Picking a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Livermore Falls Maine

Selecting the ideal phlebotomist school near Livermore Falls ME is an essential first step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting undertaking to investigate 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 receive a quality education. In reality, most potential students start the process by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional option you might consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and should be part of your selection process also. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you pick the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomy Technician Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their main duty, there is in fact far more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the tools being employed are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample has to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork needs to be accurately completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some Livermore Falls ME phlebotomists actually work in labs and are in charge of making sure that samples are tested properly under the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they can be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The most basic response is wherever patients are treated. Their work places are numerous and varied, including Livermore Falls ME medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be charged to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing blood from a certain type of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.

Phlebotomist Education, Certification and Licensing

There are basically two kinds of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Livermore Falls ME, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to finish and furnishes a general education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will include training to become a phlebotomist. Offered at junior and community colleges, they usually take two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program offer a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, most employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. Some of the principal certifying organizations include:

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

There are some states that do call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, such as Nevada and California. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only offers a superior education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomy Schools

To begin with, let’s resolve one potential mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial portion of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Livermore Falls ME 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. However since the non-clinical part of the training can be attended online, it might be a more practical option for some students. As an additional benefit, some online colleges are more affordable than their traditional competitors. And some costs, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomist college you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a quality education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Now that you have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already picked the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Maine college is significant as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomist program. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for selecting a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Following are some questions that you need to ask about all of the Livermore Falls ME colleges you are considering prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Maine? As previously mentioned, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomist program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Maine or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for any exams you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you select 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 many benefits to graduating from an accredited program aside from an assurance of a superior education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification exam offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges in Livermore Falls ME. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Reputation? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to check the reputations of any schools you are looking at. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can also contact a few Livermore Falls ME area clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and find out if they can provide any insights. As a closing thought, you can contact the Maine school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Adequate Training Included? First, check with the Maine regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Livermore Falls ME phlebotomy 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 lower than these minimums might signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask the Maine schools you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with local medical facilities. They are the optimal way to receive hands-on practical training often not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Livermore Falls ME health care community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Landing your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Livermore Falls ME medical community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? And last, it’s important to confirm that the ultimate school you select provides classes at times that will accommodate your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you choose to still work while attending school. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Livermore Falls ME, check that they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option also. And if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is should you have to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Phlebotomist?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's helpful to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomy Tech candidates is "What compelled you to decide on Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not merely the personal reasons you might have for being Phlebotomist, but also what characteristics and skills you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of typical interview questions, so you need to ready a number of ideas about how you would like to answer them. Because there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down a few ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can help you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right Phlebotomist College near Livermore Falls ME

Making certain that you select the right phlebotomist training is an important first step toward your success in this rewarding healthcare field. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs are offered in a variety of educational institutes, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive array of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Program offerings may differ somewhat from state to state as every state has its own prerequisites when it comes to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must diligently screen and compare each school prior to making your final choice. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the best program for you. And with the proper education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Livermore Falls ME.

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