Picking a Phlebotomy Technician School near Bergenfield New Jersey

Choosing the ideal phlebotomist training near Bergenfield NJ is an essential first step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging undertaking to analyze and compare all of the training options that are accessible to you. However it’s vital that you perform your due diligence to make certain that you obtain a quality education. In fact, most prospective students begin the process by considering two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional option you might consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local 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 far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and must be part of your decision process as well. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online schools.

Phlebotomy Technician Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their main duty, there is actually far more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the instruments being utilized are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork has to be correctly completed to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab screening process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some Bergenfield NJ phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are in charge of making certain that samples are tested properly utilizing the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they may be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The quickest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are numerous and diverse, including Bergenfield NJ medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be charged to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting samples from a specific kind of patient. For instance, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be collecting blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital environment would be collecting blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Training, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially 2 kinds of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Bergenfield NJ, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to complete and provides a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will provide training to become 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 offer a more expansive background in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will probably want to become certified. Although not required in most states, most employers require certification prior to employing technicians. A few of the principal certifying agencies include:

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

There are a few states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, such as California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a quality education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomy Online Schools

To start with, let’s resolve one likely misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial portion of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Bergenfield NJ healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-clinical component of the training can be accessed online, it might be a more convenient alternative for some students. As an additional benefit, a number of online colleges are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some expenditures, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy program you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal option for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Now that you have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already chosen the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the New Jersey campus is important in addition to the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online college. All of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for picking a program or school. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you need to ask about each of the Bergenfield NJ colleges you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection.

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 call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed before working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for New Jersey or the state where you will be working and readies you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded 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 school in addition to a guarantee of a premium education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited programs in Bergenfield NJ. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to future employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s important to check out the reputations of all colleges you are reviewing. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also talk to several Bergenfield NJ local clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and find out if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can contact the New Jersey school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Adequate Training Included? First, 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 Bergenfield NJ 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 clinical training. Anything less than these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out from the New Jersey schools you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with regional health care facilities. They are the ideal means to receive hands-on practical training frequently not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Bergenfield NJ healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Getting your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Bergenfield NJ healthcare community.

Are Class Times Available as Needed? And last, it’s important to make sure that the final college you pick provides classes at times that are compatible with your hectic schedule. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while going to college. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Bergenfield NJ, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, confirm it is an option also. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up policy is should you need to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Phlebotomist?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomist job, it's advantageous to review questions you may be asked. One of the things that recruiters often ask Phlebotomist prospects is "What compelled you to choose Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not only the personal reasons you might have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what attributes and talents you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to organize some strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding Phlebotomist and the leading candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down a few concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can help you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Enroll in the Ideal Phlebotomy School near Bergenfield NJ

Making certain that you select the ideal phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding healthcare career position. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a superior school. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs are found in a variety of educational institutes, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive array of courses in medical care and health sciences. Program options can vary somewhat across the country as each state has its own prerequisites when it comes to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to carefully screen and compare each program before making your final 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 reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Bergenfield NJ.

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