Picking a Phlebotomist Course near Commodore Pennsylvania

Choosing the right phlebotomy school near Commodore PA is a critical initial step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult undertaking to evaluate and compare each of the training options that are accessible to you. However it’s vital that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you receive a superior education. In fact, many students start the process by looking at two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional option you may consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll discuss more about online classes later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and should be part of your decision process also. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you choose the best one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online training.

Phlebotomist Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their primary task, there is in fact much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to confirm that the tools being utilized are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork has to be correctly completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. A number of Commodore PA phlebotomists actually work in labs and are in charge of making certain that samples are tested properly under the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they might be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The simplest response is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are many and diverse, such as Commodore PA hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or young children to seniors. A number of phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing blood from a specific kind of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be collecting blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients every day.

Phlebotomist Education, Certification and Licensing

There are essentially two kinds of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Commodore PA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to finish and furnishes a general education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest method to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomist. Offered at community and junior colleges, they typically require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a four year program offer a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. Although not required in the majority of states, many employers look for certification before employing technicians. A few 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, such as Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a quality education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomist Colleges

To begin with, let’s resolve one likely mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant component of the course of study will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Commodore 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-clinical part of the training may be accessed online, it might be a more practical option for some students. As an added benefit, a number of online programs are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenses, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy program you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive 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 degree or certificate online may be the best choice for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Now that you have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already chosen the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Pennsylvania campus is significant in addition to the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomy school. All of these decisions are an important component of the procedure for choosing a program or school. But they are not the sole concerns when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you need to ask about each of the Commodore PA colleges you are considering before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As earlier discussed, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while some others require licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for Pennsylvania or the state where you will be working and readies you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you choose should be accredited by a respected national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many advantages to graduating from an accredited program in addition to a guarantee of a superior education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Commodore PA. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Reputation? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are reviewing. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can also check with several Commodore PA local clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and ask if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Pennsylvania school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Enough Training Provided? First, check with the Pennsylvania 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. At a minimum, any Commodore PA phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internships Provided? 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 means to receive hands-on practical training often not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Commodore PA healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

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

Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s important to make sure that the final school you pick offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is particularly true if you decide to continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Commodore PA, make certain they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option as well. 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 as a result of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's helpful to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the questions that recruiters often ask Phlebotomy Tech candidates is "What compelled you to select Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not only the personal reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what qualities and talents you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of general interview questions, so you should prepare some strategies about how you want to address them. Considering there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the talents you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Technician and the ideal candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down a few ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Find the Right Phlebotomist Course near Commodore PA

Making sure that you enroll in the most suitable phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this gratifying health care field. As we have addressed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium school. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs are found in a variety of educational institutions, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive range of courses in medical care and health sciences. Course offerings can differ somewhat across the country 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 diligently evaluate and compare each school before making your ultimate choice. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the best school for you. And with the proper education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Commodore PA.

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