Selecting a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Newark Ohio

Enrolling in the ideal phlebotomy school near Newark OH is a critical first step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting task to investigate and compare each of the school alternatives that are available to you. However it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you obtain a superior education. In fact, a large number of potential students start the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Another option you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is much more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and need to be part of your selection process as well. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you select the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online classes.

Phlebotomy Technician Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. While that is their main function, there is in fact much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to confirm that the tools being employed are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork needs to be properly filled out to be able to track the sample from the point 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. Many Newark OH phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are in charge of making sure that samples are analyzed correctly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they might be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The quickest answer is wherever there are patients. Their workplaces are numerous and diverse, such as Newark OH hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They may be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting samples from a particular kind of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital setting would be collecting blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially two kinds of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Newark OH, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes under a year to finish and furnishes a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomy tech. Available at community and junior colleges, they usually require 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a four year program provide a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not required in most states, a number of employers require certification before hiring technicians. Some of the primary certifying organizations 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 essential that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a premium education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomist Colleges

To begin with, let’s dispel one possible misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A good portion of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Newark OH healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical portion of the training can be attended online, it can be a more convenient alternative for some students. As an added benefit, some online programs are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenses, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomy college you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the best choice for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Since you now have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already picked the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Ohio campus is significant as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online program. All of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for picking a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Following are a few questions that you should ask about each of the Newark OH colleges you are considering before making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Ohio? As previously mentioned, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Ohio or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a respected national or regional accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of advantages to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a quality education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited programs in Newark OH. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to check out the reputations of all colleges you are looking at. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their students as part of their job assistance program. You can screen online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can even contact several Newark OH local clinics or hospitals that you might have an interest in working for and see if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the Ohio school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Enough Training Provided? First, check with the Ohio regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Newark OH 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 below these minimums might signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internships Included? Find out from the Ohio programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional health care facilities. They are the ideal means to receive hands-on practical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Newark OH health care community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Finding your first phlebotomist position will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Find out if the colleges you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation along with a large network of professional contacts within the Newark OH medical community.

Are Classes Available as Needed? Finally, it’s critical to verify that the final school you choose provides classes at times that are compatible with your active lifestyle. This is especially true if you decide to continue working while attending college. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Newark OH, make sure they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option also. And if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is should you have to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers typically ask Phlebotomy Technician applicants is "What drove you to choose Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not just the personal reasons you may have for being Phlebotomist, but also what attributes and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of general interview questions, so you must prepare several strategies about how you would like to answer them. Because there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Technician and the best candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down several ideas and topics that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Choose the Right Phlebotomist Program near Newark OH

Making certain that you choose the ideal phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare field. As we have addressed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomist training programs are available in a number of academic institutions, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive assortment of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program offerings can vary slightly across the country as each state has its own mandates when it comes to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to diligently research and compare each program prior to making your final choice. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the right program for you. And with the appropriate training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Newark OH.

Learn About Newark Ohio

 

 

More Interesting Ohio Cities

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Irwin OH 43029

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Youngstown OH 44501

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Tallmadge OH 44278

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Conover OH 45317

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Ashtabula OH 44004

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Arcadia OH 44804

Phlebotomy Training Schools near West Alexandria OH 45381

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Wayne OH 43466

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Huron OH 44839

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Fairview OH 43736