Tag Archives: How to Become a Certified Phlebotomist Topsham ME 04086

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Topsham ME 04086

Picking a Phlebotomy School near Topsham Maine

Topsham ME phlebotomist taking blood samplePicking the right phlebotomy school near Topsham ME is an essential first step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a challenging task to analyze and compare all of the school options that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you obtain a superior education. In fact, many students start the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another factor you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. We’ll talk more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and should be part of your selection process too. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you select the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our conversation about online schools.

Phlebotomy Technician Career Description

Topsham ME phlebotomist testing blood sampleA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. While that is their principal function, there is actually so much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the instruments being utilized are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample needs 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 point of collection through the laboratory testing process. 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. Some Topsham ME phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are in charge of ensuring that samples are analyzed correctly using the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they can be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The easiest response is wherever there are patients. Their work places are numerous and diverse, including Topsham ME medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be tasked to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or young children to senior citizens. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a certain type of patient. For instance, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be drawing blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomist Education, Certification and Licensing

Topsham ME phlebotomist holding blood sampleThere are primarily two kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in Topsham ME, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program normally takes less than a year to complete and provides a general 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, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at junior and community colleges, they normally take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program provide a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, many employers require certification before hiring technicians. Some of the key 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 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 supplies a superior education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomist Training

attending phlebotomy training online in Topsham METo start with, let’s resolve one likely misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant part of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Topsham 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. But since the non-clinical portion of the training can be accessed online, it might be a more convenient option for some students. As an added benefit, some online schools are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenses, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy college you enroll in 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 approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Now that you have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already decided on the kind of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Maine campus is significant as well as the cost of tuition. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomy online college. All of these decisions are an important component of the procedure for picking a school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you need to ask about each of the Topsham ME colleges 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 require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Maine or the state where you will be working and preps you for all examinations you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you pick should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to an assurance of a premium education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited programs in Topsham ME. 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 School’s Reputation? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to check out the reputations of all colleges you are considering. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also talk to several Topsham ME area clinics or hospitals that you might have an interest in working for and ask if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can contact the Maine school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Provided? First, contact 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 classroom and practical. As a minimum, any Topsham ME phlebotomy program that you are considering should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums may signify that the program is not expansive enough to furnish adequate training.

Are Internships Provided? Ask the Maine schools you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional healthcare facilities. They are the ideal way to obtain hands-on clinical training frequently not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Topsham ME medical community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Finding your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Find out if the colleges you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation along with a large network of professional contacts within the Topsham ME medical community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s important to confirm that the ultimate school you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is particularly true if you choose to continue working while attending college. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Topsham ME, check that they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option also. And if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is in case you have to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's important to reflect on questions you may be asked. Among the things that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomist candidates is "What compelled you to pick Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what qualities and talents you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, in addition to a significant number of standard interview questions, so you should ready a number of strategies about how you want to address them. Considering there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Tech and the ideal candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but jot down some ideas and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Choose the Ideal Phlebotomist Course near Topsham ME

Making sure that you enroll in the most suitable phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are available in a wide range of educational institutes, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive range of courses in medical care and health sciences. Training program options can vary a bit across the country as each state has its own criteria when it concerns phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must carefully evaluate and compare each program before 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 pick the right school for you. And with the appropriate training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Topsham ME.

Learn About Topsham Maine

Topsham, Maine

Topsham is a town in Sagadahoc County, Maine, United States. The population was 8,784 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area. The town is home to the annual Topsham Fair.

Called Sawacook, the area was territory of the Pejepscot Abenaki Indians, a subtribe of the Anasagunticooks (now Androscoggins), who controlled the Androscoggin River. They lived and fished at Pejepscot Falls. But a plague, probably smallpox brought by Europeans, decimated the tribe's population in 1615–1616. On June 16, 1632, the area was granted by the Plymouth Council to Thomas Purchase and George Way, later acquired by Richard Wharton and then, in 1714, by the Pejepscot Company.[4]

The first sawmill was built in 1716 on the Cathance River and, in 1717, the plantation received the name Topsham, named for Topsham in Devon, England. On January 31, 1764, it was incorporated as a town by the Massachusetts General Court.[5]Shipbuilding and lumber mills were important early businesses, the latter especially active between 1750–1770. There was a gristmill and brickyard. Pejepscot Falls provided water power to operate mills, and industries included a door, window sash and stairway factory, shingle mill, watch factory, pottery maker, nail factory, pitchfork factory, two tanneries, tobacco manufacturer, two feldspar quarries and a marble works. In 1856, the Sagadahoc Agricultural & Horticultural Society erected its building and fairgrounds, and the town remains host to the annual Topsham Fair.[6]

In 1756, a toll bridge connecting Brunswick and Topsham was constructed by the "Proprietors of the Androscoggin Bridge." It was destroyed by fire in 1842. The current Frank J. Woods bridge, known as "the green bridge", was opened in 1932. In 1936, a large flood hit Brunswick and Topsham, damaging the pedestrian "Swing Bridge" and causing the Androscoggin to flow through the lower levels of the Pejepscot Mill.

 

 

The location could not be found.

More Interesting Maine Cities

  • Phlebotomy Training Schools near Dixfield ME 04224
  • Phlebotomy Training Schools near Sherman Station ME 04777
  • Phlebotomy Training Schools near Cambridge ME 04923
  • Phlebotomy Training Schools near Falmouth ME 04105
  • Phlebotomy Training Schools near Porter ME 04068
  • Phlebotomy Training Schools near Cape Porpoise ME 04014
  • Phlebotomy Training Schools near Pembroke ME 04666
  • Phlebotomy Training Schools near Garland ME 04939
  • Phlebotomy Training Schools near Waldoboro ME 04572
  • Phlebotomy Training Schools near Exeter ME 04435
  •  

     

    Business Results 1 - 5 of 19

    Mid Coast Medical Group
    1 Reviews
    Phone:
    1 Bowdoin Mill Is, Ste 205, Topsham, ME 04086
    Mid Coast Primary Clinic & Walk In
    4 Reviews
    Phone:
    6 Station Ave, Brunswick, ME 04011
    Martin's Point Health Care
    7 Reviews
    Phone:
    6 Farley Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011
    InterMed
    3 Reviews
    Phone:
    259 Main St, Yarmouth, ME 04096
    Planned Parenthood - Portland Health Center
    7 Reviews
    Phone:
    443 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101