Choosing a Phlebotomist Course near Cedar Grove New Jersey

Choosing the ideal phlebotomy technician school near Cedar Grove NJ is an essential first step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging undertaking to analyze and compare all of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s vital that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you get a quality education. In fact, a large number of prospective students begin the process by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another option you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is much more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and must be part of your selection process also. To assist in that effort, we will furnish 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 prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our discussion about online schools.

Phlebotomy Tech Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their primary function, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the tools being employed are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork needs to be accurately filled out in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab screening procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Many Cedar Grove NJ phlebotomists actually work in labs and are in charge of making sure that samples are analyzed correctly utilizing the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they might be required to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The simplest response is wherever there are patients. Their workplaces are many and diverse, such as Cedar Grove NJ hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to senior citizens. Some phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a specific type of patient. For example, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be collecting 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 practicing in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomist Training, Certification and Licensing

There are basically two types of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Cedar Grove NJ, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to complete and furnishes a general education together with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at community and junior colleges, they normally take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a four year program provide a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to be certified. Although not mandated in most states, most employers require certification prior to employing technicians. A few 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 some states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, such as California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only supplies a premium education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomist Online Certificates and Degrees

First, let’s resolve one possible mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant portion of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Cedar Grove NJ healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-clinical part of the training can be attended online, it may be a more practical alternative for some students. As an added benefit, a number of online classes are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some expenses, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened also. Just confirm that the online phlebotomy school you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the ideal choice for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomy Programs

Now that you have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already decided on the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the New Jersey school is significant as well as the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomist program. All of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for selecting a school or program. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Following are several questions that you need to ask about all of the Cedar Grove NJ programs you are reviewing prior to making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to New Jersey? As earlier discussed, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomy program that satisfies the state specific requirements for New Jersey or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for any exams you may be required to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you select should be accredited by a reputable national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited program aside from an assurance of a premium education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited programs in Cedar Grove NJ. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Reputation? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to check the reputations of any schools you are reviewing. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can screen internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even talk to several Cedar Grove NJ area hospitals or clinics that you may have an interest in working for and see if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the New Jersey school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Enough Training Provided? First, contact the New Jersey regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Cedar Grove NJ phlebotomist program that you are considering should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide sufficient training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out from the New Jersey programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with area health care facilities. They are the optimal way to get hands-on clinical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Cedar Grove NJ healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Getting your first phlebotomist position will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Cedar Grove NJ medical community.

Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s important to make sure that the ultimate school you choose offers classes at times that are compatible with your hectic lifestyle. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Cedar Grove NJ, make certain they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, verify 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 fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is in case you need to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Phlebotomist?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers typically ask Phlebotomist candidates is "What compelled you to decide on Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not just the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what characteristics and talents you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of routine interview questions, so you should prepare some approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Given that there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the strengths you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomist and the ideal candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but jot down a few ideas and talking points that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can help you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right Phlebotomy Program near Cedar Grove NJ

Making sure that you select the most suitable phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this gratifying medical care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomist training programs can be available in a variety of academic institutes, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive array of courses in medical care and health sciences. Course options can vary a bit across the country as every state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly screen and compare each college before making your ultimate choice. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can select the best college for you. And with the proper training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Cedar Grove NJ.

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