Selecting a Phlebotomist Training Program near Fairfield Maine

Selecting the right phlebotomy technician school near Fairfield ME is a critical initial step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging task to analyze and compare all of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you perform your due diligence to ensure that you receive a quality education. In reality, many students begin their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional factor you may look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is much more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and need to be part of your decision process too. Toward that end, 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 before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online classes.

Phlebotomy Technician Career Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their main function, there is actually so much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the tools being employed are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork has to be properly filled out to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab testing process. The phlebotomist then transports 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. A number of Fairfield ME phlebotomists actually work in labs and are responsible for ensuring that samples are tested properly utilizing the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they might be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The easiest response is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are many and diverse, including Fairfield ME medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be charged to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting samples from a certain kind of patient. For instance, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Certification and Licensing

There are primarily two types of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Fairfield ME, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to complete and offers a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they normally take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program provide a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will probably want to become certified. Although not required in the majority of states, many employers require certification before hiring technicians. Some of the primary certifying agencies include:

• National Phlebotomy Association
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• American Medical Technologists (AMT)

There are some states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, like Nevada and California. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a superior education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomy Online Colleges

First, let’s dispel one potential mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant component of the course of study will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Fairfield ME healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. A large number of courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-clinical part of the training can be attended online, it can be a more convenient option for some students. As an additional benefit, many online programs are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenditures, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized also. Just verify that the online phlebotomist college you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a superior education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Now that you have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already chosen the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Maine college is relevant in addition to the tuition expense. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online program. Each of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for picking a school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when arriving at your decision. Following are a few questions that you should ask about each of the Fairfield ME schools you are considering prior to making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Maine? As mentioned previously, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states call for certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for Maine or the state where you will be working and preps you for all examinations you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you pick should be accredited by a respected regional or national accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of advantages to graduating from an accredited school in addition to a guarantee of a premium education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs in Fairfield ME. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Reputation? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to check out the reputations of all colleges you are considering. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their students as part of their job assistance program. You can screen online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also talk to a few Fairfield ME local clinics or hospitals that you might have an interest in working for and ask if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Maine school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Included? To begin with, check with the Maine regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Fairfield ME phlebotomy program that you are considering should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask the Maine programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with regional healthcare facilities. They are the ideal means to receive hands-on clinical training often not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Fairfield ME medical community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Available? Getting your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Find out if the colleges you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, signifying they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Fairfield ME healthcare community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s crucial to verify that the ultimate school you choose offers classes at times that are compatible with your busy lifestyle. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Fairfield ME, make sure they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is in case you have to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's important to consider questions you may be asked. One of the questions that interviewers often ask Phlebotomy Technician prospects is "What compelled you to decide on Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not only the personal reasons you might have for being Phlebotomist, but also what qualities and abilities you have that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to organize some ideas about how you want to address them. Considering there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you along with the strengths you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomist and the leading candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down a few concepts and topics that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Select the Right Phlebotomist School near Fairfield ME

Making sure that you pick the ideal phlebotomist training is a critical 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 superior college. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs are found in a variety of educational institutes, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive assortment of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program options may vary somewhat across the country as every state has its own criteria when it comes to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly evaluate and compare each school before making your ultimate decision. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the best college for you. And with the proper training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Fairfield ME.

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