Phlebotomy Training Schools near Chevy Chase MD 20815

Picking a Phlebotomy Technician Course near Chevy Chase Maryland

Chevy Chase MD phlebotomist taking blood samplePicking the right phlebotomy school near Chevy Chase MD is an essential first step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting undertaking to evaluate and compare all of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s vital that you do your due diligence to ensure that you receive a superior education. In fact, many prospective students start their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another option you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll discuss 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 finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your selection process as well. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you pick the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online training.

Phlebotomist Career Summary

Chevy Chase MD phlebotomist testing blood sampleA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal task, there is actually far more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must confirm that the instruments being utilized are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample must be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork must be properly completed in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory screening process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Many Chevy Chase MD phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are responsible for making sure that samples are tested properly utilizing the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they may be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The easiest response is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are numerous and varied, such as Chevy Chase MD medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a certain type of patient. For example, 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. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Licensing and Certification

Chevy Chase MD phlebotomist holding blood sampleThere are essentially 2 kinds of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Chevy Chase MD, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes less than a year to finish and furnishes a general education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomist. Offered at junior and community colleges, they typically require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a four year program furnish a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will probably want to get certified. Although not mandated in most states, most employers look for certification before hiring technicians. Some of the primary 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 additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only offers a premium education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomy Online Schools

attending phlebotomy training online in Chevy Chase MDTo begin with, let’s resolve one likely mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant component of the course of study will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Chevy Chase MD healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. A large number of courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-clinical portion of the training can be attended online, it might be a more practical alternative for some students. As an added benefit, some online schools are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some costs, for instance those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy school you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can receive a premium education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the ideal option for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomist Programs

Since you now have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already selected the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Maryland school is relevant as well as the cost of tuition. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online school. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for picking a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you need to ask about all of the Chevy Chase MD programs you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Maryland? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Maryland or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school 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 several advantages to graduating from an accredited program aside from an assurance of a premium education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to take a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs in Chevy Chase MD. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to check the reputations of all schools you are considering. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can also contact several Chevy Chase MD local clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and ask if they can offer any insights. As a closing thought, you can check with the Maryland school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Provided? To begin with, check with the Maryland regulator or 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 Chevy Chase MD phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internships Included? Find out from the Maryland schools you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with local health care facilities. They are the optimal means to obtain hands-on practical training frequently not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Chevy Chase MD health care community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Getting your first phlebotomist job will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Ask if the colleges you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation together with a large network of professional contacts within the Chevy Chase MD medical community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s important to verify that the ultimate school you select offers classes at times that are compatible with your active lifestyle. This is especially true if you opt to still work while attending school. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Chevy Chase MD, make sure they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option also. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is in case you have to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Desire to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomist job, it's a good idea to consider questions you may be asked. One of the things that interviewers frequently ask Phlebotomy Technician prospects is "What compelled you to choose Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what attributes and talents you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, in addition to a significant number of routine interview questions, so you must ready a number of ideas about how you would like to address them. Since there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the talents you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomist and the perfiect choice for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down several ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Choose the Best Phlebotomy Course near Chevy Chase MD

Making certain that you select the right phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this fulfilling health care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a superior school. Phlebotomy training programs are available in a wide range of academic institutes, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive array of courses in medical care and health sciences. Course offerings may vary a bit across the country as every state has its own mandates when it comes to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must thoroughly research and compare each college prior to making your ultimate decision. By addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the best school for you. And with the proper training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Chevy Chase MD.

Learn About Chevy Chase Maryland

Chevy Chase, Maryland

Chevy Chase is the name of both a town and an unincorporated census-designated place (Chevy Chase (CDP), Maryland) that straddle the northwest border of Washington, D.C. and Montgomery County, Maryland. Several settlements in the same area of Montgomery County and one neighborhood of Washington, D.C. include "Chevy Chase" in their names. These villages, the town, and the CDP share a common history and together form a larger community colloquially referred to as "Chevy Chase".

Primarily a residential suburb, Chevy Chase adjoins Friendship Heights, a popular shopping district. It includes the National 4-H Youth Conference Center, which hosts the National Science Bowl annually in either late April or early May.[1]

The name "Chevy Chase" is derived from "Cheivy Chace", the name of the land patented to Colonel Joseph Belt from Charles Calvert, 5th Baron Baltimore on July 10, 1725. It has historic associations to a 1388 battle between Lord Percy of England and Earl Douglas of Scotland, the subject of the ballad entitled "The Ballad of Chevy Chase". At issue in this "chevauchée" (a French word describing a border raid) were hunting grounds or a "chace" in the Cheviot Hills of Northumberland and Otterburn.[2]

Before 1890, Chevy Chase was unincorporated farmland, during which time Senator Francis G. Newlands of Nevada and his partners began acquiring land in the area, for the purpose of developing a residential streetcar suburb for Washington, D.C. during the expansion of the Washington streetcars system. Newlands and his partners founded The Chevy Chase Land Company in 1890, and its holdings of more than 1,700 acres (6.9 km2) eventually extended along the present-day Connecticut Avenue from Florida Avenue north to Jones Bridge Road. The Chevy Chase Land Company built houses for $5,000 and up on Connecticut Avenue and $3,000 and up on side streets.[3] The company banned all commerce from residential neighborhoods.[4]

 

 

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