Selecting a Phlebotomist School near Edison New Jersey

Choosing the ideal phlebotomist school near Edison NJ is a critical first step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult task to assess and compare each of the training options that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s vital that you perform your due diligence to make certain that you receive a superior education. In fact, most potential students start the process by considering 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another factor you may consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll review more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is much more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and should be part of your selection process too. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you pick the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online schools.

Phlebotomy Technician Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their main responsibility, there is in fact far more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the instruments being employed are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample has to be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork must be correctly filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Many Edison NJ phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are responsible for making sure that samples are tested properly utilizing the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they might be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The simplest answer is wherever there are patients. Their work places are many and diverse, such as Edison NJ hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to seniors. A number of phlebotomy techs, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a particular kind of patient. For example, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be collecting blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers solely. In contrast, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide variety of patients and would work with new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Certification and Licensing

There are primarily 2 kinds of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Edison NJ, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to finish and offers a basic 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 exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they normally require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program furnish a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not required in most states, a number of employers require certification prior to 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 California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a premium education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomy Schools

First, let’s dispel one likely mistaken belief. 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 performed either in an approved Edison NJ healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical part of the training may be attended online, it could be a more convenient alternative for some students. As an additional benefit, a number of online programs are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenses, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomist school you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can receive a premium education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomist Programs

Since you now have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already selected the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the New Jersey campus is relevant in addition to the tuition expense. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomy program. Each of these decisions are an important part of the process for picking a school or program. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you should ask about all of the Edison NJ colleges you are reviewing before making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed before working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomy program that fulfills the state specific requirements for New Jersey or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you choose should be accredited by a reputable national or regional accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited program aside from an assurance of a quality 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. Also, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Edison NJ. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Reputation? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to check out the reputations of any colleges you are reviewing. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also check with several Edison NJ local hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and ask if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the New Jersey school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Included? First, check with the New Jersey regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Edison NJ phlebotomist program that you are considering should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to furnish adequate training.

Are Internships Provided? Ask the New Jersey programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with local healthcare facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on clinical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Edison NJ health care community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Getting your first phlebotomist job will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Edison NJ medical community.

Are Class Times Available as Needed? Finally, it’s crucial to confirm that the final college you choose offers classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while going to school. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Edison NJ, check that they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option as well. And if you have decided to study 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 due to illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomist candidates is "What compelled you to pick Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomist, but also what characteristics and skills you possess that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of routine interview questions, so you need to ready a number of approaches about how you would like to answer them. Given that there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Tech and the leading choice for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down a few concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to prepare your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Enroll in the Ideal Phlebotomist College near Edison NJ

Making sure that you choose the most suitable phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality school. Phlebotomist training programs can be available in a variety of academic institutes, such as community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive assortment of courses in medical care and health sciences. Course offerings can vary slightly from state to state as every state has its own criteria when it comes to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must thoroughly screen and compare each program before making your ultimate selection. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the right college for you. And with the proper education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Edison NJ.

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