Phlebotomy is on the rise throughout the US, as healthcare providers around the country look to add to their staff. The pandemic exposed more than a few healthcare systems’ weaknesses, one of them being the lack of accredited professionals to take and handle blood samples. This means that the phlebotomists of today will find themselves facing a much more welcoming job market than those in the past.

Appropriately trained Professionals

Of course, the necessity of these critical professionals being appropriately trained and prepared to meet the needs of the day cannot be ignored. To equip aspiring professionals better to tackle the challenges of a clinical environment, Phlebotomy Career Training, a licensed proprietary school operating out of Michigan, has recently increased the length of its Online Phlebotomy Technician Certification from 70 to 170 clock hours.

The course, which attempts to endow students with a knowledge of the basic and advanced principles of phlebotomy technique, patient assessment and care provision, specimen handling, recordkeeping, and more, has been expanded to give aspiring professionals a better, more in-depth look at the nuances of the discipline.

Opportunities to work

Of course, students will also be given opportunities to link up with hospitals and health care providers to complete the practical requirements for phlebotomy certification. While the exact number varies from state to state, students must complete between 35 – 100 blood draws to be eligible for graduation. However, this requirement (and the 1,040-hour prior work experience requirement) may be waived for people with prior work experience over the past 16 months.

National Exams

Having completed their training, students are eligible for an attempt at several national exams. These include the NAPTP, AMT, NCCT, NHA, AMCA, and ASCP exams, depending on the number of blood draws they’ve completed. Students are even offered one complimentary attempt at the NAPTP exam, paid for by PCT. The course also comes with additional free courses, including infection control and hazardous material handling (including covid testing) and a clinical laboratory assistant certification.

Prospective students will be glad to learn that expansion has not been limited to just course material and scope; PCT has also joined hands with organizations such as Castle Branch and the American Red Cross.

Phlebotomy Career Training’s Partnerships

These partnerships and a national contract with Concentra mean that PCT can now better assist students in finding externships to complete the required on-the-job training for their certification. Given all these factors, there’s no doubt that the PCT Online Phlebotomist Technician Certification offers budding professionals some of the best opportunities out there.

PCT graduates boast an exemplary 95 percent employment rate, and the school has been providing efficient on-ground training throughout its 12 years of operation. If you’d like to learn more about the different kinds of coursework offered by PCT, click here to visit their website. If you have further questions about the written exam or your potential career as a phlebotomist, feel free to contact NAPTP to learn more.

When it comes to becoming a phlebotomy technician, one of the most common questions we get is if you need to be nationally certified. This article details the requirements of becoming a phlebotomy technician in New Jersey, how much you can expect to earn, and whether a national phlebotomy certification is important.

What Are the Phlebotomy Requirements For New Jersey?

You don’t need to be certified to work as a phlebotomy technician in NJ. However, there are numerous benefits of receiving a certificate. We will discuss this in a later section. In the meanwhile, let’s review some of the mandatory requirements you need to meet to work as a phlebotomist in the state:

• Age: You need to be at least 18 years old to qualify for a phlebotomy training course.
• Education: The state of New Jersey requires prospective phlebotomists to hold a high school diploma or a GED to qualify for a training course. If you are not 18 yet but have these qualifications, you can enroll in a course. However, you will have to wait until you meet the age requirements before you can start finding work in the field.
• Training: There are various phlebotomy schools that offer diplomas and degrees in this field. You can also avail of an externship in a clinic, research laboratory, or hospital to gain some hands-on experience. Most diploma programs last 4 to 6 weeks.

What Is the Pay rate for Phlebotomy technicians in NJ?

One estimate suggests that the average salary of a phlebotomy technician in New Jersey is approximately $37,000 a year. You can usually earn $17.38 per hour at this job. It’s important to note that your pay rate will also depend on your experience and your place of employment.

Why Is National Certification Important for Phlebotomists?

As mentioned at the onset, it is not necessary for a phlebotomist to obtain national certification in New Jersey. However, getting a phlebotomy certification online can do wonders for your career as a phlebotomy technician in NJ. It can enhance your employability and make it easier for you to get a job. This is because it demonstrates your dedication to your profession.

Moreover, a certified phlebotomy technician has a more enhanced skill set and can perform their duties and responsibilities in a better way. Your employer will have the confidence that you possess the qualifications and experience required to do your job effectively and responsibly. You can qualify for higher wages and improve your chances of working at a senior position.

Become Nationally Certified as a Phlebotomy Technician with NAPTP

The NAPTP is the longest-standing authority enabling phlebotomy technicians to become nationally certified in New Jersey and beyond. You can get your phlebotomy certification online and join our network of healthcare partners. What’s more, NAPTP also helps you carve out a lucrative career in phlebotomy and quickly move up the ladder to get higher-paying jobs to achieve professional growth. Our phlebotomists work in prestigious healthcare institutions all across the United States.  Our certification is recognized by ICE, NCCT, AMCA, and NHA, allowing you to work at some of the leading healthcare organizations in the United States.

Get in touch with NAPTP today and find out how you can learn phlebotomy and get certified as a phlebotomy technician in NJ.

Why PCT?
At phlebotomy career training, we understand that our students need to be up to date on cutting edge trends in the medical field, and with these uncertain times with COVID-19, we are pushing even further to educate our students on the proper protocols for dealing with infection control and donning and doffing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

As worldwide COVID-19 cases surge, and resurge, medical professionals are searching for ways to test, diagnose and refine the methods used to identify the COVID-19 Virus. Phlebotomists are at the forefront of this fight, as they are in close contact with infected patients, thus making the proper use of infection control procedures and PPE extra important during these trying times.

Infection Control and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Importance

As COVID-19 Infections continue to rise, and cases skyrocket globally, phlebotomists and other medical professionals are finding the need to “don and doff” medical protective wear properly of extreme importance. At Phlebotomy Career Training, our goal is to educate our students on not only the proper methods of infection control and donning and doffing PPE, but the concepts on why this process is necessary, and examples of what is correct and incorrect.

At , Our course is designed for teaching students and instructors about the proper methodology of infection control and donning and doffing PPE, as well as the etymology or “vital info” on the virus causing the worldwide pandemic, COVID-19, so our students are prepared to deal with the high volumes of cases. Due to the intensive nature of isolation rooms and the toll they take on hospitals, having staff that is well trained and efficient in these procedures is of the utmost importance to ensure the highest level of a patients and medical providers safety.

Hazardous Materials Handler Certification with a Specialization on COVID-19 and Infection Disease (CHMM)

The Hazardous Materials Handler Certification (CHMM Certified and Accredited) is now offered as part of the PCT Infection Control Course, with specialized information on the handling and disposal of hazardous materials and biological waste, with an emphasis on infectious diseases such as COVID-19. This course, now offered with all online classes, is designed to enhance our students knowledge and marketability when in the field or looking for employment opportunities in these uncertain times.

Contact us today for information on our online courses designed to meet students needs, no matter how busy or intense their personal life might be. At Phlebotomy Career Training, our programs are self-paced, self study with rapid completion options for students already in the medical field looking into cross training phlebotomy skills.

Visit us online at pctedu.fusedash.com/ to speak to an advisor and learn how phlebotomy career training can help you succeed with the best education by the highest quality instructors available!

Medical Assistants

Medical assistants, also known as a “clinical assistants” or healthcare assistants, are an allied health professionals who support the work of physicians, physician assistants and other health professionals, usually in a clinical setting.

What do Medical Assistants do?

Medical Assistants (MA) perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician.

Medical Assistants Basic Qualifications

As a medical assistant, you may perform primarily office tasks, mostly clinical tasks, or a mixture of both. Here are a few of the most common skills:

• Good communication skills
• Medical knowledge
• Knowledge of safety and sanitation
• Computer skills
• Customer service skills

Benefits of Medical Assistant’s Career Advancements

Gaining the Benefits of medical assistant’s career advancements take quite a bit of time, energy, and determination to become a medical assistant. The career path is fairly short however it involves a lot of studying and practical experience. The benefits of embarking on a medical assistant career are varied but can enrich one’s life significantly. Here are some of the most notable ones:

• Financial Benefits: Medical assistant career is a fast track start to a financially stable life. Medical assistants earn substantially more than their peers in the retail, manufacturing and other service industry professions. In addition, as you add to your educational credentials and your practical experience, you will be rewarded with more responsibility and a salary boost with your expertise.
• Personal Enrichment: Most people – no matter where they start in the medical field– enter it to help people to some degree. In fact, being a medical assistant can be as personally rewarding in this regard as it is for a heart surgeon. In many cases, it is even more so as a medical assistant has far more daily contact with patients than a surgeon does.
• Esteem of Your Co-workers: Being a medical assistant takes a special kind of person. There are all sorts of unpalatable tasks that must be undertaken and accomplished. Still the best medical assistants will garner the respect of not only their peers but also of the nurses and doctors that they serve with. The prestige that comes from being able to handle various patient populations can change an entry-level medical assistant into a must-hire advanced candidate.
• Better Job Security: Advancing past the entry-level stages of a medical assistant position is also extremely valuable as it increases your value to the healthcare organization. Lower-level positions are far more likely to be eliminated in a down market. Similarly, more knowledgeable employees will almost always be retained over less educated ones.

Medical Assistant’s Career Advancements Opportunities

Medical assistants may find career advancement opportunities in many areas:

• Clinical team leader
• Lead medical assistant
• Medical office manager
• Clinical office manager
• Medical assistant instructor
• Medical records manager
• Healthcare administration
• Executive medical office secretary

Different Career Specialties in Medical Assisting Advancements

Choosing a specialty can be a wise choice for future career advancement opportunities. Some medical specialties require more knowledge and skills than others and may offer opportunities for better pay and extended responsibilities. Here is a peek at a few specialties that medical assistants commonly work in:

• Clinical Specialties:
• Podiatry: Podiatry is a medical area that focuses on injuries and medical conditions of the foot.
• EKG/Cardiology Technician: EKG focuses on diseases and conditions of the heart and cardiovascular system.
• Ophthalmology: Ophthalmology medical assistants provide a wide range of duties in caring for the eyes.
• Administrative Specialties:
• Medical Billing and Coding: Medical billers and coders are responsible for handling charge sheets and submitting them to insurance companies for reimbursement.
• Medical Administrative Assistant: Medical administrative assistants work closely with the management team, or administrator of, a hospital or medical facility.

Many students have this question while they train at facilities to get their certifications. However, in order to answer it, we need to briefly introduce and highlight the importance of the MA certification. Moreover, we will define what ” Academic Credit Transfer” mean and then find out if the academic credit transfers or not while demonstrating the importance of the MA certificate.

    Firstly, Who Are Medical Assistants?

Medical Assistants are eligible to work in physicians’ offices, clinics, or other healthcare facilities. They are responsible for performing physician support services that help ensure medical facilities run smoothly. Certified Medical Assistants may work in a clerical, administrative or clinical capacity, and they may even be asked to perform more specialized tasks.

Secondly, What Is the Importance of the MA Certification?

    Although Medical Assistants can work without being certified, employers are usually looking for skilled and outstanding candidates. Getting certification through authenticated training centers proves to employers, coworkers and patients that this Medical Assistant has aced the field, and that ,now, they have the knowledge, techniques and skills necessary to assist a premium service.

How to Get MA Certificate?

In order to be eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant exam, the student must complete a formal medical assisting program from a school that has received accreditation from either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

    Thirdly,  What Is an Academic Credits Transfer?

    Credit Transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study at Registered Training Organizations, professional bodies or enterprises and universities. Credit Transfer is credit given based on documentary evidence of statement of attainment/qualifications.

There are two types of Credit Transfer:

1. External Credit: which applies if you completed eligible units of study at another tertiary institution or training organization.
   2. Internal Credit: which is available if you previously completed units of study at the same institution as part of a different course.

Finally, Does Academic Credits Transfer?

Applicants applying for an internal credit may be eligible for a reduction in the course fees based upon the regulations and the date of completing any previous courses; however, external credits do not transfer. The MA Certificate is considered as an external credit; therefore, its credit does not transfer.

Medical Assistant jobs have a great outlook in the coming years. In fact, it is one of the top 20 fastest-growing occupations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Obtaining a certificate increases the student chances of employment at large facilities, which means better environment, experience and benefits as well as a variety of patients and situations, too.

Becoming a certified Medical Assistant does not take long, and the job is rewarding in several ways. Students might be interested in a management job, a particular area of medicine or even teaching.

    What Benefits Do Students Get When They Roll in Medical Assisting Certificate Program?

1. Medical Assistants can Immediately start their career; they can notably finish their certificate program in a short period of time as some training centers offer a less than a year program.
2. It boosts confidence; as discussed before, Medical Assistants need to study for and pass the Certified Medical Assistant Exam. This license proves that the student is a professional in their field, and that builds confidence. MAs will also be working with other licensed professionals, so everyone around has the same knowledge base.
3. Medical Assisting is a highly demanded field; it is not always easy to get a job, but when it is for Medical Assistants, they are in demand. The profession is expected to grow 29% by 2026, much faster than average growth rates.
4. It pays great and it is stable; the pay scale for a Medical Assistant is currently $32,946 and ranges between $30,377 and $35,570. Also, The great demand for Medical Assistants means the turnover rate is low, and the industry is largely protected from layoffs even when the economy is bad.
5. It is fulfilling; many jobs do not provide an opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives, but Medical Assistants can go home at the end of the day knowing they did. It is a meaningful work!
6. Some people find lifelong careers as Medical Assistants, and others use the certification as a step in a longer career path. With exposure to several fields of healthcare, students might discover a related interest or an opportunity to pursue a different job. For example, careers in nursing, medical coding and allied health managementmay be of interest to Medical Assistants one day.
7. Certified Medical Assistants receive broader education; their responsibilities include clinical duties like drawing blood and performing basic lab tests as well as administrative duties such as updating patient records, billing and scheduling. Certified MAs are surely prepared to work in all of these evolving clinical and administrative areas.

As baby boomers get older, they need more preventive medical services. We are talking about 76.4 million people or almost one-third of the U.S. population. Almost all of them will be involved in the healthcare system in the upcoming years and especially this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical Assistants are always going to be an important part of the healthcare sector, and Certified MAs are highly needed to get the professional job done.

What is a PA?

PAs (Physician Assistants) are medical professionals who diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often serve as a patient’s principal healthcare provider. With thousands of hours of medical training, PAs are versatile and collaborative. PAs practice in every state and in every medical setting and specialty, improving healthcare access and quality.

What do PAs do?

Physical assistants’ specific duties depend on the setting in which they work, their level of experience, their specialty, and state laws. They obtain patient histories, perform physical examinations, diagnose illness and develop treatment strategies, order and interpret lab tests, counsel patients on preventative health, perform various medical procedures, assist in surgical operations, and in most states can write prescriptions.

Degree Requirements for PA School

A bachelor’s degree from one of the accredited colleges and universities is the first requirement to join PA school. You can fulfill this requirement by completing a Physician Assistant program. You do not have to wait to finish your undergraduate study to apply to join PA school. However, because work experience gives you better odds, you need to a few years to volunteer, shadow a doctor or a PA, and maybe do research to increase your odds. Besides the bachelor’s degree, a PA assistant has to complete a master’s program accredited by ARC-PA, an independent body that licenses PA programs. The master’s program should involve classroom work and hands-on training. After this, you need to earn your PA certification by taking a PANCE test. You need to take the PANCE test within six years after completing your PA program. Within the six years, you are given six attempts – if you fail to get certified in all six attempts, you have to retake the ARC-PA accredited PA program. You can only start practicing after the certification.

Contact Hours for PA School

Like the GPA and GRE, there are no standard experience requirements for PA school. It is, therefore, challenging to know how much experience you need (in terms of hours) and in what areas. However, this is for sure, you will not get into any PA school without healthcare experience. There are different categories of healthcare experience, such as:

• Experience in Patient Care : This is the most recognized experience category when applying to join PA school. You need experience in developing patient treatment plans, performing procedures, and directing treatment for a patient. To earn the experience, you can work as a phlebotomist, C.N.A., paramedic, dental hygienist, or physical therapist among others. Accepted students earned an average of 3,020 hours in patient care experience in 2019, according to the PAEA report.

• Healthcare Experience : You only need to work in a healthcare setting for at least 1000 hours, either paid or unpaid. Here, you need experience in cleaning patients, delivering food, administering medication, or taking vitals. Patient’s care hours count when you work hands-on with patients.

• Shadowing: Here, you only need to observe a physician or physician assistant work. In 2019, accepted students shadowed PAs for an average of 143 hours.

• Volunteer Work: The volunteer work you undertake in a health facility does not count. You need to volunteer outside the healthcare system Here, you can tutor students in less privileged societies, fundraise money for charity, engage in city cleanups and so much more. You need at least 500 hours working as a volunteer.

• Non-healthcare employment experience: One of the ways on how to get into PA school is to show that you have experience in different fields. Therefore, you need at least 2000 hours in a field not related to healthcare.