Selecting a Phlebotomy Training Program near Somerset New Jersey

Selecting the right phlebotomy school near Somerset NJ is an essential initial step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting undertaking to assess and compare each of the training alternatives that are available to you. However it’s important that you do your due diligence to make sure that you receive a quality education. In fact, many prospective students start the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Another factor you may look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk more about online classes later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is much more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors including reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and must be part of your selection process also. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you select the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our conversation about online schools.

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Phlebotomy Tech Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal task, there is actually far more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must verify that the tools being used are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork needs to be correctly filled out to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory screening procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. A number of Somerset NJ phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are accountable for making sure that samples are tested correctly using the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they might be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The easiest response is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are many and varied, including Somerset NJ hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be tasked to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomists, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a particular type of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns solely. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Education, Certification and Licensing

There are essentially two types of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Somerset NJ, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to finish and provides a general education together with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at community and junior colleges, they typically require 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program offer a more expansive background in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. While not mandated in most states, a number of employers look for certification prior to 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 require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, like Nevada and California. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only supplies a quality education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomy Online Training

First, let’s resolve one possible mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant portion of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Somerset NJ healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical component of the training may be attended online, it can be a more practical alternative for many students. As an added benefit, some online schools are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some costs, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy college you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a superior education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the best choice for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomy Programs

Since you now have a basic understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already picked the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the New Jersey campus is important in addition to the tuition expense. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomy online college. All of these decisions are a critical component of the process for selecting a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about all of the Somerset NJ colleges you are considering 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. Several states call for certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for New Jersey or the state where you will be working and readies you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you pick should be accredited by a reputable national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of advantages to graduating from an accredited school in addition to an assurance of a quality education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are typically not available for non-accredited colleges in Somerset NJ. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to future employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Reputation? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of all schools you are looking at. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen internet school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even talk to several Somerset NJ local clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and find out if they can provide any insights. As a closing thought, you can check with the New Jersey school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Adequate Training Included? To begin with, contact 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 clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Somerset NJ phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums might indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internships Provided? Find out from the New Jersey schools you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with local health care facilities. They are the optimal means to get hands-on practical training frequently not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Somerset NJ healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Available? Getting your first phlebotomist job will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the colleges you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, signifying they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation along with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Somerset NJ health care community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it’s important to make sure that the final school you select provides classes at times that are compatible with your busy lifestyle. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while attending college. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Somerset NJ, make certain they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option also. Even if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is in case you need to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Phlebotomist?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's important to consider questions you may be asked. Among the things that interviewers frequently ask Phlebotomy Tech applicants is "What compelled you to select Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not only the private reasons you might have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but also what qualities and talents you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you should ready a number of strategies about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomist and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but take down several ideas and topics that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Select the Right Phlebotomist Course near Somerset NJ

Making sure that you select the ideal phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding health care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality program. Phlebotomist training programs can be offered in a variety of academic institutions, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide range of programs in medical care and health sciences. Program offerings can differ a bit from state to state as every state has its own prerequisites when it pertains to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must diligently screen and compare each program before making your ultimate choice. By addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can pick the right program for you. And with the appropriate training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Somerset NJ.

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