![\"Harrison](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/phlebotomist-drawing-blood-from-patient.jpg\" "\\"Harrison")
Selecting the ideal phlebotomy school near Harrison ME<\/strong> is a critical initial step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult task to investigate and compare all of the training options that are available to you. However it’s necessary that you do your due diligence to ensure that you get a superior education. In fact, a large number of prospective students begin the process by considering 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional factor you might consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll talk more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as 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 reviewing to help you pick the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online schools.<\/p>\nRequest Free Information on Phlebotomy Training Near You!<\/h4>\n
Should You Train to Be a Plebotomist?<\/h3>\n
![\"blood](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/blood-analysis-performed-in-lab.jpg\" "\\"blood")
Right out of the gate, not many people probably 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 comfortable with needles and blood. And if you are not comfortable in hospitals or other Harrison ME medical facilities, well this profession may not be the best choice for you. And then there are the patients. Phlebotomists tend to work around nervous people who don’t like needles or having a blood sample drawn. And because many medical facilities are open 24 hours, you will probably 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 interacting with people and are compassionate and very patient, this may be the right profession for you.<\/p>\n
Click Here to Get Free Information on Phlebotomy Training Near You!<\/a><\/h4>\nPhlebotomy Technician Job Description<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"Harrison](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/phlebotomist-holding-blood-sample.jpg\" "\\"Harrison")
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their primary function, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must verify that the instruments being used are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork has to be accurately filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Many phlebotomists actually work in Harrison ME laboratories and are in charge of ensuring that samples are analyzed correctly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they can be asked to train other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.<\/p>\n
Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe easiest response is wherever patients are treated. Their work environments are many and diverse, including Harrison ME medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a particular type of patient. For instance, those practicing 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 collecting blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital environment would be collecting blood from a wide variety of patients and would work with new patients each day.<\/p>\n
Phlebotomy Education, Licensing and Certification<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"Harrison](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/phlebotomy.jpg\" "\\"Harrison")
There are primarily two types of programs that provide phlebotomy training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to finish and offers a general education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest 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 phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they normally require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a four year program offer a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, most Harrison ME employers require certification before employing technicians. A few of the key certifying agencies include:<\/p>\n
\n- National Phlebotomy Association<\/strong><\/li>\n
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)<\/strong><\/li>\n
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)<\/strong><\/li>\n
- American Medical Technologists (AMT)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
There are some states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, like Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only furnishes a quality education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.<\/p>\n
Online Phlebotomy Certificates and Degrees<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"Harrison](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/student-attending-online-phlebotomy-classes.jpg\" "\\"Harrison")
First, let’s dispel one potential misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A good part of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. Many courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-clinical portion of the training may be attended online, it can be a more practical option for many Harrison ME students. As an additional benefit, a number of online classes are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenditures, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy college you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can receive a quality 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 ideal choice for you.<\/p>\n
Questions to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"What](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/What-to-ask-phlebotomy-schools.jpg\" "\\"What")
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 type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the campus is significant if you will be commuting from Harrison ME as well as the cost of tuition. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomy school. All of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for selecting a phlebotomy program or school. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about all of the programs you are looking at before making your final selection.<\/p>\n
Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State?<\/strong> As previously mentioned, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomy program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Maine or the state where you will be working and readies you for all exams you may have to take.<\/p>\nIs the Program Accredited?<\/strong> The phlebotomist school and program you select should be accredited by a highly regarded regional or national accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited school in addition to a guarantee of a superior education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are often unavailable for non-accredited programs. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the Harrison ME job market.<\/p>\nWhat is the College’s Ranking?<\/strong> In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of all colleges you are reviewing. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also talk to some Harrison ME clinics or hospitals that you might have an interest in working for and ask if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Maine school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.<\/p>\nIs Ample Training Included?<\/strong> 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. As a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.<\/p>\nAre Internships Provided?<\/strong> Ask the programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with local healthcare facilities. They are the optimal way to get hands-on clinical training often not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Harrison ME healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.<\/p>\nIs Job Placement Assistance Provided?<\/strong> Getting your first phlebotomist job will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, signifying they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation together with a large network of professional contacts within the Harrison ME health care community.<\/p>\nAre Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule?<\/strong> And last, it’s critical to verify that the ultimate school you select provides classes at times that will accommodate your hectic schedule. This is particularly true if you choose to still work while attending school. If you need to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Harrison ME, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, 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 policy is should you need to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.<\/p>\nHow Long Does It Take To Get Your Phlebotomy License Harrison ME<\/a><\/h3>\n
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their primary function, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must verify that the instruments being used are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork has to be accurately filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Many phlebotomists actually work in Harrison ME laboratories and are in charge of ensuring that samples are analyzed correctly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they can be asked to train other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.<\/p>\n
Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe easiest response is wherever patients are treated. Their work environments are many and diverse, including Harrison ME medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a particular type of patient. For instance, those practicing 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 collecting blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital environment would be collecting blood from a wide variety of patients and would work with new patients each day.<\/p>\n
Phlebotomy Education, Licensing and Certification<\/strong><\/h3>\nThere are primarily two types of programs that provide phlebotomy training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to finish and offers a general education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest 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 phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they normally require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a four year program offer a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, most Harrison ME employers require certification before employing technicians. A few of the key certifying agencies include:<\/p>\n
\n- National Phlebotomy Association<\/strong><\/li>\n
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)<\/strong><\/li>\n
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)<\/strong><\/li>\n
- American Medical Technologists (AMT)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
There are some states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, like Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only furnishes a quality education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.<\/p>\n
Online Phlebotomy Certificates and Degrees<\/strong><\/h3>\nFirst, let’s dispel one potential misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A good part of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. Many courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-clinical portion of the training may be attended online, it can be a more practical option for many Harrison ME students. As an additional benefit, a number of online classes are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenditures, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy college you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can receive a quality 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 ideal choice for you.<\/p>\n
Questions to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges<\/strong><\/h3>\nNow 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 type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the campus is significant if you will be commuting from Harrison ME as well as the cost of tuition. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomy school. All of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for selecting a phlebotomy program or school. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about all of the programs you are looking at before making your final selection.<\/p>\n
Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State?<\/strong> As previously mentioned, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomy program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Maine or the state where you will be working and readies you for all exams you may have to take.<\/p>\nIs the Program Accredited?<\/strong> The phlebotomist school and program you select should be accredited by a highly regarded regional or national accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited school in addition to a guarantee of a superior education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are often unavailable for non-accredited programs. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the Harrison ME job market.<\/p>\nWhat is the College’s Ranking?<\/strong> In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of all colleges you are reviewing. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also talk to some Harrison ME clinics or hospitals that you might have an interest in working for and ask if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Maine school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.<\/p>\nIs Ample Training Included?<\/strong> 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. As a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.<\/p>\nAre Internships Provided?<\/strong> Ask the programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with local healthcare facilities. They are the optimal way to get hands-on clinical training often not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Harrison ME healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.<\/p>\nIs Job Placement Assistance Provided?<\/strong> Getting your first phlebotomist job will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, signifying they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation together with a large network of professional contacts within the Harrison ME health care community.<\/p>\nAre Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule?<\/strong> And last, it’s critical to verify that the ultimate school you select provides classes at times that will accommodate your hectic schedule. This is particularly true if you choose to still work while attending school. If you need to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Harrison ME, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, 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 policy is should you need to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.<\/p>\nHow Long Does It Take To Get Your Phlebotomy License Harrison ME<\/a><\/h3>\n
There are primarily two types of programs that provide phlebotomy training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to finish and offers a general education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest 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 phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they normally require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a four year program offer a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, most Harrison ME employers require certification before employing technicians. A few of the key certifying agencies include:<\/p>\n
- \n
- National Phlebotomy Association<\/strong><\/li>\n
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)<\/strong><\/li>\n
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)<\/strong><\/li>\n
- American Medical Technologists (AMT)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
There are some states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, like Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only furnishes a quality education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.<\/p>\n
Online Phlebotomy Certificates and Degrees<\/strong><\/h3>\n
First, let’s dispel one potential misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A good part of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. Many courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-clinical portion of the training may be attended online, it can be a more practical option for many Harrison ME students. As an additional benefit, a number of online classes are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenditures, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy college you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can receive a quality 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 ideal choice for you.<\/p>\nQuestions to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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 type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the campus is significant if you will be commuting from Harrison ME as well as the cost of tuition. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomy school. All of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for selecting a phlebotomy program or school. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about all of the programs you are looking at before making your final selection.<\/p>\nIs the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State?<\/strong> As previously mentioned, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomy program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Maine or the state where you will be working and readies you for all exams you may have to take.<\/p>\n
Is the Program Accredited?<\/strong> The phlebotomist school and program you select should be accredited by a highly regarded regional or national accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited school in addition to a guarantee of a superior education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are often unavailable for non-accredited programs. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the Harrison ME job market.<\/p>\n
What is the College’s Ranking?<\/strong> In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of all colleges you are reviewing. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also talk to some Harrison ME clinics or hospitals that you might have an interest in working for and ask if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Maine school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.<\/p>\n
Is Ample Training Included?<\/strong> 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. As a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.<\/p>\n
Are Internships Provided?<\/strong> Ask the programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with local healthcare facilities. They are the optimal way to get hands-on clinical training often not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Harrison ME healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.<\/p>\n
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided?<\/strong> Getting your first phlebotomist job will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, signifying they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation together with a large network of professional contacts within the Harrison ME health care community.<\/p>\n
Are Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule?<\/strong> And last, it’s critical to verify that the ultimate school you select provides classes at times that will accommodate your hectic schedule. This is particularly true if you choose to still work while attending school. If you need to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Harrison ME, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, 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 policy is should you need to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.<\/p>\n
How Long Does It Take To Get Your Phlebotomy License Harrison ME<\/a><\/h3>\n
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)<\/strong><\/li>\n