Choosing a Phlebotomy School near Linden New Jersey

Selecting the right phlebotomy training near Linden NJ is an important first step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting undertaking to assess and compare all of the school options that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you receive a quality education. In fact, many prospective students begin the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional option you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll review more about online classes 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 variables including accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and should be part of your selection process also. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you pick the best one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online training.

Phlebotomy Technician Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their primary function, there is in fact far more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the tools being employed are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork must be correctly completed to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing procedure. 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. Some Linden NJ phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are in charge of making sure that samples are tested correctly using the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they may be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The easiest response is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are numerous and diverse, such as Linden NJ hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood banks. They can be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting samples from a certain type of patient. For instance, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be drawing blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients every day.

Phlebotomist Education, Certification and Licensing

There are essentially two kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in Linden NJ, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes under a year to complete and offers a general 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 exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at community and junior colleges, they normally require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program provide a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. While not required in the majority of states, many employers require certification before hiring technicians. A few 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 several states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, such as California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a premium education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomist Schools

To begin with, let’s resolve one potential mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A good component of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Linden NJ healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-clinical component of the training may be accessed online, it could be a more practical alternative for many students. As an added benefit, many online schools are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenditures, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomy program you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomist Programs

Now that you have a basic understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already selected 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 Jersey college is significant as well as the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomy online school. Each of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for selecting a program or school. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Following are several questions that you need to ask about each of the Linden NJ colleges you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As earlier discussed, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed before working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for New Jersey or the state where you will be working and prepares you for all exams you may be required to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you choose should be accredited by a reputable regional or national accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited school in addition to an assurance 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 earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Linden NJ. Finally, 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 Program’s Ranking? In numerous 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 investigate the reputations of any schools you are looking at. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can research internet school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also contact a few Linden NJ local clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and find out if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the New Jersey school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Adequate Training Included? First, contact the New Jersey regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Linden NJ 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 below these minimums may signify that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internships Included? Find out from the New Jersey programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with local health care facilities. They are the optimal way to obtain hands-on clinical training frequently not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Linden NJ health care community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Getting your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the schools you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation along with a large network of professional contacts within the Linden NJ healthcare community.

Are Classes Available as Needed? And last, it’s important to make sure that the ultimate school you choose provides classes at times that are compatible with your active schedule. This is particularly important if you decide to still work while going to college. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Linden NJ, make sure they are offered 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 attend 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 have to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Phlebotomist?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's helpful to review questions you could be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers frequently ask Phlebotomist applicants is "What drove you to choose Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what qualities and skills you have that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of standard interview questions, so you must prepare some approaches about how you want to respond to them. Because there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down some ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Find the Best Phlebotomy School near Linden NJ

Making sure that you select the right phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality school. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be offered in a number of academic institutions, including junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive array of courses in medical care and health sciences. Training program options may vary somewhat across the country as every state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must diligently evaluate and compare each program before making your final choice. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the best program for you. And with the appropriate training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Linden NJ.

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