Choosing a Phlebotomy Course near East Haven Connecticut
Selecting the right phlebotomy school near East Haven CT is a critical initial step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult task to assess and compare all of the school options that are available to you. However it’s important that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you receive a quality education. In reality, most potential students start their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Another option you might look into 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’s important to keep in mind is that there is far more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors including reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and should be part of your decision process too. 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 pick the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online schools.
Phlebotomist Job Summary
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal function, there is actually far more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the instruments being utilized are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample must be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork needs to be correctly completed in order to track the sample from the point 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 may be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Many East Haven CT phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are responsible for ensuring that samples are tested correctly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they can be required to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.
Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?
The simplest response is wherever there are patients. Their workplaces are numerous and varied, such as East Haven CT medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be charged to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or young children to seniors. A number of phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a particular kind of patient. For instance, those practicing 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. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients each day.
Phlebotomy Training, Certification and Licensing
There are essentially 2 types of programs that offer phlebotomy training in East Haven CT, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to finish and offers a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at junior and community colleges, they usually require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a four year program offer a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to be certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, a number of employers look for certification before employing technicians. Some of the principal 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 phlebotomy tech, such as Nevada and California. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only offers a quality education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.
Online Phlebotomist Classes
To start with, let’s dispel one possible 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 performed either in an approved East Haven CT healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-clinical component of the training can be accessed online, it could be a more practical alternative for many students. As an added benefit, a number of online classes are more affordable than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy program you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a premium education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the best option for you.
Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Programs
Since you now have a basic understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already picked the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Connecticut campus is important as well as the tuition expense. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomy school. All of these decisions are a critical component of the process for picking a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you should ask about all of the East Haven CT colleges you are looking at before making your ultimate selection.
Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As previously mentioned, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for Connecticut or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for all examinations you may have to take.
Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you choose 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 several benefits to graduating from an accredited school in addition to an assurance of a premium education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are often unavailable for non-accredited colleges in East Haven CT. 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 College’s Ranking? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to check the reputations of all schools you are looking at. 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 research online school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even contact a few East Haven CT area hospitals or clinics that you may have an interest in working for and see if they can offer any insights. As a closing thought, you can check with the Connecticut school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.
Is Enough Training Provided? To begin with, contact the Connecticut 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 East Haven CT phlebotomy program that you are considering should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish sufficient training.
Are Internships Included? Find out from the Connecticut colleges you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with area medical facilities. They are the optimal way to receive hands-on clinical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local East Haven CT health care community. And they are a plus on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Finding your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the East Haven CT healthcare community.
Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it’s crucial to make sure that the final college you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is especially true if you opt to still work while going to school. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near East Haven CT, make sure 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 study online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is in case you have to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.
Why Did You Choose to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?
When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the things that recruiters typically ask Phlebotomy Technician candidates is "What drove you to select Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not only the personal reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomist, but also what attributes and skills you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, in addition to a significant number of general interview questions, so you should organize several approaches about how you would like to address them. Considering there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down a few concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can help you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.Find the Best Phlebotomy Program near East Haven CT
Making sure that you choose the most suitable phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this rewarding health care career position. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomist training programs can be available in a number of educational institutes, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide range of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program offerings may vary a bit from state to state as each state has its own criteria when it concerns phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to thoroughly evaluate and compare each college prior to making your ultimate decision. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the ideal school for you. And with the proper education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in East Haven CT.
Learn About East Haven Connecticut
East Haven, Connecticut
East Haven is a town in New Haven County, Connecticut, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the town population was 29,257.[1] Located 3 miles (5 km) east of New Haven, it is part of the Greater New Haven area. East Haven is 35 miles (56 km) from Hartford, 82 miles (132 km) from N.Y. City, 99 miles (159 km) from Providence, Rhode Island, and 140 miles (230 km) from Boston.
This area was long settled by indigenous peoples. Long before European encounter, Algonquian peoples occupied settlements along the coastline and rivers.
The area now known as East Haven was obtained by Puritan settlers Reverend John Davenport and Theophilus Eaton on November 29, 1638, as part of the purchase of New Haven from Sachem Momauguin of the local Quinnipiack tribe. Additional land, in what is now known as Foxon, was purchased from Chief Montowese on December 11, 1638.
In 1639 Thomas Gregson petitioned for the purchase of Solitary Cove, later called Morris Cove. This was granted on August 5, 1644, and was the last piece of land that made up the original town of East Haven. The original town boundaries were from the harbor and Quinnipiac River on the west to the Branford and North Branford town line on the east. The southern boundary is Long Island Sound, and the North Haven town line is the northern boundary.
More Interesting Connecticut Cities
Business Results 1 - 5 of 21
East Haven CT Blood Labs - BingNews Search results
-
East Haven removes historic gazebo from town green
Crews began removing the old gazebo on the East Haven Green last week. Work will begin on the new one in the fall.
-
New Haven, CT
New Haven is the home of the Ivy League institution, Yale University and its renowned health care system. Both are an integral part of the city's economy, as well as being New Haven's biggest ...
-
East Haven man sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually assaulting children
An East Haven man will serve 15 years in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting minors under the age of 10, according to the State's Attorney's Office. Officials said Lawrence ...
-
East Rock
“I have almost a photographic memory,” Apuzzo, 69, said on a recent morning in the basement storeroom of the East Rock market where he began his working life on Dec. 6, 1967. He was 13. “I can walk ...
-
10 best deck builders in East Haven, Connecticut
While winters can get chilly in East Haven, a deck provides the perfect spot to take advantage of warm day in the colder months. However, building a deck is no small feat. To install a secure and ...
-
Best home services in East Haven, Connecticut
Editorial note: Homefront (defined in the Disclosure below) may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or ...
-
East Haven Police Blotter: April 10 to April 16, 2024
East Haven police logs, April 10-16: April 10 Elizabeth Milagros Martinez, 38, of East Haven, was charged with reckless endangerment, risk of injury to a child, and negligent storage of a firearm.
-
New and used 2024 Subaru Forester for sale near East Haven, CT
*Estimated payments are for informational purposes only. These estimates do not include tax, title, registration fees, lien fees, or any other fees that may be imposed by a governmental agency in ...
-
Juveniles back into East Haven cruiser while trying to steal car
EAST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Two juveniles were taken into custody early Friday morning after they were caught stealing a Kia, and then backed into a police cruiser while trying to get away.
-
Two juveniles caught stealing car from East Haven apartment complex, police say
EAST HAVEN — Two juveniles were arrested Friday after they were caught in the process of stealing a vehicle from an apartment complex on Laurel Street, according to police. Police said they were ...