Phlebotomy Training in Massachusetts
Phlebotomist’s are allied health professionals who extract blood from patients for diagnostic, screening and transfusion purposes, normally in a hospital or diagnostic setting. One of the reasons why it is chosen as a career option is the relatively short training that is needed to become a Phlebotomists and are generally employed by medical clinics, physicians, hospitals and laboratories.
How to become a certified phlebotomist?
The requirements on how to become a certified phlebotomist entails enrolling into a accredited phlebotomy training program or diploma courses which are pretty basic. A high school diploma or a GED equivalent is all it takes to get you started. Most find the training relatively easy when compared to other vocations however it is fundamental to note that you can’t be squeamish or upset by bodily fluids or blood because in essence that is what you will be working with.
As most lab mistakes occur in the pre-analytical stages it has become illegal to employ someone who does not possess relevant phlebotomy certification from recognized courses and programs in 50 of the 52 states of the US.
Anyone planning on embarking in a career in phlebotomy in Massachusetts will not be required by law to pursue formal training or certification, but those that do so will enjoy greater job opportunities and a higher paying wage. As a phlebotomist, you will be expected to handle patients in a compassionate fashion and then collect a blood specimen from them for testing or donation purposes. This career is really taking off, and the popularity of this field will surely grow as the demand for trained technicians increases.
Prerequisites for Phlebotomy Courses in Massachusetts
Before being accepted into an institution of your choice, you will need to meet a few prerequisites. You must be at least 18 years old and possess a diploma, or a GED certificate. As with most jobs in the medical field, you will need to have a full physical to show that you are in good health. Additionally, you will be required to take a test for tuberculosis, and this may include chest x-rays. Colleges and universities typically have stricter requirements for acceptance into their institution, such as passing competency evaluations in math, reading, and writing skills.
Description of Phlebotomy Training in Massachusetts
Phlebotomy training can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, and you will learn all the skills necessary to qualify for the certification exam in most of them. During the course of your phlebotomy training you will begin learning the basics and then progress to actual hands-on time in a medical lab setting to perfect your skills. Initial classes will include commonly used medical terminology, computer skills, labeling and storage of samples, and any privacy legalities that exist in Massachusetts. Many of the phlebotomy classes will cover in-depth topics concerning anatomy, and they will specifically focus on the veins that flow throughout the body. This will help you have a greater understanding of how to handle hard to find veins and patients that often have trouble giving blood.
Phlebotomist courses could range from 4 to 24 months while the shorter training courses are mostly offered by vocational schools whereas the longer programs and courses are generally offered by community colleges. The syllabus in these training courses also varies from course to course but there will be both theoretical and practical training involved. Practical training could include initially watching phlebotomists perform and getting acquainted with the different lab procedures and systems. No matter which phlebotomy certification course you choose, it will primarily involve in a better understanding of the human anatomy, extraction of blood methods and a brief overview on analytical procedures.
There are also numerous online phlebotomist courses which you could opt for as these are quite flexible and easier to fit in to your schedule. However a word of caution for those opting for online phlebotomy courses, ensure there is adequate online support by qualified people and not just manuals etc. Also phlebotomy includes practical training therefore it is essential to find out what type of facility is offered for these practical courses. Most online courses will have an understanding with community hospitals or lab chains to provide these practical courses.
Phlebotomy Certification
After graduating from the course it is highly recommended to take the official statewide phlebotomy certification test, and on qualifying you will officially be a phlebotomist and can look for employment in hospitals or labs. It is getting increasingly difficult to get jobs only on the basis of phlebotomy graduation courses and 50 of the 52 states have made it illegal for one to practice without this certification. It is relatively an easy test and if you have understood the courses taught to you in the training program you have undergone, it shouldn’t be difficult to pass this test and become a certified phlebotomist.
Expected Phlebotomist Salary in Massachusetts
Phlebotomist in Massachusetts typically earn a starting wage near $38,000 annually, and this is somewhat higher than the average salary in other parts of the nation.
Top Phlebotomy Institutions in Massachusetts
Phlebotomy Training in Springfield, Massachusetts
Springfield Technical Community College
One Armory Square
Springfield, MA 01105
(413) 755-4846
Phlebotomy Courses in Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Berkshire Medical Center
725 North Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
(413) 447-2580
Phlebotomy Programs in Charlestown, Massachusetts
Bunker Hill Community College
250 New Rutherford Ave.
Charlestown, MA 02129
(617) 228-2480
Phlebotomy Classes in Gardner, Massachusetts
Mt. Wachusett Community College
444 Green Street
Gardner, MA 01440
(978)630-9433
Phlebotomy Education in Brockton, Massachusetts
Massasoit Community College
1 Massasoit Boulevard
Brockton, MA 02302-3996
(800) CAREERS
Phlebotomy Courses in Boston, Massachusetts
Bunker Hill Community College
250 New Rutherford Avenue
Boston, MA 02129
(617) 228-2000
Health Training Center
358 Broadway
Cambridge/Boston, MA 02139
(617) 868-2111