Selecting a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Lanham Maryland

Enrolling in the ideal phlebotomy technician school near Lanham MD is an important first step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult undertaking to analyze and compare all of the training options that are available to you. However it’s important that you perform your due diligence to make certain that you obtain a quality education. In reality, many prospective students begin their search by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another factor you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. We’ll discuss more about online classes later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is far more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors such as accreditation and reputation 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 need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you choose the best one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our conversation about online schools.

Phlebotomist Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal duty, there is actually so much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to confirm that the instruments being utilized are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample has to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork has to be correctly completed in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab screening procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some Lanham MD phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are in charge of making sure that samples are tested properly under the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they can be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?

The easiest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are numerous and varied, including Lanham 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 infants or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting samples from a particular type of patient. For instance, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be drawing blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide variety of patients and would work with new patients each day.

Phlebotomy Education, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially two kinds of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Lanham MD, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to complete and provides a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomy tech. 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 community and junior colleges, they normally require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a 4 year program provide a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. While not required in most states, a number of employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. A few of the principal certifying agencies include:

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

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

Phlebotomist Online Colleges

To begin with, let’s resolve one possible misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A good part of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Lanham MD healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-clinical component of the training may be attended online, it can be a more convenient option for some students. As an additional benefit, a number of online classes are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some costs, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced also. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist school you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a superior education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomist Programs

Since you now have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already decided on the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Maryland college is relevant as well as the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomy online program. All of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for picking a school or program. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you need to ask about all of the Lanham MD schools you are reviewing prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Maryland? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed before working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you might have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for Maryland or the state where you will be working and prepares you for all examinations you may be required to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you pick should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to an assurance of a premium education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Lanham MD. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of all colleges you are looking at. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also talk to some Lanham MD area clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and find out if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the Maryland school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Enough Training Provided? First, 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 length of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Lanham MD phlebotomist program that you are considering should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums might signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internships Included? Ask the Maryland programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with local healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to receive hands-on clinical training frequently not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Lanham MD health care community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Finding your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Find out if the programs you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation along with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Lanham MD healthcare community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s crucial to verify that the ultimate program you select offers classes at times that are compatible with your busy schedule. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while going to school. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Lanham MD, check that they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, confirm it is an option as well. And if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is should you have to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's a good idea to review questions you could be asked. One of the things that interviewers typically ask Phlebotomy Tech candidates is "What made you pick Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not just the personal reasons you may have for being Phlebotomist, but additionally what characteristics and talents you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you should ready several approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Considering there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Tech and the leading choice for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down several ideas and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Enroll in the Right Phlebotomist College near Lanham MD

Making certain that you select the most suitable phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this rewarding health care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality school. Phlebotomy training programs can be available in a number of academic institutes, such as community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive assortment of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program options may vary slightly across the country as every state has its own requirements when it pertains to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must carefully research and compare each school before making your final decision. By asking 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 phlebotomist in Lanham MD.

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