Phlebotomy Training Schools near Westbrook ME 04092

Picking a Phlebotomy Training Program near Westbrook Maine

Westbrook ME phlebotomist taking blood sampleSelecting the right phlebotomy technician training near Westbrook ME is a critical first step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting task to evaluate and compare each of the school alternatives that are available to you. However it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you receive a quality education. In reality, many potential students start their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Another factor you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. We’ll discuss more about online classes later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and need to be part of your selection process too. Toward that end, we will supply 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 before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our discussion about online training.

Phlebotomist Work Summary

Westbrook ME phlebotomist testing blood sampleA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their main responsibility, there is in fact much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to check that the tools being utilized are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample must be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork must be accurately filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory screening procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Westbrook ME phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are accountable for making certain that samples are tested properly using the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they may be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The easiest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are numerous and varied, including Westbrook ME hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be tasked to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to seniors. A number of phlebotomists, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting samples from a specific type of patient. For instance, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide variety of patients and would work with different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Training, Licensing and Certification

Westbrook ME phlebotomist holding blood sampleThere are basically 2 types of programs that furnish phlebotomy training in Westbrook ME, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to finish and offers a general 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, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will include training to become a phlebotomist. Offered at junior and community colleges, they typically take two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a 4 year program offer a more extensive background in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will probably want to get certified. While not mandated in most states, most employers require certification before hiring technicians. A few of the main certifying agencies 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 call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, including Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a premium education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Classes

attending phlebotomy training online in Westbrook MEFirst, let’s resolve one possible misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A good component of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Westbrook 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 prior to graduation. But since the non-practical part of the training may be attended online, it can be a more practical option for some students. As an additional benefit, some online classes are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenses, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened as well. Just verify that the online phlebotomy program you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Since you now have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already picked the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Maine college is important in addition to the cost of tuition. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomy online college. All of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for selecting a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Following are several questions that you need to ask about all of the Westbrook ME schools you are reviewing before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states call for certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Maine or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for all examinations you may have to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you pick should be accredited by a reputable 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 school aside from a guarantee of a quality education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are often not available for non-accredited programs in Westbrook 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 little or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to check the reputations of any colleges you are considering. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job assistance program. You can research online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even check with a few Westbrook ME area clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and find out 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 schools are in full compliance.

Is Ample Training Included? To begin with, check with the Maine regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Westbrook 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 clinical training. Anything lower than these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask the Maine schools you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with area medical facilities. They are the optimal way to receive hands-on practical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Westbrook ME healthcare community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Getting your first phlebotomist job will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are considering offer 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 a good reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Westbrook ME health care community.

Are Class Times Conveniently Scheduled? And last, it’s important to verify that the final school you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your active schedule. This is especially important if you opt to still work while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Westbrook ME, make sure they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, make sure 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 fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is in case you have to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomist job, it's a good idea to consider questions you could be asked. Among the things that interviewers frequently ask Phlebotomist candidates is "What made you pick Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not merely the private reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomist, but additionally what attributes and abilities you possess that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you should organize several approaches about how you want to address them. Considering there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the abilities you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomist and the leading candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but take down a few concepts and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can help you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Select the Best Phlebotomy Course near Westbrook ME

Making certain that you select the ideal phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding medical care career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomist training programs can be available in a wide range of academic institutes, including junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive array of programs in medical care and health sciences. Course offerings may vary slightly across the country as each state has its own requirements when it pertains to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must diligently evaluate and compare each school prior to making your final selection. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the right school for you. And with the proper education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Westbrook ME.

Learn About Westbrook Maine

Westbrook, Maine

Westbrook is a city in Cumberland County, Maine, United States and a suburb of Portland. The population was 17,494 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area.

Originally known as Saccarappa after Saccarappa Falls on the Presumpscot River, it was a part of Falmouth until February 14, 1814, when it was set off and incorporated as Stroudwater. It soon changed its name to Westbrook after Colonel Thomas Westbrook, a commander during Father Rale's War and King's mast agent who was an early settler and mill operator.[4] In 1871, Saccarappa amicably split into two municipalities; the current Westbrook and Deering, which was then annexed by Portland in 1898.[5] In 1891, Westbrook was incorporated as a city.[6]

Saccarappa Falls and Congin Falls provided water power for early mills within the city. In 1829, a sawmill was built at the former which made the mill town noted for its lumber. Other industries followed, manufacturing grain bags, machinery and water wheels, carriage and harness, boots, shoes and moccasins, tinware, leather board, bricks, wooden boxes, box shook, meal and flour. The Portland Manufacturing Company built a cotton textile mill at Saccarappa Falls for making "sheetings, stripes and ducks." A paper mill was built at Cumberland Mills, once an Indian planting ground known as Ammoncongin. By 1859, it produced 1,000 tons of paper annually. In 1867, the factory's name would change to the S. D. Warren Paper Mill.[7]

The Oxford & Cumberland Canal opened in 1832, connecting Portland to Harrison by way of Westbrook and Sebago Lake. It was the primary commercial shipping route for goods until 1871, when it was rendered obsolete by the Portland and Ogdensburg Railroad.[4] Remnants of the canal can still be seen throughout the city, including Beaver Pond, along Stroudwater Street near the Maine Turnpike overpass, and in the woods between Westbrook High School and Oxford & Cumberland Canal Elementary School.

 

 

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