Choosing a Phlebotomy School near Glens Falls New York

Selecting the ideal phlebotomy training near Glens Falls NY is an essential initial step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting undertaking to assess and compare each of the school options that are accessible to you. However it’s necessary that you perform your due diligence to make sure that you obtain a quality education. In fact, a large number of potential students begin their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional option you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is far more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors such as accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and must be part of your selection process as well. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you choose the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online training.

Phlebotomy Technician Career Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their main duty, there is in fact much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must verify that the tools being employed are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be correctly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork has to be correctly completed 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 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 Glens Falls NY phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are responsible for making sure that samples are analyzed correctly using the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they may be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The most basic response is wherever patients are treated. Their workplaces are many and varied, including Glens Falls NY medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting samples from a certain kind of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists working in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients each day.

Phlebotomist Training, Licensing and Certification

There are primarily two types of programs that furnish phlebotomy training in Glens Falls NY, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to finish and provides a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they typically require 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program furnish a more expansive background in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not mandated in most states, many employers require certification before hiring technicians. A few of the main certifying organizations 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, like California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only offers a quality education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomy Online Classes

First, let’s resolve one possible misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A good part of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Glens Falls NY healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-clinical component of the training may be accessed online, it could be a more practical alternative for some students. As an additional benefit, many online classes are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be lowered also. Just confirm that the online phlebotomy program you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a superior education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomy Programs

Since you now have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may 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 York campus is relevant as well as the cost of tuition. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online program. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the process for selecting a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Following are some questions that you should ask about all of the Glens Falls NY programs you are reviewing before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might have 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 York or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you pick 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 a guarantee of a superior education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, 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 Glens Falls NY. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Ranking? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to investigate the reputations of all schools you are considering. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can even talk to several Glens Falls NY area clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and ask if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the New York school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Ample Training Included? First, check with the New York 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. As a minimum, any Glens Falls NY phlebotomist program that you are looking at should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority 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 Provided? Ask the New York programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with area healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to obtain hands-on clinical training typically not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Glens Falls NY medical community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Getting your first phlebotomist job will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the colleges you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a higher rate, signifying they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation together with a large network of professional contacts within the Glens Falls NY medical community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s critical to confirm that the final college you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your busy schedule. This is particularly true if you decide to still work while attending college. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Glens Falls NY, make sure they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, 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 completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is in case you have to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Desire to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers frequently ask Phlebotomy Tech candidates is "What made you decide on Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not just the private reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomist, but also what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you should prepare several approaches about how you want to answer them. Since there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Technician and the best choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down a few ideas and topics that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Enroll in the Ideal Phlebotomist College near Glens Falls NY

Making sure that you enroll in the most suitable phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this gratifying medical care field. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are available in a variety of academic institutes, such as community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive range of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Program options may vary a bit across the country as each state has its own criteria when it comes to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to thoroughly research and compare each program before making your ultimate selection. By addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can select the right program for you. And with the proper education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Glens Falls NY.

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