Selecting a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Leesport Pennsylvania

Choosing the ideal phlebotomy technician training near Leesport PA is an essential first step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult task to evaluate and compare all of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s vital that you perform your due diligence to make certain that you receive a quality education. In fact, a large number of prospective students start their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Another factor you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online schools 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 variables such as accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and must be part of your decision process as well. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online training.

Phlebotomist Career Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal duty, there is actually far more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to confirm that the instruments being used are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork must be accurately filled out in order 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 may be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. A number of Leesport PA phlebotomists actually work in labs and are accountable for ensuring that samples are analyzed properly under the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they might be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Practice?

The simplest response is wherever they treat patients. Their work environments are numerous and varied, including Leesport PA medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a particular type of patient. For instance, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be drawing blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients every day.

Phlebotomy Training, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially two types of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in Leesport PA, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to finish and furnishes a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest 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 provide training to become a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they normally take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program offer a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will probably want to be certified. Although not mandated in the majority of states, many employers look for certification prior to 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 call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, like Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s important that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a superior education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomist Online Certificates and Degrees

To start with, let’s resolve one possible mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial component of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Leesport 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-practical component of the training can be attended online, it might be a more practical option for some students. As an additional benefit, some online programs are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some costs, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened as well. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy school you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a superior education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Since you now have a basic understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate 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 previously mentioned, the location of the Pennsylvania school is relevant as well as the tuition expense. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomy online school. All of these decisions are a critical component of the process for selecting a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Following are some questions that you need to ask about all of the Leesport PA colleges you are considering before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As previously mentioned, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you might have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to select 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 College Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you choose should be accredited by a reputable 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 program in addition to an assurance of a quality education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are typically not available for non-accredited programs in Leesport PA. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to future employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Reputation? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of all 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 screen online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can also talk to several Leesport PA area hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and ask 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 submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Adequate Training Provided? First, check with the Pennsylvania regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Leesport PA phlebotomist program that you are looking at should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish adequate training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask the Pennsylvania programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with local healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to receive hands-on practical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Leesport PA healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Landing your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the schools you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation together with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Leesport PA healthcare community.

Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s important to confirm that the ultimate school you choose offers classes at times that are compatible with your active lifestyle. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Leesport PA, check that they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up policy is in case you need to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Phlebotomist?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's important to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the things that recruiters typically ask Phlebotomy Technician applicants is "What made you decide on Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not only the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what qualities and talents you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of typical interview questions, so you need to prepare several strategies about how you would like to address them. Given that there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the strengths you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomist and the ideal choice for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but write down several concepts and anecdotes that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Choose the Best Phlebotomist College near Leesport PA

Making sure that you pick the ideal phlebotomist training is an important first step toward your success in this rewarding healthcare career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a superior school. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be available in a wide range of educational institutions, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive array of courses in medical care and health sciences. Training program offerings can vary somewhat across the country as each state has its own criteria when it concerns phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to diligently evaluate and compare each college prior to making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the right college for you. And with the appropriate education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Leesport PA.

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