Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician School near Norridgewock Maine

Picking the ideal phlebotomist training near Norridgewock ME is an essential first step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting undertaking to investigate and compare all of the school alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s vital that you do your due diligence to make certain that you obtain a quality education. In reality, a large number of students begin their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another factor you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll talk more about online schools later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors such as accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and need to be part of your decision process as well. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you select the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our conversation about online schools.

Phlebotomist Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their main duty, there is actually so much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to check that the tools being utilized are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample has to be correctly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork must be accurately filled out to be able 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 may be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. A number of Norridgewock ME phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are in charge of ensuring that samples are tested properly using the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they can be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The simplest answer is wherever there are patients. Their work places are numerous and diverse, such as Norridgewock ME medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a particular type of patient. For example, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be collecting blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients every day.

Phlebotomy Education, Licensing and Certification

There are primarily two types of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Norridgewock ME, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program normally takes under a year to finish and furnishes a general education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at community and junior colleges, they typically take two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a four year program furnish a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will probably want to become certified. Although not required in most states, a number of employers require 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 prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, including California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a premium education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomist Online Training

First, let’s resolve one possible mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant part of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Norridgewock ME healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-practical part of the training can be attended online, it could be a more convenient option for many students. As an added benefit, a number of online programs are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomy school you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). 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 learn at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Now that you have a basic understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already chosen the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Maine campus is significant as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online school. Each of these decisions are an important component of the process for choosing a program or school. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Following are several questions that you should ask about all of the Norridgewock ME programs you are looking at prior to making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed before working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for Maine or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for any examinations you may have to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you choose should be accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited program in addition to an assurance of a premium education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to take a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Norridgewock ME. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school 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 schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to check out the reputations of any colleges you are reviewing. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even check with some Norridgewock ME area clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and see if they can provide any insights. As a closing thought, you can check with the Maine school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Adequate Training Included? First, contact 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 classroom and practical. As a minimum, any Norridgewock ME phlebotomist program that you are looking at should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Find out from the Maine programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with area medical facilities. They are the optimal means to get hands-on practical training typically not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Norridgewock ME health care community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Landing your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Norridgewock ME healthcare community.

Are Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it’s crucial to verify that the ultimate college you choose provides classes at times that are compatible with your busy schedule. This is especially true if you choose to continue working while going to college. If you need to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Norridgewock ME, check that 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 sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is should you have to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician job, it's important to reflect on questions you might be asked. One of the things that recruiters frequently ask Phlebotomist candidates is "What made you decide on Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not only the private reasons you might have for being Phlebotomist, but also what characteristics and skills you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you must prepare several strategies about how you would like to address them. Given that there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomist and the leading choice for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down a few concepts and talking points that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can assist you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right Phlebotomist Program near Norridgewock ME

Making certain that you select the right phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this fulfilling healthcare career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are offered in a number of academic institutes, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide array of programs in medical care and health sciences. Training program offerings may differ a bit 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 must thoroughly screen and compare each school prior to making your final decision. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the right school for you. And with the appropriate education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Norridgewock ME.

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