Choosing a Phlebotomy Training Program near Newington Connecticut
Enrolling in the right phlebotomy technician school near Newington CT is an important first step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a challenging undertaking to analyze and compare all of the training alternatives that are available to you. However it’s important that you do your due diligence to ensure that you receive a superior education. In fact, most prospective students start their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Another option you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll talk more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is far more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating 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 as well. Toward that end, we will furnish a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you choose the best one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our discussion about online training.
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Phlebotomist Work Description
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their principal task, there is actually far more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must confirm that the tools 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 accurately completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory screening process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. A number of Newington CT phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are in charge of ensuring that samples are analyzed properly using the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they can be required to train other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.
Where are Phlebotomists Employed?
The quickest answer is wherever patients are treated. Their work places are numerous and diverse, such as Newington CT medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or young children to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting samples from a certain type of patient. For instance, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide variety of patients and would work with different patients on a daily basis.
Phlebotomy Technician Education, Licensing and Certification
There are primarily two types of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Newington CT, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to finish and furnishes a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will include training to become a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they usually require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program provide a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will probably want to become certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, a number of employers require certification before 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 a few states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, like California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only furnishes a superior education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.
Online Phlebotomist Schools
To start with, let’s resolve one possible mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial part of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Newington CT 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 prior to graduation. But since the non-practical portion of the training can be attended online, it can be a more convenient option for some students. As an additional benefit, many online schools are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some costs, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened as well. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist school you select 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 premium education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Phlebotomist Programs
Now that you have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already picked the kind of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Connecticut college is significant as well as the tuition expense. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomist online college. All of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for choosing a school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you need to ask about each of the Newington CT schools you are considering before making your ultimate selection.
Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As previously mentioned, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Connecticut or the state where you will be working and preps you for all examinations you may have to take.
Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded regional or national accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many advantages to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a superior education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Newington CT. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to future employers in the job market.
What is the Program’s Ranking? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to check the reputations of any schools you are considering. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can even check with some Newington CT local clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and see if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the Connecticut school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges 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 classroom and practical. As a minimum, any Newington CT 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 Internships Provided? Find out from the Connecticut programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with local health care facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on practical training often not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Newington CT medical community. And they are a plus on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Getting your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Ask if the schools you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college 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 Newington CT healthcare community.
Are Class Times Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s important to confirm that the final program you select provides classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is particularly true if you decide to still work while going to school. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Newington CT, make sure they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option also. Even if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up procedure is should you have to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.
Why Did You Desire to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?
When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's important to consider questions you may be asked. One of the things that recruiters typically ask Phlebotomy Technician candidates is "What compelled you to select Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not just the private reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what qualities and abilities you possess that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you must ready a number of approaches about how you want to respond to them. Because there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the talents you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomist and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down some concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.Choose the Ideal Phlebotomist Course near Newington CT
Making sure that you select the most suitable phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this fulfilling healthcare career position. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a quality school. Phlebotomy training programs are found in a number of academic institutions, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive range of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Program options may differ slightly across the country as every state has its own requirements when it concerns phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to thoroughly research and compare each college before making your ultimate selection. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the best school for you. And with the proper education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Newington CT.
Learn About Newington Connecticut
Newington, Connecticut
Newington is a town in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States. Located 8 miles (13 km) south of downtown Hartford, Newington is an older, mainly residential suburb located in Greater Hartford. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 30,562.[2] The Connecticut Department of Transportation has its headquarters in Newington.
Newington is home to Mill Pond Falls, near the center of town.[3] It is celebrated each fall during the Waterfall Festival.
The American Radio Relay League is headquartered in Newington, with a call sign of W1AW.
Newington has a history of nearly 375 years. While not established officially as a separate town until 1871, settlers from nearby Wethersfield took up residence on the western frontier of their riverside town in 1636. “West Society,” as some called it, was an area rich in timber that was used for pipe staves, barrel-sized containers used for colonial trade. Grand pastures also made the land ideal for herding and grazing cattle. Its inhabitants received land grants from Wethersfield leaders. Known as “West Farms,” the area west of the central portion of Wethersfield became settled by those who were almost exclusively the descendants of the earliest Wethersfield settlers. In 1721, the “western” farmers requested that the General Assembly of the Connecticut Colony give their land the name “Newington” to denote “the new town in the meadow.” The Assembly granted the request, even though it took another 150 years before Newington officially became an incorporated town. The town’s name predates its official existence.
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