Selecting a Phlebotomy Training Program near Jamison Pennsylvania

Picking the ideal phlebotomist training near Jamison PA is a critical initial step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting task to investigate and compare each of the school alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you perform your due diligence to make certain that you get a quality education. In fact, a large number of potential students start the process by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Another factor you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll talk more about online schools later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and need to be part of your selection process as well. Toward that end, we will furnish 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 prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online training.

Phlebotomy Technician Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their primary task, there is actually much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must verify that the instruments being utilized are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork has to be accurately completed to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory screening procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Many Jamison PA phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are in charge of ensuring that samples are analyzed correctly utilizing the strictest quality control 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 Work?

The easiest response is wherever there are patients. Their workplaces are numerous and varied, such as Jamison PA medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to seniors. A number of phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a specific type of patient. For instance, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be collecting blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting blood from a wide variety of patients and would work with new patients every day.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially 2 types of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Jamison PA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes under a year to finish and provides a general education as well as 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 exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at community and junior colleges, they typically require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program provide a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not required in most states, many employers require certification before employing 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 a few states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, like California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only offers a superior education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomist Online Schools

To begin with, let’s resolve one possible misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant portion of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Jamison PA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-clinical portion of the training can be attended online, it could be a more convenient alternative for some students. As an additional benefit, some online programs are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenses, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy college you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a premium education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Now that you have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already picked 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 as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online program. All of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for picking a program or school. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Following are a few questions that you should ask about each of the Jamison PA schools you are considering before making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As previously mentioned, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed before working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that complies with the state specific requirements for Pennsylvania or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for all examinations you may have to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded regional or national accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of advantages to graduating from an accredited program in addition to an assurance of a superior education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited schools in Jamison PA. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Ranking? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to check the reputations of any colleges you are considering. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their students as part of their job placement program. You can screen internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also check with some Jamison PA local clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and see if they can provide any insights. As a closing thought, you can check with the Pennsylvania school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been filed or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Provided? To begin with, 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. As a minimum, any Jamison PA phlebotomist program that you are considering should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out from the Pennsylvania colleges you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with area health care facilities. They are the ideal way to receive hands-on practical training frequently not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Jamison PA healthcare community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Landing your first phlebotomist job will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the schools you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, signifying they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Jamison PA health care community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s important to confirm that the final college you choose offers classes at times that will accommodate your active schedule. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Jamison PA, check that 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 attend online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is should you need to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Become a Phlebotomist?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician job, it's important to review questions you may be asked. One of the things that recruiters typically ask Phlebotomy Technician applicants is "What made you select Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not merely the private reasons you might have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but also what characteristics and abilities you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you must ready several strategies about how you want to answer them. Considering there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the talents you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Tech and the ideal candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down some concepts and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Select the Right Phlebotomist Course near Jamison PA

Making sure that you pick the right phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this fulfilling healthcare field. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be offered in a wide range of educational institutes, such as community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide assortment of courses in medical care and health sciences. Program options may vary slightly from state to state as each state has its own criteria when it concerns phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to thoroughly evaluate and compare each college prior to making your ultimate decision. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the best college for you. And with the appropriate education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Jamison PA.

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