Selecting a Phlebotomy School near Saxtons River Vermont

Enrolling in the ideal phlebotomist training near Saxtons River VT is an important first step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult task to investigate and compare each of the training options that are available to you. However it’s important that you perform your due diligence to ensure that you obtain a quality education. In reality, most potential students begin their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another option you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online schools later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is much more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your decision process also. To assist in that effort, we will furnish a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you select the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our discussion about online schools.

Phlebotomy Technician Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their main responsibility, there is in fact far more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the tools being used are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample has to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork needs to be properly completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab testing 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 pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Many Saxtons River VT phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are responsible for making certain that samples are analyzed properly under the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they can be asked to train other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The most basic answer is wherever patients are treated. Their workplaces are numerous and varied, including Saxtons River VT medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a specific type of patient. For example, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be drawing blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. On the other hand, 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 every day.

Phlebotomy Education, Certification and Licensing

There are basically 2 types of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Saxtons River VT, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to finish and provides a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at community and junior colleges, they typically take two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program provide a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will probably want to be certified. Although not required in most states, most employers look for certification before hiring 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 call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, such as Nevada and California. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a quality education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomy Training

To begin with, let’s resolve one potential misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A good component of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Saxtons River VT 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. But since the non-practical part of the training may be accessed online, it could be a more practical option for many students. As an additional benefit, many online programs are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenditures, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomist program you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can receive a premium education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Now that you have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already picked the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Vermont college is significant as well as the tuition expense. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomy college. All of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for choosing a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Following are some questions that you need to ask about all of the Saxtons River VT programs you are reviewing before making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Vermont? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of practical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you might have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for Vermont or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you choose should be accredited by a respected national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of advantages to graduating from an accredited program aside from an assurance of a premium education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools in Saxtons River VT. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Reputation? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are reviewing. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can screen internet school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even talk to some Saxtons River VT area clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and ask if they can provide any insights. As a closing thought, you can check with the Vermont school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Provided? First, contact the Vermont 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. At a minimum, any Saxtons River VT phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out from the Vermont programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with local health care facilities. They are the optimal means to receive hands-on practical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Saxtons River VT medical community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Getting your first phlebotomist job will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the colleges you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Saxtons River VT medical community.

Are Classes Available as Needed? And last, it’s important to verify that the ultimate school you choose offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic schedule. This is particularly important if you decide to still work while attending school. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Saxtons River VT, make certain they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, confirm it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up policy is in case you have to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Want to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you may be asked. Among the questions that recruiters often ask Phlebotomy Tech candidates is "What compelled you to select Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what qualities and abilities you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, as well as 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 numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the talents you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomist and the best candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but write down a few ideas and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Select the Ideal Phlebotomy College near Saxtons River VT

Making sure that you choose the most suitable phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this fulfilling medical care career position. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be offered in a wide range of academic institutes, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive range of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program offerings can differ a bit from state to state as every state has its own mandates when it comes to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to carefully screen and compare each college prior to making your final choice. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can pick the ideal program for you. And with the appropriate training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Saxtons River VT.

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