Picking a Phlebotomist Course near Dundalk Maryland

Picking the ideal phlebotomist training near Dundalk MD is a critical initial step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult task to analyze and compare all of the training options that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you obtain a superior education. In fact, a large number of prospective students begin their search by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Another factor you might consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online schools later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is much more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors including reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your selection process too. To assist in that effort, we will furnish a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you select the ideal 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 Career Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal function, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the tools being used are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample has to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork has to be correctly filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory screening procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some Dundalk MD phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are accountable for making sure that samples are analyzed properly utilizing the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they can be asked to train other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Practice?

The easiest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are many and varied, including Dundalk MD hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They may be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a specific type of patient. For instance, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients each day.

Phlebotomy Training, Certification and Licensing

There are basically two kinds of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Dundalk MD, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes under a year to finish and furnishes a general education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they normally take two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a four 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 mandated in most states, many employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. Some 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, such as Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a superior education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomist Online Certificates and Degrees

To begin with, let’s resolve one likely mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial portion of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Dundalk 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. But since the non-clinical portion of the training may be attended online, it could be a more practical alternative for many students. As an additional benefit, many online colleges are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened also. Just verify that the online phlebotomist program you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can receive a superior education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

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 chosen the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Maryland school is important as well as the tuition expense. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomy school. Each of these decisions are an important component of the procedure for selecting a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Following are some questions that you need to ask about each of the Dundalk MD schools you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomy 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 amount of practical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for Maryland or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school 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 many benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to a guarantee of a superior education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited programs in Dundalk MD. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Reputation? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s important to check out the reputations of all colleges you are considering. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even contact some Dundalk MD area hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and find out if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the Maryland school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Ample Training Included? 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 length of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Dundalk MD phlebotomist program that you are looking at should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to provide sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out from the Maryland schools you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with local healthcare facilities. They are the optimal way to get hands-on practical training often not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Dundalk MD medical community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Getting your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Dundalk MD medical community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s crucial to make sure that the ultimate college you choose offers classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is especially important if you decide to still work while going to college. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Dundalk MD, check that they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option also. And if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up policy is should you have to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's advantageous to review questions you could be asked. Among the questions that recruiters frequently ask Phlebotomy Technician candidates is "What drove you to pick Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, as well as a certain number of routine interview questions, so you must organize some ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Considering there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the talents you have that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but write down some ideas and topics that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Enroll in the Best Phlebotomy School near Dundalk MD

Making certain that you choose the most suitable phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding healthcare field. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a quality school. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be offered in a wide range of educational institutes, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive assortment of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program offerings may differ a bit from state to state as each state has its own criteria when it pertains to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must thoroughly research and compare each college before making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the ideal school for you. And with the proper training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Dundalk MD.

Learn About Dundalk Maryland

 

 

More Interesting Maryland Cities

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Cascade MD 21719

Phlebotomy Training Schools near New Windsor MD 21776

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Arnold MD 21012

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Joppa MD 21085

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Lisbon MD 21765

Phlebotomy Training Schools near North East MD 21901

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Montgomery Village MD 20886

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Millersville MD 21108

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Brentwood MD 20722

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Knoxville MD 21758