Picking a Phlebotomist Training Program near Atlantic City New Jersey

Picking the ideal phlebotomist school near Atlantic City NJ is an essential first step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult task to analyze and compare all of the school alternatives that are available to you. However it’s necessary that you perform your due diligence to ensure that you get a quality education. In reality, most potential students begin their search by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Another factor you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll discuss more about online schools later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is much more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including accreditation and reputation 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 need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you pick the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomist Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. While that is their principal task, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the instruments being utilized are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork must be correctly filled out to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab testing procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Many Atlantic City NJ phlebotomists actually work in labs and are responsible for ensuring that samples are analyzed correctly under the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they can be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?

The easiest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are numerous and varied, including Atlantic City NJ hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be charged to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a particular type of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers solely. In contrast, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients every day.

Phlebotomist Education, Certification and Licensing

There are essentially two kinds of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Atlantic City NJ, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes less than a year to complete and offers a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at community and junior colleges, they typically take two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program furnish a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. Although not mandated in the majority of states, most employers look for certification before employing 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 require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, like California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a superior education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomist Online Schools

To begin with, let’s dispel one possible mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial component of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Atlantic City NJ healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical component of the training may be attended online, it may be a more practical alternative for many students. As an added benefit, a number of online schools are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized also. Just confirm that the online phlebotomy program you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a quality education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Now that you have a basic understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already selected 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 campus is important as well as the tuition expense. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomy online college. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the process for picking a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Following are a few questions that you should ask about all of the Atlantic City NJ schools you are reviewing prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to New Jersey? As earlier discussed, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for New Jersey or the state where you will be working and readies you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you pick should be accredited by a reputable national or regional accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited school in addition to an assurance of a premium education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges in Atlantic City NJ. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more desirable to future employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to check the reputations of all schools you are considering. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their students as part of their job assistance program. You can screen online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also contact a few Atlantic City NJ local clinics or hospitals that you might have an interest in working for and ask if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can contact the New Jersey school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Ample Training Provided? To begin with, contact the New Jersey regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Atlantic City NJ phlebotomy program that you are looking at should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask the New Jersey colleges you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with area health care facilities. They are the optimal way to receive hands-on practical training frequently not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Atlantic City NJ healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Landing your first phlebotomist 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 percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation as well as an extensive network of professional contacts within the Atlantic City NJ healthcare community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it’s critical to confirm that the ultimate program you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while going to college. If you need to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Atlantic City NJ, check that they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option also. Even 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 procedure is in case you need to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's helpful to review questions you may be asked. Among the things that interviewers often ask Phlebotomist prospects is "What drove you to decide on Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what qualities and abilities you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you must prepare some ideas about how you would like to address them. Because there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Tech and the leading choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down a few ideas and talking points that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Choose the Best Phlebotomy Course near Atlantic City NJ

Making certain that you enroll in the right phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this gratifying medical care career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be found in a variety of educational institutions, including junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive range of programs in medical care and health sciences. Program options may vary a bit from state to state as every state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to diligently research and compare each college before making your ultimate selection. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the best program for you. And with the proper education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Atlantic City NJ.

Learn About Atlantic City New Jersey

 

 

More Interesting New Jersey Cities

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Green Village NJ 07935

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Whitehouse Station NJ 08889

Phlebotomy Training Schools near East Rutherford NJ 07073

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Ledgewood NJ 07852

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Monroeville NJ 08343

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Navesink NJ 07752

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Runnemede NJ 08078

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Allenhurst NJ 07709

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Morristown NJ 07960

Phlebotomy Training Schools near West Milford NJ 07480