Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Oakfield Maine

Enrolling in the right phlebotomist school near Oakfield ME is an essential first step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting undertaking to evaluate and compare each of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you get a superior education. In fact, most students begin the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another factor you might consider is whether to attend classes online 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 far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables including reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and should be part of your decision process as well. To assist in that effort, we will furnish a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you choose the ideal 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 Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their main duty, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to check that the instruments being employed are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample has to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork needs 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 an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some Oakfield ME phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are in charge of making certain that samples are analyzed correctly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they can be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The simplest answer is wherever there are patients. Their workplaces are many and varied, including Oakfield ME medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be charged to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a particular type of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be collecting blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital setting would be collecting blood from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomist Training, Certification and Licensing

There are essentially two kinds of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Oakfield ME, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to complete and provides a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they normally require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a four year program provide a more expansive background in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will probably want to become certified. Although not mandated in the majority of states, a number of employers look for certification before hiring technicians. Some of the primary certifying organizations 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 require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, including California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a premium education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomist Classes

To begin with, let’s dispel one likely misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial part of the course of study will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Oakfield ME healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-practical component of the training may be attended online, it could be a more practical option for many students. As an additional benefit, a number of online classes are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenditures, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy program you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a premium 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 best option for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Now that you have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already selected the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Maine school is important as well as the tuition expense. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online school. Each of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for selecting a school or program. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about all of the Oakfield ME programs you are considering before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Maine? As earlier discussed, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomist 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 phlebotomist program and school you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited school 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. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are typically not available for non-accredited schools in Oakfield ME. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the College’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 quality. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of all colleges you are looking at. You can begin 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 reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also check with some Oakfield ME area clinics or hospitals that you might have an interest in working for and ask if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the Maine school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Included? To begin with, contact the Maine 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 clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Oakfield ME phlebotomy program that you are considering should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to furnish adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask the Maine colleges you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with local medical facilities. They are the optimal way to receive hands-on clinical training typically not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Oakfield ME healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Getting your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Ask if the colleges you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a higher rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Oakfield ME health care community.

Are Class Times Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s critical to make sure that the final program you select offers classes at times that are compatible with your hectic schedule. This is especially true if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Oakfield 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 also. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is in case you have to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician job, it's important to review questions you could be asked. Among the things that recruiters often ask Phlebotomy Technician prospects is "What compelled you to decide on Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not only the private reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what qualities and talents you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to prepare a number of approaches about how you would like to answer them. Given that there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the abilities you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Technician and the leading choice for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down several concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Choose the Right Phlebotomy Course near Oakfield ME

Making sure that you pick the right 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 program. Phlebotomist training programs can be found in a variety of academic institutes, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive assortment of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Course options can differ a bit from state to state as every state has its own mandates when it concerns phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must diligently evaluate and compare each college prior to making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the right college for you. And with the proper education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Oakfield ME.

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