Selecting a Phlebotomy Technician School near Mill Neck New York

Enrolling in the right phlebotomy technician school near Mill Neck NY is an essential first step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging task to investigate and compare all of the school alternatives that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you perform your due diligence to make sure that you obtain a quality education. In fact, a large number of students start the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Another factor you might consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll talk more about online classes later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and must be part of your selection process also. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you select the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomy Technician Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their primary function, there is in fact far 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. After collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork has to be properly completed 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 tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some Mill Neck NY phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are in charge of making certain that samples are analyzed properly utilizing the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they may be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Practice?

The simplest answer is wherever there are patients. Their workplaces are numerous and diverse, including Mill Neck NY hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be charged to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to seniors. A number of phlebotomy techs, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a specific kind of patient. For example, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers solely. In contrast, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Licensing and Certification

There are primarily two kinds of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Mill Neck NY, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program normally takes under a year to finish and provides a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they normally take 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program provide a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will probably want to become certified. Although not required in the majority of states, many employers require certification before hiring technicians. Some of the primary certifying agencies 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 phlebotomist, like Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only supplies a premium education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Colleges

To start with, let’s dispel one potential misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant component of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Mill Neck NY healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-clinical portion of the training may be attended online, it might be a more convenient alternative for some students. As an added benefit, some online programs are more affordable than their traditional competitors. And some costs, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced also. 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 comprehensive online and clinical training, you can receive a premium education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the best option for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Since you now have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may 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 York school is relevant in addition to the tuition expense. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomy online school. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for selecting a program or school. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you need to ask about all of the Mill Neck NY programs you are reviewing prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed before working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that satisfies the state specific requirements for New York or the state where you will be working and preps you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you pick should be accredited by a reputable regional or national accrediting organization, such as 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 quality education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs in Mill Neck NY. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more desirable to future employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to check the reputations of any schools you are reviewing. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also check with a few Mill Neck NY local clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and see if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can contact the New York school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Provided? First, check with the New York 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 Mill Neck NY phlebotomy program that you are looking at should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums may signify that the program is not expansive enough to provide sufficient training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out from the New York programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with area medical facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on clinical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Mill Neck NY medical community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Available? Getting your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire if the schools you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Mill Neck NY health care community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it’s important to make sure that the ultimate college you pick offers classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is particularly important if you decide to still work while going to school. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Mill Neck NY, check that they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option also. And if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is in case you have to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Want to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's advantageous to review questions you could be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomy Technician prospects is "What compelled you to choose Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not only the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomist, but also what attributes and skills you have that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you should organize several ideas about how you would like to address them. Because there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the talents you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down a few concepts and talking points that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Select the Ideal Phlebotomy Program near Mill Neck NY

Making certain that you pick the most suitable 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. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be found in a wide range of educational institutes, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive range of courses in medical care and health sciences. Course options can differ a bit across the country as each state has its own mandates when it comes to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must carefully research and compare each program prior to making your final selection. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the right school for you. And with the proper training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Mill Neck NY.

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