Tag Archives: Accredited Phlebotomy Schools Near Me Housatonic MA 01236

Phlebotomy Training Courses Near Me Housatonic MA

How to Find the Best Phlebotomy Technician Training Course near Housatonic Massachusetts

Housatonic MA phlebotomist drawing blood from patientPicking the right phlebotomist training near Housatonic MA is an important first step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging undertaking to evaluate and compare all of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s vital that you do your due diligence to make certain that you receive a quality education. In reality, many potential students start their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another factor you might consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll discuss more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and must be part of your decision process as well. Toward that end, 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 continue our conversation about online training.

Request Free Information on Phlebotomy Training Near You!

Should You Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

blood analysis performed in Housatonic MA labFirst of all, not many people probably know what a phlebotomy tech or phlebotomist is. The basic answer is a health care professional who draws blood from patients. We will provide more details later. So of course anyone who selects this profession must be OK around blood and needles. And if you are not comfortable in hospitals or other Housatonic MA medical facilities, well this job probably is not right for you. And then there are the patients. Phlebotomists routinely work around nervous people who hate needles or having a blood sample taken. And because many medical facilities are open 24 hours, you may be required to work weekends, nights and even on holidays. But if you can handle the hours and the needles and blood, and if you enjoy helping people and are compassionate and very patient, this could be the perfect profession for you.

Click Here to Get Free Information on Phlebotomy Training Near You!

Phlebotomy Tech Job Summary

Housatonic MA phlebotomist holding blood sampleA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal duty, there is actually so much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to verify that the instruments being employed are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample must be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork must be accurately filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening process. 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. A number of phlebotomists actually work in Housatonic MA 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 might be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The quickest response is wherever patients are treated. Their work places are many and diverse, such as Housatonic MA medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or young children to senior citizens. Some phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting samples from a particular kind of patient. For example, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be collecting blood from senior patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Certification and Licensing

Housatonic MA phlebotomy tech drawing bloodThere are basically 2 types of programs that furnish phlebotomist training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to finish and furnishes a basic education together with 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 phlebotomy degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they normally take two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a four year program offer a more expansive background in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. While not mandated in most states, most Housatonic MA employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. A few of the principal certifying organizations 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 in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, such as California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s important that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only supplies a quality education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomy Schools

Housatonic MA student attending online phlebotomy classesFirst, let’s dispel one possible mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial portion of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. A large number of courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-practical portion of the training may be accessed online, it may be a more practical option for some Housatonic MA students. As an additional benefit, some online programs are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenses, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be lowered also. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist school you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

What to ask Housatonic MA phlebotomy schoolsSince you now have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already chosen the kind of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the college is significant if you will be commuting from Housatonic MA in addition to the cost of tuition. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an accredited phlebotomy online college. All of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for choosing a phlebotomy program or school. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you should ask about each of the colleges you are considering prior to making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Massachusetts? As mentioned previously, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed before working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for Massachusetts or the state where you will be working and preps you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded regional or national accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited school in addition to a guarantee of a quality education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are typically not available for non-accredited schools. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to future employers in the Housatonic MA job market.

What is the School’s Reputation? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of all schools you are considering. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also contact several Housatonic MA hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and find out if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the Massachusetts school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Ample Training Included? To begin with, check with the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are considering should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums may signify that the program is not expansive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internships Provided? Ask the programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with area health care facilities. They are the optimal means to get hands-on clinical training typically not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Housatonic MA medical community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Landing your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Housatonic MA health care community.

Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s crucial to make sure that the final school you select offers classes at times that are compatible with your active lifestyle. This is especially important if you choose to still work while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Housatonic MA, check that 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 attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain 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.

How To Get Phlebotomy License Housatonic MA

Phlebotomy Training Courses Near Me Housatonic Massachusetts

Making sure that you choose the most suitable phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding healthcare field. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomy training programs can be found in a number of academic institutes, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide assortment of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Program offerings may vary slightly from state to state as every state has its own prerequisites when it pertains to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you need to thoroughly research and compare each school prior to making your final selection. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Phlebotomy Training Courses Near Me and to get more information regarding Phlebotomy Tech Programs.  However, by addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the right phlebotomy program for you. And with the proper training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Housatonic MA.

More Massachusetts Bloody Wonderful Locations

  • Phlebotomy Training Program Provincetown MA
  • Medical Assistant Phlebotomist Hamilton MA
  • Phlebotomy Courses Near Me Charlemont MA
  • Blood Drawing Course Milford MA
  • How To Get Phlebotomy License Lanesboro MA
  • How To Train To Be A Phlebotomist Becket MA
  • How Much Is Phlebotomy School Uxbridge MA
  • How Long Is Phlebotomy School Russell MA
  • Phlebotomy Training Classes Chicopee MA
  • Phlebotomy Technician Course West Falmouth MA
  •  

     

     

    Housatonic, Massachusetts

    Housatonic is a village and census-designated place (CDP) in the town of Great Barrington in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, United States. It is part of the Pittsfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,109 at the 2010 census.[1] It was named after the Housatonic River.[2]

    The village formed in the early 1800s around textile and paper mills. At its peak, Monument Mills, a textile manufacturer, occupied five factory buildings totaling 420,000 square feet (39,000 m2) and had 500 employees. Mill workers, many of whom were immigrants, were housed in tenements.[3]

    Monument Mills closed in 1956. After undergoing a period of decline, the village has been revitalized by the presence of art galleries and related commercial activity. The town's Ramsdell Public Library is located in Housatonic.[3]Monument Mills and Rising Paper Mill are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

     

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 3

    LabCorp
    3 Reviews
    Laboratory Testing
    Phone:
    1301 River St, Valatie, NY 12184

    LabCorp
    3 Reviews
    Laboratory Testing
    Phone:
    2500 Pondview, Ste 102, Castleton On Hudson, NY 12033

    Berkshire Medical Center
    20 Reviews
    Medical Centers
    Phone:
    725 North St, Pittsfield, MA 01201