Picking a Phlebotomist Training Program near Claysburg Pennsylvania

Enrolling in the right phlebotomy technician training near Claysburg PA is an important first step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging task to analyze and compare each of the school alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s vital that you do your due diligence to make certain that you get a quality education. In reality, a large number of students begin their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Another factor you might consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind 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 important considerations and must be part of your decision process too. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you select the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our discussion about online schools.

Phlebotomist Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their principal function, there is in fact far more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to confirm that the instruments being used are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample needs to be correctly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork has to be correctly completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Many Claysburg PA phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are in charge of ensuring that samples are tested properly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they can be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The quickest answer is wherever patients are treated. Their workplaces are many and varied, including Claysburg PA hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be charged to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a particular kind of patient. For example, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be drawing blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Certification and Licensing

There are primarily 2 types of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Claysburg PA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to complete and offers a general education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at community and junior colleges, they normally require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program furnish a more extensive background in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. While not mandated in most states, many employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. Some 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 call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, like Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s important that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a premium education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomy Schools

To start with, let’s dispel one potential misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant portion of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Claysburg 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 in order to graduate. But since the non-clinical part of the training may be attended online, it can be a more convenient option for many students. As an additional benefit, many online classes are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some costs, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be lowered also. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist college you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a premium education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Now that you have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already decided on the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Pennsylvania campus is relevant as well as the cost of tuition. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online program. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for selecting a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Following are some questions that you should ask about each of the Claysburg PA colleges you are looking at 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 phlebotomy technician. Several states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you might have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Pennsylvania or the state where you will be working and prepares you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited program aside from a guarantee of a premium education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to take a certification exam administered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Claysburg PA. Finally, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to future employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Reputation? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to check out the reputations of all schools you are looking at. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also talk to several Claysburg PA area hospitals or clinics that you might be interested 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 grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Ample Training Provided? First, contact the Pennsylvania regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Claysburg PA phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything lower than these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out from the Pennsylvania schools you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with area healthcare facilities. They are the optimal way to obtain hands-on practical training typically not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Claysburg PA medical community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Finding your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the colleges you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a higher rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Claysburg PA medical community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it’s crucial to confirm that the final school you choose provides classes at times that are compatible with your active schedule. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Claysburg PA, check that they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, 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 completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is should you have to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Phlebotomist?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's a good idea to consider questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers often ask Phlebotomy Technician prospects is "What made you choose Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not just the private reasons you might have for being Phlebotomist, but additionally what qualities and talents you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to Phlebotomy, in addition to a significant number of routine interview questions, so you should ready some strategies about how you want to respond to them. Because there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down some ideas and topics that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can help you to prepare your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Select the Right Phlebotomy Course near Claysburg PA

Making certain that you enroll in the most suitable phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this rewarding medical care career position. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a quality program. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs are offered in a variety of academic institutions, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide array of courses in medical care and health sciences. Program options can vary somewhat from state to state as each state has its own requirements when it concerns phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to thoroughly evaluate and compare each program before making your ultimate selection. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the ideal program for you. And with the appropriate education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Claysburg PA.

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