How to Select the Right Phlebotomy Tech School near Glassboro New Jersey

Choosing the ideal phlebotomy training near Glassboro NJ is an important initial step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult undertaking to investigate and compare each of the training options that are accessible to you. However it’s important that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you obtain a superior education. In reality, a large number of students start the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Another option you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll discuss 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 cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and should be part of your decision process as well. To assist in that effort, we will furnish a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you pick the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our conversation about online training.

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Should You Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

First of all, not many people are likely to know what a phlebotomy tech or phlebotomist is. The basic definition is a health care professional whose job is to draw blood. We will go into more depth later. So naturally anyone who decides to enter this profession must be OK around blood and needles. And if you are nervous in hospitals or other Glassboro NJ medical environments, well this profession may not be the best choice for you. And then there are the patients. Phlebotomy Technicians routinely work around nervous people who hate needles or having their blood taken. And because most health care facilities are open 24 hours, you may be expected to work weekends, evenings and, you guessed it 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 could be the right job for you.

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Phlebotomy Technician Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal duty, there is actually far more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to check that the tools being used are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample has to be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork has to be correctly filled out to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing procedure. 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 pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of phlebotomists actually work in Glassboro NJ laboratories and are accountable for ensuring that samples are analyzed correctly utilizing the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they may be asked to train other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The most basic response is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are many and varied, including Glassboro NJ hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood banks. They can be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomists, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a certain type of patient. For instance, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide variety of patients and would work with new patients every day.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Certification and Licensing

There 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 provides a basic education along with 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 exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at community and junior colleges, they normally take two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program provide a more extensive background in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to become certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, many Glassboro NJ 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 a few states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, such as Nevada and California. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a quality education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomist Online Schools

First, let’s dispel one potential mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant portion of the course of study will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. Numerous courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-practical part of the training can be attended online, it could be a more convenient alternative for some Glassboro NJ students. As an additional benefit, a number of online programs are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some costs, for instance those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy school you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can receive a quality education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the best choice for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomy Programs

Since you now have a basic understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already selected the type 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 significant if you will be commuting from Glassboro NJ as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an accredited phlebotomist online college. All of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for selecting a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Following are a few questions that you should ask about each of the programs you are reviewing before making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you might have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for New Jersey or the state where you will be working and readies you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting agency, such as 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 quality education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are typically not available for non-accredited programs. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more attractive to future employers in the Glassboro NJ job market.

What is the College’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 quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to check the reputations of all colleges you are reviewing. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job assistance program. You can research internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also contact a few Glassboro NJ hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can provide any insights. As a closing thought, you can contact the New Jersey school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Ample Training Provided? To begin with, check with the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are looking at should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums may signify that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Ask the schools you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with regional health care facilities. They are the ideal means to receive hands-on practical training often not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Glassboro NJ healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Finding your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire if the schools you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Glassboro NJ medical community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s critical to confirm that the final program you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Glassboro NJ, make sure they are offered 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 sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up procedure is should you have to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

How Long Is A Phlebotomy Course Glassboro NJ

Online Phlebotomy Technician Courses Near Me Glassboro New Jersey

Making certain that you enroll in the most suitable phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomy training programs can be available in a wide range of educational institutes, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive assortment of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program options may differ somewhat across the country as each state has its own prerequisites when it concerns phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to carefully evaluate and compare each college before making your final selection. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Online Phlebotomy Technician Courses Near Me and to get more information regarding Accredited Phlebotomy Tech Schools.  However, by addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the ideal phlebotomy college for you. And with the appropriate education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Glassboro NJ.

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