Enrolling in the right phlebotomist training near Springvale ME is an important initial step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult task to evaluate and compare all of the training alternatives that are available to you. However it’s vital that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you obtain a superior education. In reality, most potential students start their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another factor you may look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll talk 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 cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your decision process too. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our conversation about online training.

Phlebotomy Tech Career Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. While that is their main responsibility, there is in fact far more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must confirm that the tools being employed are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample has to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork has to 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 in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some Springvale ME phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are in charge of making sure that samples are analyzed correctly under the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they may be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The quickest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are numerous and varied, including Springvale ME medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be tasked to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to seniors. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a certain type of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide variety of patients and would work with different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Certification and Licensing

There are essentially two kinds of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Springvale ME, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to finish and furnishes a general education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at community and junior colleges, they usually take 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program offer a more expansive background in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. While not required in most states, a number of employers look for certification before employing technicians. Some of the primary 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, 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 furnishes a premium education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomy Online Certificates and Degrees

First, let’s resolve one potential mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant portion of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Springvale 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. However since the non-practical part of the training may be accessed online, it could be a more convenient option for many students. As an additional benefit, many online classes are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenditures, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist school you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a premium education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the best choice for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomy Programs

Since you now have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already selected the kind of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Maine campus is relevant as well as the tuition expense. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomy program. All of these decisions are a critical 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 a few questions that you should ask about all of the Springvale ME programs you are reviewing prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? 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 prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for Maine or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for all examinations you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you select should be accredited by a respected national or regional accrediting agency, such as 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 premium education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited schools in Springvale ME. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more attractive to future employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Reputation? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of all colleges you are considering. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their students as part of their job placement program. You can screen internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also contact several Springvale ME local 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 ask if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Provided? First, check with the Maine regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Springvale ME phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums might signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide sufficient training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out from the Maine schools you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with area health care facilities. They are the optimal means to get hands-on practical training frequently not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Springvale ME medical community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Landing your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the colleges you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation together with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Springvale ME healthcare community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s important to verify that the ultimate program you select provides classes at times that are compatible with your hectic lifestyle. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while going to college. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Springvale ME, make sure they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option also. And if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up policy is should you need to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

Select the Best Phlebotomist College near Springvale ME

Making sure that you pick the most suitable phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior college. Phlebotomist training programs are offered in a wide range of educational institutes, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive array of programs in medical care and health sciences. Program offerings can differ a bit across the country as every state has its own criteria when it comes to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must diligently research and compare each program prior to making your ultimate selection. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the ideal program for you. And with the proper training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Springvale ME.

Learn About Springvale Maine

More Interesting Maine Cities

Business Results 1 - 5 of 12

Goodall Hospital-Waterboro Lab

1 Reviews

Phone:

10 Goodall Dr, East Waterboro, ME 04030

Elemental Medicine

1 Reviews

Phone:

15 Old Rollinsford Rd, Ste 101, Dover, NH 03820

Frisbie Memorial Hospital

3 Reviews

Phone:

11 Whitehall Rd, Rochester, NH 03867

 

Springvale ME Blood Labs - BingNews Search results

• Springvale, ME Weather Conditions

  Thank you for reporting this station. We will review the data in question. You are about to report this weather station for bad data. Please select the information that is incorrect.

• Maine State Police introduce two new canine employees

  MAINE, USA — The Maine State Police have added two new pups to the police pack, a bloodhound with a gift for sniffing and a yellow lab who can track electronic devices. Police introduced the two K-9s ...

• Springvale, United States - Weather Forecasts | Maps | News - Yahoo Weather

  Cloudy with a high of 57 °F (13.9 °C) and a 58% chance of precipitation. Winds from SW to SSW at 5 to 9 mph (8 to 14.5 kph). Night - Clear with a 51% chance of precipitation. Winds from WSW to W ...

• Springvale, ME Hourly Weather Forecast

  Thank you for reporting this station. We will review the data in question. You are about to report this weather station for bad data. Please select the information that is incorrect.

• 14 Springvale Road, Springvale South VIC 3172

  Exclusive 4 bedroom townhome at Roselle in Springvale ! Introducing the Verge by SOHO Living. Discover the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication with the Verge DG. This stunning double ...

• Why won’t the lab-meat boffins let me taste their sci-fi sausage?

  It’s a shame that this pair of Dutch veggies, wanting the world to eat their lab-grown meat, won’t let this hungry critic taste their sausage. In fact, they remind me of those Bond villains ...

• Ask Me Anything: Lab of The Future

  Technology Networks Ltd. needs the contact information you provide to us to contact you about our products and services. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For information on ...

• 11 Pine Court, Springvale NSW 2650

  Highlighting an outstanding opportunity to secure a lifestyle block in the sought after suburb of Springvale, this private parcel of land offers the perfect canvas to begin building your dream home.

• Therapists in Dixfield, ME

  I believe we are already whole and intrinsically precious but have forgotten and need to get back to a place of wholeness and connection. I help people identify their core beliefs, what is and is ...

• Therapists in Alfred, ME

  I am grateful to the individual who chooses to explore with me the answers they may already hold. The process of bringing concerns to the room and taking the time to look, study and explore ...

The post Phlebotomy Training Schools near Springvale ME 04083 appeared first on Find Phlebotomist Schools Near You.