Picking a Phlebotomist Course near Centerbrook Connecticut

Choosing the right phlebotomy technician training near Centerbrook CT is an important initial step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting task to analyze and compare all of the training alternatives that are available to you. However it’s necessary that you perform your due diligence to make certain that you receive a superior education. In fact, most prospective students begin their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional factor you may look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll review a bit more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is much more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and need to be part of your decision process too. Toward that end, 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 ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online training.

Phlebotomist Career Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their principal task, there is actually much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must confirm that the instruments being used are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork has to be correctly filled out to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab testing process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Many Centerbrook CT phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are responsible for ensuring that samples are analyzed properly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they may be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?

The simplest answer is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are many and varied, such as Centerbrook CT hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood banks. They can be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting samples from a certain type of patient. For instance, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting blood from a wide variety of patients and would work with new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Education, Certification and Licensing

There are essentially 2 kinds of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Centerbrook CT, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to complete and furnishes 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 include training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at community and junior colleges, they usually require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program provide a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to be certified. While not required in the majority of states, most employers look for certification before employing technicians. Some of the key 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 in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, like California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only supplies a superior education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomy Online Colleges

To start with, let’s dispel one likely mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial part of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Centerbrook CT healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical part of the training can be accessed online, it could be a more convenient alternative for some students. As an added benefit, some online colleges are less expensive than their on-campus competitors. And some costs, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be minimized as well. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy program you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomist Programs

Since you now have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already picked 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 Connecticut school is significant in addition to the cost of tuition. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomy online school. All of these decisions are a critical component of the process for choosing a program or school. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about all of the Centerbrook CT programs you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As earlier discussed, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for Connecticut or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for all exams you may be required to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you pick should be accredited by a respected national or regional accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited school in addition to an assurance of a premium education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to take a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are typically not available for non-accredited colleges in Centerbrook CT. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to future employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Reputation? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to check the reputations of any schools 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 online school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can even talk to several Centerbrook CT local hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and find out if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the Connecticut school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Provided? First, contact the Connecticut regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Centerbrook CT phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internships Provided? Find out from the Connecticut programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with local health care facilities. They are the ideal way to receive hands-on clinical training often not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Centerbrook CT health care community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Landing your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are looking at provide 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 program has both a good reputation as well as an extensive network of professional contacts within the Centerbrook CT medical community.

Are Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it’s important to confirm that the ultimate school you select provides classes at times that will accommodate your busy lifestyle. This is particularly important if you opt to still work while attending school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Centerbrook CT, make certain they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option also. 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 ask what the make-up policy is in case you have to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's a good idea to review questions you may be asked. One of the things that interviewers often ask Phlebotomist candidates is "What made you select Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what attributes and talents you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of routine interview questions, so you should organize several ideas about how you would like to answer them. Since there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the strengths you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Technician and the perfiect choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but jot down a few concepts and anecdotes that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to prepare your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Find the Ideal Phlebotomy School near Centerbrook CT

Making certain that you choose the most suitable phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this fulfilling healthcare field. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomist training programs are found in a wide range of academic institutes, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide array of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Course options can vary somewhat from state to state as each state has its own prerequisites when it pertains to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to thoroughly research and compare each school prior to making your final selection. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the best school for you. And with the proper training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Centerbrook CT.

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