Picking a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Gorham New Hampshire

Picking the ideal phlebotomist school near Gorham NH is an important first step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting undertaking to evaluate and compare all of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you obtain a superior education. In reality, most students begin their search by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Another option you may look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll discuss more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is far more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and must be part of your selection process also. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you pick the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online classes.

Phlebotomy Technician Work Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. While that is their main function, there is in fact much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must confirm that the instruments being utilized are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample has to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork has to be correctly filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some Gorham NH phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are responsible for making sure that samples are tested properly using the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they can be required to train other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The most basic response is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are many and varied, such as Gorham NH hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a certain type of patient. For instance, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be collecting blood from senior patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially 2 types of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Gorham NH, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to complete and provides a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at community and junior colleges, they typically require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program offer a more expansive background in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will probably want to be certified. While not required in the majority of states, many employers look for certification before employing technicians. Some of the main certifying organizations include:

• National Phlebotomy Association
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• American Medical Technologists (AMT)

There are several states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, such as California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only provides a superior education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Certificates and Degrees

To begin with, let’s dispel one possible mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A good portion of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Gorham NH healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical part of the training can be attended online, it might be a more practical alternative for many students. As an added benefit, a number of online schools are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some costs, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered as well. Just verify that the online phlebotomist program you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive 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 certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Now that you have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already picked the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the New Hampshire college is significant in addition to the tuition expense. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomist online school. All of these decisions are a critical part of the process for picking a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Following are several questions that you should ask about all of the Gorham NH colleges you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to New Hampshire? As earlier discussed, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for New Hampshire or the state where you will be working and prepares you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you select should be accredited by a respected regional or national accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of advantages to graduating from an accredited program in addition to a guarantee of a premium education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to take a certification examination administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools in Gorham NH. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Reputation? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to check out the reputations of any colleges you are looking at. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer 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 as well. You can also talk to some Gorham NH area clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and find out if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the New Hampshire school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Enough Training Provided? First, contact the New Hampshire 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 Gorham NH phlebotomy program that you are looking at should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Find out from the New Hampshire programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to get hands-on clinical training typically not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Gorham NH health care community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Getting your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the schools you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a higher rate, signifying they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation along with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Gorham NH medical community.

Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s important to make sure that the final program you pick offers classes at times that are compatible with your busy schedule. This is especially true if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Gorham NH, make sure they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option also. And if you have decided to study 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 in case you have to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Phlebotomist?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's a good idea to review questions you may be asked. Among the questions that interviewers often ask Phlebotomy Technician applicants is "What drove you to decide on Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not only the personal reasons you may have for being Phlebotomist, but additionally what attributes and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating specifically to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you should ready a number of approaches about how you want to answer them. Considering there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you along with the abilities you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Technician and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but jot down several concepts and talking points that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can help you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Find the Best Phlebotomist Program near Gorham NH

Making sure that you select the most suitable phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this gratifying health care field. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality program. Phlebotomist training programs are found in a variety of academic institutions, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive array of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program offerings can vary a bit from state to state as every state has its own criteria when it concerns phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to diligently evaluate and compare each program prior to making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can select the right school for you. And with the appropriate training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Gorham NH.

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