How to Choose the Best Phlebotomy Tech School near Stetson Maine
Choosing the right phlebotomy training near Stetson ME is an important initial step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting undertaking to assess and compare all of the training alternatives 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, a large number of potential students begin the process by looking at two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another factor you may look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is far 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 should be part of your selection process too. Toward that end, we will furnish a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you choose the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online classes.
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Should You Go to School to Become a Plebotomist?
Right out of the gate, not many people are likely to know what a phlebotomist or phlebotomy technician is. The basic definition is a medical professional who draws blood from patients. We will provide more details later. So naturally anyone who decides to enter this profession must be able to handle blood and needles. And if you are nervous in hospitals or other Stetson ME medical environments, well this profession may not be the best choice for you. And now let’s talk about the patients. Phlebotomy Technicians often work around anxious people who hate needles or having their blood taken. And because many medical facilities are open around the clock, you may be expected to work weekends, evenings and even on holidays. But if you can handle the hours and the blood and needles, and if you enjoy helping people and are patient and compassionate, this may be the right job for you.
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Phlebotomy Tech Work Description
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their primary 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 utilized are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork has to be correctly completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory screening procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. A number of phlebotomists in fact work in Stetson ME laboratories and are responsible for ensuring that samples are tested properly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they might be asked to train other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.
Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?
The easiest answer is wherever patients are treated. Their work places are numerous and varied, including Stetson ME hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a certain kind of patient. For instance, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients each day.
Phlebotomist Training, Certification and Licensing
There are essentially two kinds of programs that provide phlebotomist training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to finish and provides a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will include training to become a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they typically require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program furnish a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will probably want to be certified. Although not required in most states, most Stetson ME 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 several states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, like Nevada and California. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only supplies a quality education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.
Phlebotomy Online Colleges
To start with, let’s resolve one potential misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A good part of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. Many courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-clinical part of the training may be accessed online, it might be a more convenient option for some Stetson ME students. As an added benefit, a number of online colleges are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some costs, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy college you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a superior education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges
Now that you have a basic understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, 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 previously mentioned, the location of the campus is important if you will be commuting from Stetson ME in addition to the tuition expense. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an accredited phlebotomist online college. Each of these decisions are an important component of the process for selecting a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you need to ask about all of the programs you are looking at prior to making your ultimate selection.
Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As previously mentioned, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed before working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for Maine or the state where you will be working and prepares you for all exams you may have to take.
Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you select should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to an assurance of a superior education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited programs. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to potential employers in the Stetson ME job market.
What is the College’s Reputation? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to check the reputations of all schools you are reviewing. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also contact several Stetson ME hospitals or clinics that you may have an interest in working for and find out if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the Maine school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.
Is Ample Training Included? To begin with, contact the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to provide sufficient training.
Are Internship Programs Included? Ask the colleges you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with area healthcare facilities. They are the optimal way to receive hands-on clinical training often not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Stetson ME medical community. And they are a plus on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Getting your first phlebotomist job will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the schools you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation as well as a substantial network of professional contacts within the Stetson ME healthcare community.
Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s critical to confirm that the final college you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your busy lifestyle. This is particularly true if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Stetson ME, make certain they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option also. Even if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is should you need to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.
How Long Does It Take To Get Your Phlebotomy License Stetson ME
Best Phlebotomy Technician Colleges Stetson Maine
Making sure that you select the most suitable phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding medical care career position. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium program. Phlebotomist training programs are offered in a wide range of academic institutes, such as community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive array of courses in medical care and health sciences. Program options may vary a bit across the country as every state has its own requirements when it pertains to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must thoroughly research and compare each school before making your ultimate decision. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Best Phlebotomy Technician Colleges and to get more information regarding Online Phlebotomy Course. However, by asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the best phlebotomy program for you. And with the appropriate education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Stetson ME.
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Stetson, Maine
Stetson is a town in Penobscot County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,202 at the 2010 census.[4] It was named after its first proprietor, Amasa Stetson. His brother Simeon Stetson originally settled here as well, but moved to nearby Hampden in 1803. Simeon's sons Charles, George, and Isaiah founded a powerful mercantile and political family in Bangor.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 36.65 square miles (94.92 km2), of which, 34.99 square miles (90.62 km2) of it is land and 1.66 square miles (4.30 km2) is water.[1]
As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 1,202 people, 479 households, and 344 families residing in the town. The population density was 34.4 inhabitants per square mile (13.3/km2). There were 621 housing units at an average density of 17.7 per square mile (6.8/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 98.0% White, 0.1% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.2% Asian, and 1.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.9% of the population.
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