Selecting a Phlebotomist Course near Brewer Maine

Choosing the right phlebotomy technician school near Brewer ME is an essential first step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult undertaking to assess and compare each of the training alternatives that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you get a superior education. In fact, many potential students start their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another factor you may look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll discuss 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 closest or the cheapest one. Other factors including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and need to be part of your selection process as well. 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 choose the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomy Technician Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal task, there is in fact much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must confirm that the instruments being employed are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample needs to be correctly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork must be properly filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing procedure. 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. Many Brewer ME phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are responsible for ensuring that samples are tested properly under the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they can be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The quickest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are many and diverse, including Brewer ME hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They may be charged to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing blood from a specific kind of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients every day.

Phlebotomist Training, Certification and Licensing

There are basically 2 types of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Brewer ME, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program normally takes under a year to finish and furnishes a basic 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 specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at community and junior colleges, they typically require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program provide a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will probably want to get certified. Although not required in the majority of states, most employers require certification prior to 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 in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, such as California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only supplies a premium education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomy Online Certificates and Degrees

To start with, let’s dispel one possible mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A good part of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Brewer ME 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-practical portion of the training may be accessed online, it can be a more practical option for many students. As an additional benefit, some online schools are more affordable than their traditional competitors. And some costs, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened as well. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist school you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a quality education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Now that you have a basic understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already selected the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Maine campus is relevant in addition to the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online program. Each of these decisions are an important component of the procedure for selecting a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you need to ask about all of the Brewer ME schools you are considering before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As earlier discussed, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for Maine or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited school in addition to a guarantee of a premium education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are typically not available for non-accredited colleges in Brewer ME. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Ranking? In numerous 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 out the reputations of any colleges you are considering. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their students as part of their job placement program. You can research online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even check with some Brewer ME local clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and ask if they can provide any insights. As a closing thought, you can check with the Maine school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Provided? To begin with, contact the Maine regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Brewer ME phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums might signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out from the Maine colleges you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with regional health care facilities. They are the ideal way to get hands-on clinical training typically not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Brewer ME health care community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Landing your first phlebotomist job will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Brewer ME healthcare community.

Are Class Times Conveniently Scheduled? And last, it’s critical to confirm that the ultimate college you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your busy lifestyle. This is especially important if you opt to still work while attending school. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Brewer ME, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option also. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is in case you need to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Want to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's helpful to review questions you may be asked. One of the things that recruiters typically ask Phlebotomy Technician candidates is "What made you decide on Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not only the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what qualities and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of routine interview questions, so you should organize some ideas about how you would like to answer them. Given that there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the strengths you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Tech and the leading choice for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down several concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Find the Best Phlebotomist Course near Brewer ME

Making certain that you pick the right phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this fulfilling health care field. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality program. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be offered in a variety of educational institutions, including junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide assortment of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program options can differ somewhat from state to state as every state has its own criteria when it pertains to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to diligently research and compare each school prior to making your final choice. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can select the ideal school for you. And with the appropriate training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Brewer ME.

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