Choosing a Phlebotomist Course near Old Chatham New York

Picking the ideal phlebotomy technician training near Old Chatham NY is a critical first step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting task to assess and compare each of the training options that are available to you. However it’s important that you do your due diligence to make certain that you receive a superior education. In reality, many potential students start the process by looking at two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another option you might consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll review a bit more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables including reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and must be part of your selection process as well. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you choose the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our conversation about online training.

Phlebotomy Technician Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their principal duty, there is actually far more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the instruments being used are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample must be correctly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork must be correctly filled out to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory testing process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Many Old Chatham NY phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are in charge of making sure that samples are tested properly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they might be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The easiest response is wherever they treat patients. Their work environments are numerous and varied, such as Old Chatham NY hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be tasked to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting samples from a specific kind of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomists working in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Education, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially 2 types of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Old Chatham NY, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to complete and furnishes a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they usually take 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program provide a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will probably want to get certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, a number of employers require certification prior to employing technicians. Some of the principal 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 prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, such as Nevada and California. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you enroll in a phlebotomy 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 resolve one likely misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial portion of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Old Chatham NY healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. A large number of courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-practical component of the training may be attended online, it can be a more convenient alternative for many students. As an added benefit, many online colleges are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenditures, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy college 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 obtain a premium education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Since you now have a basic understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already chosen the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the New York college is important as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online program. Each of these decisions are an important component of the procedure for selecting a school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Following are a few questions that you should ask about all of the Old Chatham NY programs you are considering before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As previously mentioned, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for New York or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for any examinations you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many advantages to graduating from an accredited program in addition to an assurance of a superior education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are often unavailable for non-accredited schools in Old Chatham NY. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Reputation? In a number of 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 out the reputations of all schools you are looking at. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their students as part of their job assistance program. You can research internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can also check with several Old Chatham NY area clinics or hospitals that you might have an interest in working for and ask if they can offer any insights. As a closing thought, you can contact the New York school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Provided? To begin with, check with the New York regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Old Chatham 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 below these minimums might signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask the New York colleges you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional medical facilities. They are the ideal means to get hands-on clinical training typically not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Old Chatham NY medical community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Getting your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the colleges you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation together with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Old Chatham NY health care community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it’s important to verify that the ultimate program you choose provides classes at times that are compatible with your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while going to school. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Old Chatham NY, check that they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option as well. And if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is should you need to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Phlebotomist?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's important to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the questions that interviewers typically ask Phlebotomy Tech applicants is "What drove you to select Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not just the personal reasons you might have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but also what characteristics and talents you have that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of standard interview questions, so you must ready some approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down some ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Enroll in the Ideal Phlebotomist Program near Old Chatham NY

Making sure that you choose the right phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this gratifying medical care career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a quality school. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be offered in a number of educational institutes, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide array of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Course options may vary somewhat from state to state as every state has its own criteria when it pertains to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must carefully evaluate and compare each college prior to making your ultimate decision. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can select the ideal school for you. And with the proper education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Old Chatham NY.

Learn About Old Chatham New York

 

 

More Interesting New York Cities

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Amagansett NY 11930

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Tupper Lake NY 12986

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Brewerton NY 13029

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Nunda NY 14517

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Port Chester NY 10573

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Gouverneur NY 13642

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Bolton Landing NY 12814

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Hector NY 14841

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Woodbury NY 11797

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Franklin Square NY 11010