Picking a Phlebotomy Training Program near Stamford New York

Choosing the right phlebotomy school near Stamford NY is a critical initial step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging task to investigate and compare all of the training options that are accessible to you. However it’s vital that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you obtain a quality education. In reality, a large number of potential students begin their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another factor you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online schools 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 cheapest or the closest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and need to 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 assessing to help you choose the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our discussion about online schools.

Phlebotomy Technician Career Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their primary task, there is in fact much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the instruments being utilized are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample needs to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork needs to be accurately filled out to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab screening procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Many Stamford NY phlebotomists actually work in labs and are accountable for making certain that samples are tested correctly using the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they may be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The simplest response is wherever there are patients. Their work places are many and diverse, including Stamford NY medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to seniors. A number of phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a particular type of patient. For instance, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from different patients every day.

Phlebotomist Training, Certification and Licensing

There are basically two kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomy training in Stamford NY, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes under 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 phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they normally take two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a four year program furnish a more expansive background in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will probably want to be certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, most employers require certification prior to employing technicians. A few of the key 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 call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, including California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s important that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only supplies a premium education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomist Certificates and Degrees

To start with, let’s dispel one possible mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial part of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Stamford NY healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. A large number of courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-practical component of the training may be accessed online, it can be a more convenient alternative for many students. As an additional benefit, a number of online colleges are less expensive than their on-campus competitors. And some costs, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be lowered also. Just verify that the online phlebotomist program you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive 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 obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Now that you have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already chosen the kind of program you wish 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. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomy online school. Each of these decisions are an important component of the procedure for picking a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Following are a few questions that you should ask about each of the Stamford NY schools you are considering prior to making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely 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 preps you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you select should be accredited by a respected regional or national accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to an assurance of a premium education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are typically not available for non-accredited schools in Stamford NY. Finally, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Ranking? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to check out the reputations of any colleges you are looking at. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their students as part of their job placement program. You can research online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even contact some Stamford NY area clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and see if they can offer any insights. As a closing thought, you can contact the New York school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Included? First, 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 length of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any Stamford NY phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out from the New York schools you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with local medical facilities. They are the ideal way to receive hands-on clinical training often not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Stamford NY health care community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Getting your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the colleges you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation as well as an extensive network of professional contacts within the Stamford NY healthcare community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it’s important to make sure that the final program you select provides classes at times that are compatible with your hectic lifestyle. This is especially true if you choose to still work while attending school. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Stamford NY, make sure they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option as well. And if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is in case you have to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Phlebotomist?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician job, it's important to review questions you might be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomy Tech applicants is "What drove you to pick Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the personal reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomist, but additionally what qualities and abilities you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of general interview questions, so you must organize some approaches about how you want to answer them. Since there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the abilities you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Technician and the perfiect choice for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down some ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to prepare your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Choose the Ideal Phlebotomy Course near Stamford NY

Making sure that you select the ideal phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this fulfilling healthcare career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomist training programs can be available in a wide range of academic institutions, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive assortment of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program options may vary slightly from state to state as every state has its own requirements when it comes to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to diligently screen and compare each program prior to making your final selection. By addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the right program for you. And with the proper training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Stamford NY.

Learn About Stamford New York

 

 

More Interesting New York Cities

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Annandale on Hudson NY 12504

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Dolgeville NY 13329

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Wyandanch NY 11798

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Bridgehampton NY 11932

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Dover Plains NY 12522

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Sloatsburg NY 10974

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Portland NY 14769

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Hemlock NY 14466

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Wantagh NY 11793

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Chatham NY 12037