Picking a Phlebotomy Training Program near Montclair New Jersey

Selecting the right phlebotomy school near Montclair NJ is an important first step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting task to investigate and compare each of the training options that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you perform your due diligence to make certain that you receive a quality education. In fact, a large number of students start their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Another factor you may consider 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 keep in mind is that there is far more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and should be part of your selection process also. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you should 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 afterwards continue our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomy Technician Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their main responsibility, there is in fact much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the instruments being employed are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork must be properly filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. A number of Montclair NJ phlebotomists actually work in labs and are in charge of making sure that samples are tested properly utilizing the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they may be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The quickest response is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are numerous and diverse, such as Montclair NJ hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a specific type of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be collecting blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients each day.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Certification and Licensing

There are essentially 2 types of programs that furnish phlebotomy training in Montclair NJ, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program normally takes under a year to complete and furnishes a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at community and junior colleges, they usually require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program furnish a more extensive background in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not required in the majority of states, many employers look for certification prior to employing technicians. Some of the primary certifying organizations 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 Nevada and California. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only supplies a premium education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomy Certificates and Degrees

First, let’s dispel one possible misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial component of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Montclair NJ healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. A large number of courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-clinical component of the training may be accessed online, it can be a more convenient option for many students. As an added benefit, many online colleges are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenditures, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized as well. Just verify that the online phlebotomy program you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a superior education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the best option for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Since you now have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already chosen the type of program you want 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 as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomy online program. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the process for selecting a school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when arriving at your decision. Following are several questions that you should ask about all of the Montclair NJ programs you are reviewing prior to making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to New Jersey? As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for New Jersey or the state where you will be working and preps you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable regional or national accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many advantages to graduating from an accredited school aside from an assurance of a quality education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are typically not available for non-accredited programs in Montclair NJ. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Reputation? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to check out the reputations of any schools you are looking at. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can research online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also contact some Montclair NJ area hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and ask if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can contact the New Jersey school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Provided? First, contact the New Jersey regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Montclair NJ phlebotomist program that you are considering should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internships Included? Ask the New Jersey colleges you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to get hands-on practical training frequently not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Montclair NJ medical community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Finding your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the programs you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation along with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Montclair NJ healthcare community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s crucial to verify that the final program you pick provides classes at times that are compatible with your busy schedule. This is particularly true if you opt to continue working while going to college. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Montclair NJ, make sure they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, confirm it is an option as well. And if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is in case you need to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's advantageous to review questions you might be asked. Among the things that interviewers frequently ask Phlebotomy Tech prospects is "What compelled you to select Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not just the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomist, but also what qualities and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to prepare a number of strategies about how you would like to answer them. Given that there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomist and the leading candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but jot down some concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Select the Right Phlebotomy College near Montclair NJ

Making certain that you select the right phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this fulfilling healthcare field. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be found in a number of academic institutes, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide range of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Course offerings can vary slightly from state to state as every state has its own mandates when it concerns phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must thoroughly screen and compare each program before making your ultimate choice. By addressing 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 appropriate education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Montclair NJ.

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