Phlebotomy Training Schools near Takoma Park MD 20912

Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Takoma Park Maryland

Takoma Park MD phlebotomist taking blood sampleSelecting the ideal phlebotomist school near Takoma Park MD is an important initial step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult task to assess and compare all of the school alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you do your due diligence to make sure that you get a quality education. In fact, most students begin the process by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional option you may consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. We’ll review more about online schools later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and must be part of your decision process as well. To assist in that effort, we will furnish a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you pick the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our conversation about online schools.

Phlebotomist Career Summary

Takoma Park MD phlebotomist testing blood sampleA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their primary function, there is in fact much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to verify that the tools being used are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork needs to be accurately completed to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab testing procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Many Takoma Park MD phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are accountable for making certain that samples are tested properly using the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they might be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The simplest response is wherever patients are treated. Their workplaces are numerous and varied, such as Takoma Park MD medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or young children to senior citizens. Some phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a specific kind of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home 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 environment would be collecting blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Licensing and Certification

Takoma Park MD phlebotomist holding blood sampleThere are primarily two types of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Takoma Park MD, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to finish and offers a basic education along with 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, although 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 less available and as a four year program furnish a more extensive background in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. Although not required in most states, a number of employers look for certification before hiring technicians. Some of the primary 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 in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, such as Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s important that you pick a phlebotomist training program that not only provides a quality education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomist Online Certificates and Degrees

attending phlebotomy training online in Takoma Park MDTo start with, let’s dispel one possible mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A good component of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Takoma Park 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 in order to graduate. But since the non-practical portion of the training can be attended online, it might be a more practical alternative for some students. As an added benefit, some online programs are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenses, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy school you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a quality education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Since you now have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already picked the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Maryland campus is relevant as well as the tuition expense. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomist online school. All of these decisions are an important component of the process for picking a school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you need to ask about each of the Takoma Park MD colleges you are reviewing before making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As previously mentioned, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states call for certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Maryland or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for any examinations you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you select should be accredited by a reputable national or regional 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 an assurance of a quality education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Takoma Park MD. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to future employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to check the reputations of any colleges you are reviewing. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer 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 talk to some Takoma Park MD area hospitals or clinics that you may have an interest in working for and see if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the Maryland school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Enough Training Provided? To begin with, contact the Maryland regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any Takoma Park MD phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums might indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Find out from the Maryland colleges you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with area medical facilities. They are the optimal means to obtain hands-on practical training typically not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Takoma Park MD healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Available? Finding your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the colleges you are reviewing 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 program has both an excellent reputation together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Takoma Park MD medical community.

Are Classes Available as Needed? And last, it’s critical to verify that the ultimate college you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic schedule. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Takoma Park MD, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option as well. And if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is should you need to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Phlebotomist?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the things that recruiters often ask Phlebotomy Tech candidates is "What made you decide on Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not just the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what attributes and talents you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you must ready a number of approaches about how you want to respond to them. Since there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Technician and the best choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down a few ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Find the Best Phlebotomist Program near Takoma Park MD

Making sure that you choose the most suitable phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding medical care field. As we have discussed in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomist training programs are found in a number of academic institutions, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive array of programs in medical care and health sciences. Course options may differ somewhat from state to state as each state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must carefully research and compare each college prior to making your ultimate selection. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the best college for you. And with the appropriate education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Takoma Park MD.

Learn About Takoma Park Maryland

Takoma Park, Maryland

Takoma Park is a city in Montgomery County, Maryland. It is a suburb of Washington, D.C., and part of the Washington metropolitan area. Founded in 1883 and incorporated in 1890, Takoma Park, informally called "Azalea City", is a Tree City USA and a nuclear-free zone. A planned commuter suburb, it is situated along the Metropolitan Branch of the historic Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, just northeast of Washington, D.C., and it shares a border and history with the adjacent neighborhood of Takoma, Washington, D.C. It is governed by an elected mayor and six elected councilmembers, who form the city council, and an appointed city manager, under a council-manager style of government. The city's population was 16,715 at the 2010 national census.[4]

Since 2013, residents of Takoma Park can vote in municipal elections when they turn sixteen.[5] It was the first city in the United States to extend voting rights to 16- and 17-year-olds in city elections.[5] Since then, the City of Hyattsville has done the same.[6]

Takoma Park was founded by Benjamin Franklin Gilbert in 1883.[7] It was one of the first planned Victorian commuter suburbs, [8] centered on the B&O railroad station in Takoma, D.C., and bore aspects of a spa and trolley park.

Takoma was originally the name of Mount Rainier, from Lushootseed [təqʷúbəʔ] (earlier *təqʷúməʔ), 'snow-covered mountain'.[9] In response to a wish of Gilbert, the name Takoma was chosen in 1883 by DC resident Ida Summy, who believed it to mean 'high up' or 'near heaven'.[10] The city of Tacoma in Washington State is also named after Mount Takhoma (Mount Rainier).

 

 

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