Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician Course near Ledgewood New Jersey

Selecting the right phlebotomy technician training near Ledgewood NJ is a critical first step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult undertaking to analyze and compare all of the school alternatives that are available to you. However it’s important that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you obtain a superior education. In reality, a large number of potential students begin their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Another factor you may look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll review more about online classes 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 cheapest or the closest one. Other factors such as accreditation and reputation are also important 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 assessing to help you select the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online training.

Phlebotomist Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their primary responsibility, there is actually so much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must confirm that the tools being employed are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork needs to be correctly filled out to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab testing 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 pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some Ledgewood NJ phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are in charge of making certain that samples are tested properly using the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they may be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The simplest response is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are many and diverse, such as Ledgewood NJ hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They may be charged to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting samples from a particular type of patient. For example, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital setting would be collecting blood from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomist Training, Certification and Licensing

There are primarily two types of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in Ledgewood NJ, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to finish and provides a general education as well as 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 incorporate training to become a phlebotomist. Offered at junior and community colleges, they typically take two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program provide a more expansive background in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. Although not mandated in most states, many employers require certification before hiring technicians. A few 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 a few states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, including Nevada and California. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a quality education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Schools

First, let’s resolve one potential misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant part of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Ledgewood NJ healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-clinical component of the training may be accessed online, it may be a more practical alternative for some students. As an added benefit, some online colleges are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some costs, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy school you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a quality education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Now that you have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already decided on 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 college is relevant in addition to the cost of tuition. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomy college. Each of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for selecting a school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you need to ask about each of the Ledgewood NJ schools you are considering prior to making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed before working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomy program that complies with 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 regional or national accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited school in addition to a guarantee of a quality education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are often unavailable for non-accredited schools in Ledgewood NJ. Last, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Reputation? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of any schools you are looking at. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also check with a few Ledgewood NJ area hospitals or clinics that you might be interested 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 complaints have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Included? First, check with 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 Ledgewood NJ phlebotomist program that you are looking at should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask the New Jersey programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with area healthcare facilities. They are the optimal way to receive hands-on practical training typically not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Ledgewood NJ medical community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Landing your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation together with a large network of professional contacts within the Ledgewood NJ health care community.

Are Class Times Available as Needed? Finally, it’s important to verify 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 at night or on weekends near Ledgewood NJ, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up policy is should you need to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Desire to Become a Phlebotomist?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's important to review questions you could be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers frequently ask Phlebotomist prospects is "What made you choose Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not only the personal reasons you might have for being Phlebotomist, but also what attributes and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to ready a number of strategies about how you would like to address them. Because there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the talents you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Technician and the best candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down several concepts and talking points that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can help you to prepare your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Select the Right Phlebotomist Program near Ledgewood NJ

Making certain that you choose the most suitable phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this fulfilling health care career position. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior college. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are available in a variety of educational institutions, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive range of programs in medical care and health sciences. Program options can differ somewhat across the country as each state has its own requirements when it comes to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to thoroughly screen and compare each school before making your final selection. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the best program for you. And with the appropriate training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Ledgewood NJ.

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