Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Riverton New Jersey

Choosing the right phlebotomist training near Riverton NJ is a critical first step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting task to assess and compare all of the school options that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you perform your due diligence to ensure that you get a quality education. In reality, a large number of potential students start their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional option you may look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need 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 important considerations and should be part of your selection process too. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you select the best one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomist Career Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. While that is their principal duty, there is in fact much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the instruments being employed are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample has to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork has to be correctly filled out to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory screening process. The phlebotomist then delivers 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. Many Riverton NJ phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are accountable for making sure that samples are tested correctly utilizing the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they might be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The quickest response is wherever patients are treated. Their workplaces are many and varied, such as Riverton NJ medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to seniors. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a certain type of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be drawing blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers solely. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital setting would be collecting blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Licensing and Certification

There are primarily two types of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Riverton NJ, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to complete and provides a general 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 provide training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they usually require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a four year program provide a more extensive background in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will probably want to become certified. While not required in the majority of states, a number of employers require certification before employing 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 several states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, such as California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a superior education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Certificates and Degrees

To begin with, let’s resolve one potential misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial part of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Riverton 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. However since the non-practical part of the training can be attended online, it could be a more practical alternative for many students. As an added benefit, many online classes are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some costs, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy program you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal option for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomy Programs

Now that you have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already decided on the kind of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the New Jersey college is significant in addition to the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomist school. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the process for choosing a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Following are several questions that you should ask about each of the Riverton NJ colleges you are looking at prior to making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As mentioned previously, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for New Jersey or the state where you will be working and prepares you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable national or regional accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many advantages 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 examination administered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools in Riverton NJ. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are looking at. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their students as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even talk to several Riverton NJ area clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and see if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the New Jersey school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Ample Training Provided? To begin with, 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. As a minimum, any Riverton NJ phlebotomy program that you are considering should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything lower than these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask the New Jersey colleges you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with local healthcare facilities. They are the ideal way to get hands-on practical training often not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Riverton NJ healthcare community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Available? Getting your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the colleges you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a higher rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Riverton NJ healthcare community.

Are Class Times Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s important to confirm that the final program you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is especially true if you decide to still work while going to school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Riverton NJ, check that they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, confirm it is an option as well. And 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 procedure is in case you need to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the things that interviewers often ask Phlebotomist applicants is "What made you select Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not only the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what characteristics and skills you possess that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you should organize several strategies about how you would like to answer them. Since there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the talents you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomist and the leading choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down a few concepts and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Enroll in the Right Phlebotomist College near Riverton NJ

Making certain that you enroll in the right phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this fulfilling healthcare career position. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior school. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs are offered in a variety of educational institutions, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide assortment of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Course options may vary a bit across the country as each state has its own requirements when it comes to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must carefully screen and compare each program prior to making your final decision. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can select the best school for you. And with the proper education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Riverton NJ.

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