Choosing a Phlebotomy Training Program near Audubon Pennsylvania

Selecting the ideal phlebotomist training near Audubon PA is an important first step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging undertaking to assess and compare each of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you do your due diligence to make sure that you get a superior education. In fact, a large number of potential students begin their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional factor you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll review a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables including reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and need to be part of your selection process too. Toward that end, we will furnish a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the ideal 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.

Phlebotomist Work Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their primary duty, there is actually far more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the instruments being used are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork needs to be accurately filled out to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab testing process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Many Audubon PA phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are accountable for making certain that samples are analyzed correctly using the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they might be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The simplest response is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are numerous and varied, including Audubon PA medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood banks. They can be charged to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting samples from a certain kind of patient. For example, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be collecting blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomist Education, Certification and Licensing

There are essentially 2 types of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Audubon PA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to finish and furnishes a general 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, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at junior and community colleges, they typically take two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program offer a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will probably want to become certified. Although not mandated in most states, a number of employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. Some of the principal certifying organizations include:

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

There are some states that do call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, such as Nevada and California. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a superior education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomist Schools

To begin with, let’s dispel one likely misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial portion of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Audubon PA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-practical part of the training can be attended online, it can be a more practical option for many students. As an added benefit, some online colleges are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some costs, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomist program you choose 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 quality education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Since you now have a basic understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already picked the kind of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Pennsylvania college is significant in addition to the cost of tuition. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomy online college. Each of these decisions are an important component of the procedure for selecting a school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you need to ask about each of the Audubon PA programs you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As mentioned previously, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Pennsylvania or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you select should be accredited by a respected regional or national accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited school in addition to a guarantee of a superior education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs in Audubon PA. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the School’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 in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to check the reputations of all schools you are looking at. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen internet school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even contact a few Audubon PA area hospitals or clinics that you may have an interest in working for and see if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the Pennsylvania school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Adequate Training Provided? To begin with, check with 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 Audubon PA 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 lower than these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internships Included? Find out from the Pennsylvania colleges you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with area medical facilities. They are the ideal way to get hands-on practical training typically not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Audubon PA health care community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Finding your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the schools you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a higher rate, signifying 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 Audubon PA medical community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s critical to confirm that the ultimate college you pick provides classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is especially true if you choose to still work while attending college. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Audubon PA, make sure they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure 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 fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is should you have to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomist job, it's helpful to consider questions you may be asked. One of the questions that recruiters typically ask Phlebotomist prospects is "What compelled you to decide on Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not merely the private reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what qualities and abilities you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you must prepare several strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the abilities you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down some ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Enroll in the Best Phlebotomist College near Audubon PA

Making certain that you choose the ideal phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this fulfilling healthcare field. As we have addressed in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are offered in a wide range of educational institutes, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide range of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Course options may differ somewhat from state to state as every state has its own prerequisites when it pertains to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to thoroughly screen and compare each school prior to making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the right program for you. And with the appropriate training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Audubon PA.

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