Choosing a Phlebotomist School near Lee Maine

Selecting the ideal phlebotomy training near Lee ME is an important first step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult task to assess and compare each of the school options that are available to you. However it’s important that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you get a quality education. In reality, most students begin the process by looking at two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another option you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online classes 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 cheapest or the closest one. Other variables such as accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your selection 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 evaluating to help you pick the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our discussion about online training.

Phlebotomy Technician Career Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their primary duty, there is actually far more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the instruments being employed are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork has to be properly completed to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Lee ME phlebotomists actually work in labs and are in charge of ensuring that samples are tested correctly utilizing the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they can be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The easiest response is wherever there are patients. Their workplaces are many and varied, such as Lee ME medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be charged to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to senior citizens. Some phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing blood from a particular kind of patient. For example, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital environment would be collecting blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Licensing and Certification

There are basically 2 types of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Lee ME, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes under a year to finish and offers a general education as well as 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 specifically a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at junior and community colleges, they typically require 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program provide a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. While not mandated in most states, many employers look for certification prior to employing technicians. Some 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 require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, like California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only supplies a premium education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomist Online Colleges

To begin with, let’s dispel one likely mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant part of the course of study will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Lee 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 component of the training may be accessed online, it could be a more convenient option for some students. As an added benefit, some online programs are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some expenses, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomist college you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a superior education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the best choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Now that you have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already decided on 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 relevant in addition to the tuition expense. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomist program. Each of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for selecting a program or school. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about all of the Lee ME colleges you are reviewing prior to making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As earlier discussed, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed 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 choose a phlebotomy program that satisfies 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 phlebotomist program and school you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded regional or national accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many advantages to graduating from an accredited program in addition to a guarantee of a superior education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are often unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Lee 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 School’s Ranking? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to check out the reputations of any colleges you are considering. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen online school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even talk to several Lee ME area clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and find out if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the Maine school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Ample Training Provided? To begin with, check with the Maine regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Lee ME phlebotomist program that you are looking at 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 signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internships Provided? Ask the Maine programs you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with regional medical facilities. They are the optimal way to obtain hands-on practical training often not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Lee ME healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Landing your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the schools you are looking at 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 positions, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation along with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Lee ME healthcare community.

Are Class Times Available as Needed? Finally, it’s important to verify that the ultimate college you select provides classes at times that will accommodate your busy lifestyle. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Lee 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 as well. And 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 as a result of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's helpful to review questions you might be asked. Among the things that recruiters frequently ask Phlebotomist candidates is "What drove you to choose Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the private reasons you might have for being Phlebotomist, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you have that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of standard interview questions, so you must organize several approaches about how you would like to address them. Considering there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Technician and the leading choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down several ideas and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Choose the Ideal Phlebotomy Program near Lee ME

Making certain that you pick the right phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this fulfilling medical care field. As we have addressed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium school. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be available in a number of educational institutions, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive assortment of programs in medical care and health sciences. Training program offerings can vary somewhat from state to state as each state has its own criteria when it pertains to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to thoroughly evaluate and compare each college before making your final choice. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the ideal program for you. And with the proper training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Lee ME.

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