Selecting a Phlebotomy Technician School near Palmyra New Jersey

Selecting the right phlebotomy technician school near Palmyra NJ is a critical initial step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult task to analyze and compare each of the school alternatives that are available to you. However it’s necessary that you perform your due diligence to make sure that you receive a quality education. In reality, most potential students begin their search by considering two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another option you might consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll review a bit more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and must be part of your decision process too. 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 select the best one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomy Technician Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their main function, there is actually far more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to check that the tools being used are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork must be correctly completed to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory testing procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Palmyra NJ phlebotomists actually work in labs and are accountable for ensuring that samples are tested properly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they may be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The easiest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are numerous and diverse, including Palmyra NJ medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They may be tasked to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a particular kind of patient. For instance, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be collecting blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide variety of patients and would work with different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Licensing and Certification

There are primarily 2 kinds of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Palmyra NJ, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to finish and furnishes a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest method to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they usually take two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program provide a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will probably want to become certified. While not required in the majority of states, a number of employers look for certification before employing 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 some states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, such as California and Nevada. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only provides a quality education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomy Classes

To begin with, let’s dispel one possible misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial component of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Palmyra 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 prior to graduation. But since the non-clinical part of the training can be attended online, it can be a more practical alternative for many students. As an additional benefit, a number of online schools are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenses, for instance those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced also. Just verify that the online phlebotomy college you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can receive a superior education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomist Programs

Now that you have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already picked 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 school is significant as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomist school. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for choosing a school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Following are some questions that you should ask about all of the Palmyra NJ programs you are reviewing before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As previously mentioned, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomy program that meets 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 School Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you select should be accredited by a reputable regional or national accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a premium education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to take a certification exam administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are often not available for non-accredited schools in Palmyra NJ. Last, 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 Ranking? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to check the reputations of all schools you are looking at. 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 screen internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even check with several Palmyra NJ local hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and see if they can provide any insights. As a closing thought, you can check with the New Jersey school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Ample Training Included? To begin with, contact the New Jersey regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Palmyra NJ phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything lower than these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to provide sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out from the New Jersey programs you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to receive hands-on practical training typically not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop relationships within the local Palmyra NJ healthcare community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Landing your first phlebotomist job will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the colleges you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, signifying they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation together with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Palmyra NJ medical community.

Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s crucial to verify that the ultimate school you choose provides classes at times that are compatible with your busy lifestyle. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Palmyra NJ, make certain they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option also. And if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up procedure is in case you need to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Phlebotomist?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the questions that recruiters often ask Phlebotomy Technician candidates is "What made you choose Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not just the personal reasons you might have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what characteristics and skills you possess that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you need to ready several ideas about how you would like to address them. Given that there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the abilities you have that make you an outstanding Phlebotomist and the perfiect choice for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down some ideas and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Choose the Right Phlebotomist Course near Palmyra NJ

Making sure that you select the right phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare career position. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium school. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be found in a wide range of educational institutes, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide assortment of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program options can differ a bit from state to state as each state has its own mandates when it concerns phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must diligently research and compare each college before making your final choice. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can pick the best college for you. And with the appropriate education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Palmyra NJ.

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