Affordable Phlebotomy Classes North Reading MA

How to Pick the Right Phlebotomy Training Program near North Reading Massachusetts

North Reading MA phlebotomist drawing blood from patientPicking the right phlebotomy technician training near North Reading MA is an important initial step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting undertaking to evaluate and compare all of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s necessary 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 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another option you may consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors such as accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and should be part of your selection process as well. To assist in that effort, we will furnish a list of questions that you should 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 Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

blood analysis performed in North Reading MA labFirst of all, not many people probably know what a phlebotomist or phlebotomy technician is. The short answer is a medical professional who draws blood from patients. We will go into more depth later. So of course anyone who selects this profession must be comfortable with needles and blood. And if you are not comfortable in hospitals or other North Reading MA medical environments, well this job may not be the best choice for you. And now let’s talk about the patients. Phlebotomists often work with nervous people who don’t like needles or having a blood sample drawn. And because many medical facilities are open around the clock, you will probably be expected to work weekends, evenings 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 job for you.

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Phlebotomy Tech Career Description

North Reading MA phlebotomist holding blood sampleA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal function, there is actually much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the tools being used are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample must be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork has to be accurately filled out to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab testing process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some phlebotomists actually work in North Reading MA labs and are in charge of making sure that samples are tested properly utilizing the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they can be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The simplest answer is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are many and varied, including North Reading MA hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a particular kind of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be collecting blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Licensing and Certification

North Reading MA phlebotomy tech drawing bloodThere are basically two kinds of programs that offer phlebotomy training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to finish and offers a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at community and junior colleges, they normally require 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a 4 year program furnish a more extensive background in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. While not required in most states, many North Reading MA employers require certification before employing technicians. Some of the main 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 prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, including Nevada and California. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a quality education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomy Online Classes

North Reading MA student attending online phlebotomy classesTo begin with, let’s dispel one potential misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant component of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-practical part of the training may be accessed online, it could be a more convenient option for some North Reading MA students. As an added benefit, a number of online schools are less expensive than their on-campus competitors. And some costs, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized as well. Just verify that the online phlebotomy college you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a premium education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the best option for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

What to ask North Reading MA phlebotomy schoolsSince you now have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already picked the kind of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the college is important if you will be commuting from North Reading MA as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an accredited phlebotomist online program. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the process for choosing a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Following are a few questions that you need to ask about each of the colleges you are reviewing prior to making your final decision.

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

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a respected regional or national accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a superior 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 organizations. Next, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited schools. Last, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the North Reading MA job market.

What is the College’s Reputation? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are considering. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can research online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even talk to some North Reading MA hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and ask if they can provide any insights. As a closing thought, you can contact the Massachusetts school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Included? To begin with, check with the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any phlebotomist program that you are considering should furnish at least 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 furnish adequate training.

Are Internships Provided? Find out from the programs you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with area healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to receive hands-on practical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local North Reading MA healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Getting your first phlebotomist job will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the schools you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the North Reading MA health care community.

Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s critical to verify that the final college you choose offers classes at times that will accommodate your busy schedule. This is particularly true if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near North Reading MA, make certain they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option as well. And if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is should you have to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Certified Phlebotomist North Reading MA

Affordable Phlebotomy Classes North Reading Massachusetts

Making certain that you enroll in the right phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare career position. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are found in a variety of academic institutes, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive range of courses in medical care and health sciences. Program options can vary a bit across the country as every state has its own prerequisites when it concerns phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly research and compare each college prior to making your ultimate choice. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Affordable Phlebotomy Classes and to get more information regarding Where Can I Take Phlebotomy Classes.  However, by addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the best phlebotomist school for you. And with the proper education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in North Reading MA.

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    North Reading, Massachusetts

    The area was first settled in 1651 when the town of Reading received a special land grant north of the Ipswich River. It was officially incorporated as the separate town of North Reading in 1853. North Reading borders Andover, North Andover, Middleton, Lynnfield, Reading, and Wilmington.

    "Original grants of large farmsteads along the river during the mid-17th century brought six families to the settlement before 1680. The economy of the town in the 17th and 18th century was based on subsistence farming with limited hop production. There was a sawmill on Lob's Pond by 1694 and grist and saw mills at the village center by 1794. Some small scale boot and shoe making was underway by 1820, and by 1850 small sheds or shops to make shoes were attached to almost every house in town. These shops produced cheap footwear that was sold south to clothe slaves, and the Civil War destroyed the town's industry. The principal products of the town in the early 20th century were milk, apples and fruits."[2]

    According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 13.5 square miles (35.0 km²), of which 13.2 square miles (34.3 km²) is land and 0.2 square miles (0.6 km²), or 1.85%, is water.

     

     

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