Selecting a Phlebotomy Course near Bethlehem Pennsylvania

Picking the ideal phlebotomy technician training near Bethlehem PA is an essential first step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult undertaking to investigate and compare all of the school options that are accessible to you. However it’s important that you perform your due diligence to ensure that you receive a quality education. In reality, most potential students begin their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional option you might consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll review 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 cheapest or the closest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and should be part of your decision process also. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing 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 continue our discussion about online schools.

Phlebotomy Technician Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal responsibility, there is actually far more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must verify that the tools being utilized are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork needs to be properly filled out in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory testing procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers 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 Bethlehem PA phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are accountable for ensuring that samples are analyzed properly using the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they can be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Practice?

The simplest answer is wherever there are patients. Their workplaces are many and varied, such as Bethlehem PA hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They may be assigned to collect 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 certain type of patient. For instance, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers solely. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Education, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially two types of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Bethlehem PA, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to finish and provides a general education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they usually require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program provide a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not mandated in the majority of states, many employers look for certification before 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 some states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, like Nevada and California. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a premium education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomy Online Schools

To begin with, let’s dispel one potential misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant component of the course of study will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Bethlehem PA 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-practical component of the training can be accessed online, it may be a more practical option for many students. As an added benefit, a number of online colleges are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some costs, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist college you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a quality education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomy Programs

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 picked the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Pennsylvania school is relevant in addition to the cost of tuition. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomy online program. All of these decisions are a critical component of the process for picking a program or school. But they are not the sole concerns when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you need to ask about each of the Bethlehem PA colleges you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Pennsylvania or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you select should be accredited by a reputable national or regional 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 premium education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are typically not available for non-accredited schools in Bethlehem PA. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Reputation? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to investigate the reputations of all colleges you are considering. 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 research internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even check with a few Bethlehem PA local hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and see if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can contact the Pennsylvania school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Enough Training Included? First, contact the Pennsylvania regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any Bethlehem 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 below these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Ask the Pennsylvania programs you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional medical facilities. They are the optimal way to receive hands-on clinical training often not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Bethlehem PA healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Landing your first phlebotomist job will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation as well as an extensive network of professional contacts within the Bethlehem PA health care community.

Are Classes Available as Needed? And last, it’s important to verify that the ultimate college you choose offers classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is especially true if you opt to still work while attending college. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Bethlehem PA, 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. Even 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 procedure is should you need to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Phlebotomist?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the things that recruiters often ask Phlebotomy Tech applicants is "What compelled you to choose Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what characteristics and skills you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you must organize a number of approaches about how you would like to answer them. Given that there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the talents you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Technician and the best choice for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down some concepts and talking points that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right Phlebotomist College near Bethlehem PA

Making sure that you enroll in the right phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding medical care field. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are available in a variety of educational institutions, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive range of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Program offerings can differ a bit from state to state as every state has its own prerequisites when it concerns phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must diligently screen and compare each program before making your final decision. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the right program for you. And with the appropriate training, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Bethlehem PA.

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