms of a limited license, Devil's Creek Brewery opened a tasting room in May 2016 where beers made by the microbrewery are available for sale to the public.[25] A state ordinance also allows select restaurants to serve wine produced by New Jersey vineyards.
Quakers settled along Newton Creek and Cooper River in the late 17th Century, establishing what was known as the Newton Colony and eventually Newton Township. Much of what is now Collingswood was a farm owned by members of the Collings family during the 18th and 19th Centuries. Later a section of Haddon Township, Collingswood was incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on May 22, 1888, based on the results of a referendum held that same day.[26] That same year, town resident Edward Collings Knight, a wealthy dentist, donated the land that became Knight Park. Knight was a descendant of the Collings family for whom the borough is named.[27][28][29]
Collingswood has several historic homes including the 1820s-era house of the Collings family, known as the Collings-Knight homestead, which stands at the corner of Browning Road and Collings Avenue, shadowed by the Heights of Collingswood apartments. The Stokes-Lees mansion located in the 600 block of Lees Avenue dates back to 1707,[30] making it one of the oldest houses in Camden County. Sections of Harleigh Cemetery, the location of poet Walt Whitman's tomb are in Collingswood,[31] as is the mailing address for the Camden County Historical Society.[32]
More Interesting New Jersey Cities
Business Results 1 - 5 of 17
5 Reviews 
5 Reviews 18 Reviews 
3 Reviews 
Collingswood NJ Blood Labs - BingNews Search results
-
You Can Test Your Blood for 50 Kinds of Cancer
According to its website, the Menlo Park–based firm got its name because its “co-founders believed a simple blood test could be the ‘holy ... Benjamin Mazer is a physician specializing in pathology ...