Selecting a Phlebotomist School near Cambridge Springs Pennsylvania

Enrolling in the ideal phlebotomy school near Cambridge Springs PA is an important initial step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a challenging undertaking to evaluate and compare all of the school alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you obtain a quality education. In reality, many students start the process by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another factor you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk more about online schools later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is much more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and should be part of your selection process as well. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomist Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their main responsibility, there is in fact far more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to check that the instruments being employed are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork needs to be correctly filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab 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 pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Cambridge Springs PA phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are accountable for making certain that samples are tested properly utilizing the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they might be asked to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The easiest response is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are numerous and diverse, such as Cambridge Springs PA medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be charged to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a certain type of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be drawing blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers solely. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from different patients every day.

Phlebotomist Training, Certification and Licensing

There are primarily two types of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Cambridge Springs PA, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes under a year to complete and provides a general education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they typically require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a 4 year program furnish a more extensive background in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. Although not mandated in most states, a number of employers look for certification prior to employing technicians. Some of the primary certifying agencies include:

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

There are several states that do call for certification in order to practice 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 phlebotomist training program that not only supplies a superior education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Training

To begin with, let’s dispel one possible mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A good portion of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Cambridge Springs PA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-practical component of the training can be attended online, it may be a more practical option for many students. As an additional benefit, some online colleges are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenditures, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized also. 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 extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a premium education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Since you now have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already selected 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 school is significant in addition to the cost of tuition. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomist school. All of these decisions are an important part of the process for picking a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you should ask about all of the Cambridge Springs PA schools you are considering before making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for Pennsylvania or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for all exams you may be required to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you select should be accredited by a respected national or regional accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to an assurance of a superior education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are often unavailable for non-accredited programs in Cambridge Springs PA. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to future employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are looking at. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even contact several Cambridge Springs 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 check with the Pennsylvania school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Adequate Training Included? First, check with 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. At a minimum, any Cambridge Springs PA phlebotomist program that you are looking at should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internships Included? Ask the Pennsylvania colleges you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with regional health care facilities. They are the ideal way to get hands-on practical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Cambridge Springs PA healthcare community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Landing your first phlebotomist position will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the colleges you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Cambridge Springs PA medical community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s important to make sure that the ultimate program you pick offers classes at times that are compatible with your active schedule. This is particularly important if you opt to still work while going to school. If you need to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Cambridge Springs PA, make sure they are available 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 certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up policy is should you need to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Want to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomy Tech 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 being Phlebotomist, but additionally what characteristics and skills you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, as well as a certain number of typical interview questions, so you need to organize several strategies about how you want to answer them. Since there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down a few ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Choose the Right Phlebotomy College near Cambridge Springs PA

Making certain that you choose the most suitable phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this fulfilling health care career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality program. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be offered in a wide range of educational institutions, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide range of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Course options can vary a bit from state to state as every state has its own prerequisites when it pertains to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to thoroughly research and compare each college before making your ultimate selection. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the right college for you. And with the proper training, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Cambridge Springs PA.

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