Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician Course near Old Bridge New Jersey

Choosing the ideal phlebotomy technician training near Old Bridge NJ is a critical first step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult undertaking to analyze and compare each of the training options that are accessible to you. However it’s vital that you do your due diligence to ensure that you get a quality education. In fact, many students start their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional factor you may consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll review a bit more about online schools later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is much more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors such as accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and should be part of your decision process as well. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomy Technician Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their main responsibility, there is actually far more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to verify that the instruments being utilized are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample must be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork has to be properly filled out to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. A number of Old Bridge NJ phlebotomists actually work in labs and are responsible for making certain that samples are analyzed correctly under the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they can be required to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?

The easiest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work environments are many and varied, such as Old Bridge NJ hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be tasked to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or young children to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, 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 drawing blood from elderly 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 collecting blood from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients every day.

Phlebotomy Training, Licensing and Certification

There are basically 2 kinds of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Old Bridge NJ, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes less than a year to complete and offers a general education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at community and junior colleges, they typically take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a 4 year program provide a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will probably want to be certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, most employers require certification before hiring technicians. A few of the key 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 require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, including Nevada and California. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a quality education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomy Online Training

To begin with, let’s resolve one likely mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant portion of the course of study will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Old Bridge NJ 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 in order to graduate. But since the non-practical part of the training may be attended online, it may be a more convenient alternative for some students. As an additional benefit, many online colleges are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some costs, for instance those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomist school you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Now that you have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already decided on 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 significant in addition to the tuition expense. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomy online school. All of these decisions are a critical part of the process for picking a school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you should ask about each of the Old Bridge NJ schools you are looking at prior to making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As earlier discussed, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of practical training completed before working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for New Jersey or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for any exams you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you pick should be accredited by a respected regional or national accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited school aside from an assurance of a superior education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to take a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited programs in Old Bridge NJ. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more attractive to future employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to check out the reputations of all colleges you are reviewing. 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 screen internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also contact several Old Bridge NJ area hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and find out if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the New Jersey school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Enough Training Provided? To begin with, contact the New Jersey regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Old Bridge NJ phlebotomist program that you are considering should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything lower than these minimums may indicate that the program is not expansive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out from the New Jersey colleges you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with local health care facilities. They are the optimal means to receive hands-on practical training frequently not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students develop relationships within the local Old Bridge NJ medical community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Getting your first phlebotomist job will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Ask if the colleges you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation as well as a substantial network of professional contacts within the Old Bridge NJ healthcare community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s critical to verify that the ultimate school you choose offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic schedule. This is particularly important if you opt to still work while attending school. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Old Bridge NJ, check that they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, confirm it is an option as well. And if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up policy is should you need to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Desire to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the questions that interviewers often ask Phlebotomy Tech applicants is "What made you decide on Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the personal reasons you may have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but also what qualities and skills you possess that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, in addition to a significant number of general interview questions, so you must organize a number of ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the talents you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Technician and the ideal choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down a few concepts and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can help you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Find the Best Phlebotomy Program near Old Bridge NJ

Making certain that you choose the most suitable phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this fulfilling medical care field. As we have addressed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a premium program. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are found in a wide range of educational institutes, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive range of courses in medical care and health sciences. Course options can vary slightly across the country as every state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must thoroughly research and compare each school before making your final choice. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the right college for you. And with the appropriate training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Old Bridge NJ.

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