Selecting a Phlebotomy Technician Course near Salem New York

Selecting the ideal phlebotomy technician school near Salem NY is an important first step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting task to analyze and compare each of the training options that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you obtain a quality education. In reality, a large number of potential students begin their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Another option you might consider 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 much more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your selection process also. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you choose the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomy Technician Work Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. While that is their principal duty, there is actually much more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to confirm that the tools being used are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample must be correctly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork needs to be properly completed to be able 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 screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some Salem NY phlebotomists actually work in labs and are accountable for making sure that samples are tested correctly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they can be required to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Practice?

The quickest answer is wherever patients are treated. Their workplaces are numerous and diverse, including Salem NY medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood banks. They can be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomy techs, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a certain kind of patient. For instance, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be drawing blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be collecting blood from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Licensing and Certification

There are basically two types of programs that furnish phlebotomy training in Salem NY, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to complete and furnishes a general education along with 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 phlebotomy degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomist. Available at community and junior colleges, they typically take 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a four year program provide a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to become certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, a number of employers look for certification before hiring 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 several states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, such as Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a superior education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomist Online Certificates and Degrees

To begin with, let’s dispel one possible misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial part of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Salem NY 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 portion of the training can be accessed online, it can be a more practical alternative for some students. As an added benefit, many online colleges are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some costs, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized as well. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist school 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 approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomist Programs

Now that you have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already chosen 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 New York college is relevant in addition to the cost of tuition. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomy online college. All of these decisions are a critical part of the process for picking a school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you need to ask about each of the Salem NY schools you are looking at prior to making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As previously mentioned, each state has its own laws 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 clinical training completed before working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for New York or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for all exams you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you pick should be accredited by a respected regional or national accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a quality education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to take a certification exam administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges in Salem NY. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of any schools you are reviewing. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can research internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even check with several Salem NY local hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and see if they can offer any insights. As a closing thought, you can check with the New York school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Provided? First, check with the New York regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Salem NY phlebotomy program that you are looking at should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Ask the New York schools you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with area healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to get hands-on practical training typically not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Salem NY health care community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Available? Landing your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation along with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Salem NY medical community.

Are Classes Available as Needed? Finally, it’s critical to verify that the ultimate program you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic schedule. This is particularly important if you decide to still work while going to college. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Salem NY, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure 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 find out what the make-up protocol is in case you need to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's advantageous to consider questions you could be asked. One of the things that interviewers typically ask Phlebotomy Tech applicants is "What drove you to pick Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not just the personal reasons you may have for being Phlebotomist, but additionally what attributes and abilities you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to organize a number of ideas about how you want to respond to them. Because there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the talents you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomist and the best choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down a few ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Enroll in the Right Phlebotomy Program near Salem NY

Making certain that you select the ideal phlebotomist training is an important first step toward your success in this fulfilling health care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a premium program. Phlebotomist training programs are offered in a wide range of educational institutes, such as community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive assortment of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program offerings may differ somewhat from state to state as each state has its own requirements when it comes to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must thoroughly evaluate and compare each program before making your ultimate decision. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the best college for you. And with the appropriate education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Salem NY.

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