Selecting a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Havre de Grace Maryland

Picking the right phlebotomy training near Havre de Grace MD is an important initial step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a challenging task to evaluate and compare all of the training options that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you do your due diligence to make certain that you get a superior education. In reality, a large number of potential students begin the process by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another option you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online schools later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is much more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including reputation and accreditation 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 need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online training.

Phlebotomy Technician Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their main task, there is in fact far more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to check that the instruments being utilized are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork needs to be properly completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. A number of Havre de Grace MD phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are responsible for making certain that samples are tested properly utilizing the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they might be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The most basic answer is wherever there are patients. Their work places are numerous and varied, including Havre de Grace MD medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a certain kind 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 practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital setting would be collecting blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomist Education, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially 2 kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in Havre de Grace MD, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to finish and offers a general education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest method to becoming a phlebotomist. 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 usually require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program provide a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will probably want to get certified. While not required in the majority of states, a number of employers look for certification prior to 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 several states that do call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, such as Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you pick a phlebotomist training program that not only provides a premium education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomist Online Colleges

To start with, let’s resolve one likely misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial part of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Havre de Grace MD healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. A large number of courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical component of the training may be accessed online, it could be a more convenient alternative for many students. As an added benefit, a number of online programs are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. And some costs, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy college you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a superior education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Now that you have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already picked the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Maryland campus is significant in addition to the cost of tuition. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomy online college. All of these decisions are an important component of the process for picking a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about each of the Havre de Grace MD colleges you are looking at prior to making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As earlier discussed, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Maryland or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you enroll in 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 advantages to graduating from an accredited school in addition to an assurance of a superior 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 earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs in Havre de Grace 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 a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to check the reputations of any colleges you are reviewing. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also talk to several Havre de Grace MD area hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and see if they can provide 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 colleges are in total compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Included? First, check with the Maryland regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any Havre de Grace MD phlebotomy program that you are considering should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to provide sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out from the Maryland schools you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with local medical facilities. They are the ideal way to obtain hands-on practical training frequently not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Havre de Grace MD medical community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Landing your first phlebotomist job will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire if the schools you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a higher rate, signifying they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation along with a large network of professional contacts within the Havre de Grace MD medical community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it’s crucial to verify that the ultimate school you select provides classes at times that are compatible with your hectic schedule. This is particularly true if you choose to continue working while attending college. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Havre de Grace MD, make sure they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, confirm 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 protocol is should you have to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Want to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician job, it's helpful to consider questions you could be asked. Among the things that interviewers frequently ask Phlebotomist candidates is "What drove you to choose Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not just the personal reasons you may have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but also what qualities and talents you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, as well as a certain number of typical interview questions, so you should ready a number of approaches about how you want to address them. Considering there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the talents you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Tech and the best choice for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down a few concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Find the Best Phlebotomy Course near Havre de Grace MD

Making certain that you choose the right phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this rewarding medical care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium school. Phlebotomy training programs are offered in a variety of academic institutions, including junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive range of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Course options can differ somewhat across the country as every state has its own criteria when it concerns phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must diligently evaluate and compare each program prior to making your ultimate choice. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the ideal program for you. And with the proper education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Havre de Grace MD.

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