Selecting a Phlebotomist Training Program near Farrell Pennsylvania

Selecting the ideal phlebotomy training near Farrell PA is an essential first step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult undertaking to assess and compare all of the training alternatives that are available to you. However it’s vital that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you obtain a quality education. In reality, a large number of students start the process by considering two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another factor you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is far more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables such as accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and should be part of your decision process as well. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the best one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomy Tech Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. While that is their main duty, there is actually so much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must verify that the instruments being utilized are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork must be properly completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory screening process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Farrell PA phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are in charge of making certain that samples are analyzed correctly under the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they may be asked to train other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Practice?

The easiest answer is wherever there are patients. Their work places are numerous and varied, including Farrell PA 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 young children to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a specific type of patient. For instance, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be drawing blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients every day.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Certification and Licensing

There are essentially 2 kinds of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Farrell PA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to complete and offers a general education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest method 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. Offered at community and junior colleges, they usually take 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program provide a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will probably want to become certified. Although not required in most states, many employers require certification before employing technicians. A few 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 a few states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, like Nevada and California. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a superior education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Schools

To begin with, let’s dispel one potential mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant component of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Farrell PA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-clinical part of the training may be attended online, it can be a more convenient alternative for some students. As an additional benefit, some online programs are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some expenses, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist program you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can receive a quality education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Since you now have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already decided on the kind of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Pennsylvania campus is important in addition to the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomist college. All of these decisions are an important part of the process for selecting a program or school. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you should ask about each of the Farrell PA colleges you are considering before making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As earlier discussed, each state has its own regulations 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 clinical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomist program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Pennsylvania or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for all exams you may be required to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you pick should be accredited by a reputable national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to an assurance of a quality 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 previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are often unavailable for non-accredited schools in Farrell PA. Last, 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 School’s Ranking? In many 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 requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also check with some Farrell PA local clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and find out if they can offer any insights. As a closing thought, you can contact the Pennsylvania school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Ample Training Included? First, contact the Pennsylvania 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. At a minimum, any Farrell PA phlebotomist program that you are considering should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything lower than these minimums may indicate that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internships Provided? Find out from the Pennsylvania programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with local health care facilities. They are the optimal way to obtain hands-on clinical training often not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Farrell PA medical community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Finding your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Farrell PA health care community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s important to verify that the ultimate school you select provides classes at times that are compatible with your active lifestyle. This is particularly true if you choose to continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Farrell PA, make sure they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up policy is should you need to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers typically ask Phlebotomy Tech candidates is "What made you select Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the private reasons you might have for being Phlebotomist, but also what qualities and talents you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, as well as a certain number of standard interview questions, so you must prepare several ideas about how you would like to answer them. Because there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomist and the leading choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down some concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right Phlebotomist Program near Farrell PA

Making sure that you select the most suitable phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this fulfilling healthcare field. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality school. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be found in a number of academic institutes, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive assortment of courses in medical care and health sciences. Training program options may vary somewhat across the country as every state has its own mandates when it comes to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to thoroughly screen and compare each program before making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the best program for you. And with the proper training, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Farrell PA.

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