Selecting a Phlebotomist Training Program near Baltimore Ohio

Enrolling in the right phlebotomist school near Baltimore OH is an important initial step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting task to analyze and compare all of the school options that are available to you. However it’s important that you perform your due diligence to make sure that you get a superior education. In reality, most prospective students begin their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Another factor you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll discuss more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors such as accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and must be part of your decision process also. Toward that end, we will supply 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 address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomy Technician Work Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. While that is their primary duty, there is actually far more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the instruments being utilized are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork must be properly completed in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory testing procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some Baltimore OH phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are in charge of making sure that samples are tested properly utilizing the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they can be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The quickest answer is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are numerous and diverse, including Baltimore OH hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a certain kind of patient. For instance, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be drawing blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.

Phlebotomist Training, Licensing and Certification

There are basically two types of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Baltimore OH, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program normally takes less than a year to complete and provides a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at community and junior colleges, they usually require 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program provide a more expansive background in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will probably want to get certified. Although not required in the majority of states, a number of employers look for certification before employing technicians. A few of the key certifying agencies include:

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

There are some states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, including Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s important that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a quality education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Certificates and Degrees

To start with, let’s resolve one potential mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A good part of the course of study will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Baltimore OH healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-practical portion of the training can be attended online, it may be a more convenient option for some students. As an added benefit, some online schools are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, for instance those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy program you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can receive a quality education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the best option for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Since you now have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start 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 Ohio campus is significant as well as the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomist online school. All of these decisions are an important part of the process for choosing a school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Following are a few questions that you need to ask about each of the Baltimore OH schools you are reviewing prior to making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Ohio? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Ohio or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable regional or national accrediting agency, such as 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 quality education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to take a certification exam administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges in Baltimore OH. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Reputation? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of any schools you are considering. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even check with several Baltimore OH local hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and see if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can contact the Ohio school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Included? First, contact the Ohio regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Baltimore OH phlebotomist program that you are considering should furnish no less than 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 adequate training.

Are Internships Included? Ask the Ohio schools you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with regional medical facilities. They are the optimal way to receive hands-on clinical training frequently not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Baltimore OH healthcare community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Getting your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the programs you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Baltimore OH healthcare community.

Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s critical to verify that the ultimate college you choose offers classes at times that are compatible with your active schedule. This is particularly true if you decide to still work while going to school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Baltimore OH, make certain they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option also. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is should you have to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's important to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the questions that interviewers typically ask Phlebotomist prospects is "What drove you to choose Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the private reasons you might have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what attributes and abilities you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of standard interview questions, so you must organize several approaches about how you want to answer them. Since there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you along with the abilities you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Technician and the best candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down a few concepts and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Enroll in the Ideal Phlebotomist Program near Baltimore OH

Making certain that you select the most suitable phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this fulfilling healthcare field. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are offered in a number of educational institutions, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive array of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Course options can vary a bit from state to state as each state has its own requirements when it comes to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to diligently evaluate and compare each program prior to making your ultimate selection. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the ideal college for you. And with the appropriate education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Baltimore OH.

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