Selecting a Phlebotomist Training Program near Cressona Pennsylvania

Selecting the right phlebotomy training near Cressona PA is an important first step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult undertaking to analyze and compare all of the training options that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you do your due diligence to ensure that you obtain a superior education. In fact, a large number of students begin the process by considering two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional option you might consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll review a bit 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 finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors such as accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your decision process as well. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you select the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our discussion about online schools.

Phlebotomy Tech Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their principal duty, there is actually so much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the tools being utilized are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork needs to be accurately completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory screening process. 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. Some Cressona PA phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are in charge of making certain that samples are tested properly using the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they may be asked to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Practice?

The easiest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are numerous and diverse, such as Cressona PA medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood banks. They can be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or young children to senior citizens. Some phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting samples from a particular type of patient. For instance, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be collecting blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting blood from a wide variety of patients and would work with different patients every day.

Phlebotomy Training, Licensing and Certification

There are basically two types of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in Cressona PA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes under a year to finish and provides a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will provide 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 comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not mandated in most states, a number of employers require certification prior to employing technicians. A few of the key 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 phlebotomist, such as California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a superior education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomy Online Schools

To begin with, let’s dispel one potential mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial component of the course of study will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Cressona 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 prior to graduation. However since the non-practical portion of the training may be accessed online, it may be a more convenient option for some students. As an additional benefit, a number of online programs are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenditures, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered as well. Just verify that the online phlebotomy school you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can receive a superior education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Since you now have a basic understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already picked 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 school is relevant in addition to the tuition expense. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomist online college. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the process for choosing a school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you should ask about each of the Cressona PA programs you are reviewing before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Pennsylvania? As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed before working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for Pennsylvania or the state where you will be working and preps you for all exams you may be required to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you pick should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a superior education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Cressona PA. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Reputation? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of all schools you are looking at. You can start 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 ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can also check with a few Cressona PA area hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and see if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the Pennsylvania school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Provided? To begin with, contact 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. As a minimum, any Cressona PA phlebotomy program that you are considering should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything lower than these minimums may indicate that the program is not expansive enough to furnish adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Ask the Pennsylvania programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with local medical facilities. They are the optimal means to obtain hands-on practical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Cressona PA healthcare community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Landing your first phlebotomist job will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are considering 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 positions, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Cressona PA healthcare community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it’s important to confirm that the final program you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your busy schedule. This is particularly true if you opt to still work while attending college. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Cressona PA, make certain they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option also. Even 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 procedure is should you have to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you may be asked. Among the things that hiring managers frequently ask Phlebotomy Technician applicants is "What compelled you to choose Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what attributes and talents you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of typical interview questions, so you should prepare several ideas about how you would like to address them. Given that there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you along with the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding Phlebotomist and the best choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down several concepts and talking points that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Find the Right Phlebotomist College near Cressona PA

Making sure that you pick the most suitable phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this fulfilling medical care career position. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomist training programs are offered in a variety of academic institutes, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive assortment of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Program offerings can differ a bit across the country as each state has its own requirements when it pertains to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must diligently screen and compare each program prior to making your ultimate selection. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the best school for you. And with the proper training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Cressona PA.

Learn About Cressona Pennsylvania

 

 

More Interesting Pennsylvania Cities

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Rockhill Furnace PA 17249

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Hickory PA 15340

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Minisink Hills PA 18341

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Spangler PA 15775

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Wellsboro PA 16901

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Leesport PA 19533

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Southeastern PA 19397

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Ephrata PA 17522

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Rector PA 15677

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Fairview PA 16415