Phlebotomy Prerequisites Wilmington MA

How to Choose the Best Phlebotomist Training Classes near Wilmington Massachusetts

Wilmington MA phlebotomist drawing blood from patientEnrolling in the right phlebotomy technician training near Wilmington MA is an essential initial step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging undertaking to evaluate and compare each of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you do your due diligence to ensure that you receive a quality education. In fact, a large number of potential students start the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Another option you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll discuss more about online schools later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is far more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors including accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your decision process as well. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you pick the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online schools.

Request Free Information on Phlebotomy Training Near You!

Should You Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

blood analysis performed in Wilmington MA labFirst of all, not many people probably know what a phlebotomist or phlebotomy technician is. The short answer is a medical professional whose job is to draw blood. We will provide more details later. So of course anyone who decides to enter this profession must be comfortable with blood and needles. And if you are nervous in hospitals or other Wilmington MA medical environments, well this job probably is not right for you. And now let’s talk about the patients. Phlebotomy Technicians routinely work around anxious people who hate needles or having their blood drawn. And because most health care facilities are open 24 hours, you may be expected to work weekends, nights and, you guessed it even on holidays. But if you can handle the hours and the needles and blood, and if you enjoy interacting with people and are patient and compassionate, this may be the right job for you.

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

Phlebotomy Tech Career Description

Wilmington MA phlebotomist holding blood sampleA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their principal task, there is actually so much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the tools being utilized are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample needs to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork has to be properly completed in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory screening process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Many phlebotomists actually work in Wilmington MA labs and are responsible for ensuring that samples are tested properly using the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they may be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The most basic response is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are numerous and diverse, such as Wilmington MA hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be tasked to draw 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 samples from a certain kind of patient. For instance, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be collecting blood from senior patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns solely. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomist Training, Licensing and Certification

Wilmington MA phlebotomy tech drawing bloodThere are basically two types of programs that provide phlebotomy training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program normally takes less than a year to complete and provides a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomy tech. Available at community and junior colleges, they usually take 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 completed your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, a number of Wilmington MA employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. A few of the main 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, including Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only supplies a superior education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomist Online Training

Wilmington MA student attending online phlebotomy classesTo start with, let’s resolve one potential misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial component of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-clinical component of the training may be accessed online, it may be a more convenient option for many Wilmington MA students. As an added benefit, many online classes are less expensive than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist college you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a quality education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

What to ask Wilmington MA phlebotomy schoolsNow that you have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already chosen 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 campus is important if you will be commuting from Wilmington MA in addition to the tuition expense. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomy school. Each of these decisions are an important part of the process for choosing a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Following are some questions that you should ask about all of the schools you are looking at before making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As previously mentioned, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for Massachusetts or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for all examinations you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you pick should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited program in addition to an assurance of a premium education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to future employers in the Wilmington MA job market.

What is the Program’s Ranking? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to check the reputations of any schools you are considering. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can screen internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even contact several Wilmington MA clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and find out if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can contact the Massachusetts school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Included? First, contact the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are looking at should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums may indicate that the program is not expansive enough to provide sufficient training.

Are Internships Provided? Ask the programs you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with area healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to get hands-on clinical training often not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Wilmington MA healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Available? Finding your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Ask if the schools you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation along with a large network of professional contacts within the Wilmington MA medical community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it’s crucial to confirm that the ultimate program you pick provides classes at times that are compatible with your hectic lifestyle. This is particularly true if you choose to still work while attending school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Wilmington MA, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option as well. 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 procedure is should you have to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

How To Be A Certified Phlebotomist Wilmington MA

Phlebotomy Prerequisites Wilmington Massachusetts

Making sure that you select the ideal phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding healthcare career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a premium school. Phlebotomy training programs are found in a variety of educational institutes, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive range of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Course offerings may differ a bit across the country as each state has its own criteria when it comes to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to carefully research and compare each program prior to making your final decision. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Phlebotomy Prerequisites and to get more information regarding Find Phlebotomy Tech Schools.  However, by addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the best phlebotomist program for you. And with the proper training, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Wilmington MA.

More Massachusetts Bloody Wonderful Locations

  • Phlebotomy Training Classes Near Me Cheshire MA
  • Accredited Local Phlebotomy Courses Brimfield MA
  • Training Schools For Phlebotomy Conway MA
  • Phlebotomy Classes Price Norton MA
  • Phlebotomy Technician School South Dartmouth MA
  • Phlebotomy School Online Shirley MA
  • Phlebotomy Programs Near Me Pocasset MA
  • How To Become A Certified Phlebotomist Hadley MA
  • Becoming A Certified Phlebotomist Ashland MA
  • How To Become A Certified Phlebotomist Concord MA
  •  

     

     

    Wilmington, Massachusetts

    Wilmington was first settled in 1665 and was officially incorporated in 1730, from parts of Woburn, Reading, and Billerica. The first settler is believed to have been Will Butter, Richard Harnden or Abraham Jaquith. Butter was brought to Woburn as an indentured captive. Once he attained his freedom, he fled to the opposite side of a large swamp, in what is now Wilmington. Harnden settled in Reading, in an area that is now part of Wilmington. Jaquith settled in an area of Billerica that became part of Wilmington in 1740.

    The Middlesex Canal passed through Wilmington. Chartered in 1792, opened in 1803, it provided freight and passenger transport between the Merrimack River and Boston. One important cargo on the canal was hops. From the middle of the 18th century until the early 19th century, Massachusetts was the acknowledged leader in hop production in North America. Middlesex County in particular was famous for its hop yards, and Wilmington was the first place where the culture grew to a fever pitch.[1]

    The Boston and Lowell Railroad was built in 1835. The line is now the oldest operating rail line in the U.S. Wilmington is also served by the Haverhill Division (the old B&M Portland Division). A spur track known as the Wildcat connects the Haverhill and Lowell divisions, following the path of the old Wilmington & Andover Railroad, the corporate ancestor of the Boston & Maine.

     

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 164

    Montvale Diagnostic Center
    3 Reviews
    Medical Centers
    Phone:
    88 Montvale Ave, Stoneham, MA 02180

    Quest Diagnostics
    6 Reviews
    Laboratory Testing
    Phone:
    50 Tremont St, Melrose, MA 02176

    Mount Auburn Hospital Walk-In Clinic
    38 Reviews
    Medical Centers, Doctors
    Phone:
    330 Mount Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138

    Hallmark Health Medical Center
    4 Reviews
    Medical Centers
    Phone:
    30 New Crossing Rd, Ste 205, Reading, MA 01867

    Lahey Hospital & Medical Center
    175 Reviews
    Hospitals
    Phone:
    41 Mall Rd, Burlington, MA 01803

    Rebecca A Spoerri-Bowman, MD, DO
    4 Reviews
    Family Practice
    Phone:
    173 Cambridge St, Ste 101, Burlington, MA 01803

    Solstas / Quest Diagnostics
    1 Reviews
    Laboratory Testing
    Phone:
    39 Village Square, Chelmsford, MA 01824

    Oman Timothy R Phys
    1 Reviews
    Family Practice
    Phone:
    42 Asbury St, South Hamilton, MA 01982

    Middleton Family Medicine
    46 Reviews
    Family Practice
    Phone:
    147 S Main St, Middleton, MA 01949

    One Medical
    47 Reviews
    Family Practice, Internal Medicine
    Phone:
    28 State St, Ste 2860, Boston, MA 02109