Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician School near Glen Echo Maryland

Picking the ideal phlebotomy school near Glen Echo MD is an essential initial step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting undertaking to analyze and compare all of the training alternatives that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s vital that you perform your due diligence to make certain that you receive a quality education. In fact, most students start their search by considering two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Another option you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is far more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and must be part of your selection process too. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online schools.

Phlebotomy Technician Work Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal function, there is actually so much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must verify that the tools being used are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork needs to be correctly filled out in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab screening process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some Glen Echo MD phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are responsible for making certain that samples are analyzed correctly using the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they might be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The quickest response is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are many and varied, such as Glen Echo MD hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a certain type of patient. For instance, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be collecting blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.

Phlebotomist Training, Licensing and Certification

There are basically two types of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Glen Echo MD, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program normally takes less than a year to finish and offers a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they normally require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a four year program furnish a more expansive background in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will probably want to be certified. While not required in the majority of states, many employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. Some of the principal certifying organizations include:

• National Phlebotomy Association
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• American Medical Technologists (AMT)

There are some states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, such as California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only furnishes a quality education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Training

To begin with, let’s dispel one possible misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant component of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Glen Echo MD healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-practical part of the training may be attended online, it could be a more convenient option for many students. As an added benefit, many online schools are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some costs, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy school you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a quality education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Since you now have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already decided on the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Maryland school is relevant in addition to the cost of tuition. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomist college. All of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for selecting a school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Following are some questions that you need to ask about all of the Glen Echo MD colleges you are considering prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Maryland? As mentioned previously, each state has its own requirements 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 working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for Maryland 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 school and program you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many advantages to graduating from an accredited program aside from a guarantee of a premium education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs in Glen Echo MD. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to investigate the reputations of any schools you are considering. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can research internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can also contact some Glen Echo MD local 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 Maryland school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Included? First, check with the Maryland regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Glen Echo MD phlebotomist program that you are considering should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums may signify that the program is not expansive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out from the Maryland colleges you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with area health care facilities. They are the optimal way to receive hands-on clinical training typically not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop relationships within the local Glen Echo MD healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Finding your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Find out if the schools you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a high rate, signifying they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation as well as an extensive network of professional contacts within the Glen Echo MD medical community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s critical to verify that the final college you choose provides classes at times that are compatible with your hectic lifestyle. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while going to school. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Glen Echo MD, make sure they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is should you have to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the things that interviewers often ask Phlebotomist applicants is "What compelled you to pick Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not only the personal reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what attributes and talents you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of routine interview questions, so you should prepare some strategies about how you want to respond to them. Because there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Tech and the best candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but jot down some concepts and talking points that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Find the Ideal Phlebotomist School near Glen Echo MD

Making sure that you pick the right phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this fulfilling healthcare career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium program. Phlebotomy training programs are found in a wide range of academic institutions, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive array of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program options may differ somewhat from state to state as each state has its own requirements when it pertains to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you need to diligently evaluate and compare each school before making your ultimate choice. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the best college for you. And with the appropriate education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Glen Echo MD.

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