Phlebotomy Training Schools near Middleburg PA 17842 - Find Phlebotomist Schools Near You

Picking a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Middleburg Pennsylvania

Middleburg PA phlebotomist taking blood sample Selecting the right phlebotomist training near Middleburg PA is a critical initial step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting undertaking to evaluate and compare all of the school alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you receive a superior education. In fact, a large number of potential students start the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Another option you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. We’ll review a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important 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 including accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and should be part of your selection process too. To assist in that effort, we will furnish 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 then resume our discussion about online training.

Phlebotomy Tech Job Description

Middleburg PA phlebotomist testing blood sample A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their principal task, there is actually far more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to confirm that the instruments being utilized are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample has to be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork has to be correctly filled out to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory screening procedure. The phlebotomist then transports 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. Some Middleburg PA phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are in charge of ensuring that samples are tested properly under the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they might be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Practice?

The most basic response is wherever patients are treated. Their work environments are numerous and varied, such as Middleburg 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, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a certain kind of patient. For example, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Education, Certification and Licensing

Middleburg PA phlebotomist holding blood sample There are primarily 2 types of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Middleburg PA, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to complete and provides a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they normally require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program furnish a more expansive background in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. While not required in most states, most employers require certification prior to hiring 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 several states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, like California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s important that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a superior education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Schools

attending phlebotomy training online in Middleburg PA To start with, let’s resolve one possible mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A good part of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Middleburg PA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-clinical component of the training may be accessed online, it may be a more practical option for some students. As an added benefit, a number of online programs are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist program you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the best option 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 start your due diligence process. You may have already selected the kind of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Pennsylvania school is important in addition to the cost of tuition. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomist program. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the process for selecting a program or school. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Following are several questions that you should ask about each of the Middleburg PA programs you are considering prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As earlier discussed, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you might have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomist program that complies with the state specific requirements for Pennsylvania or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you select should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting agency, 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 quality education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are typically not available for non-accredited programs in Middleburg PA. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Reputation? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to check the reputations of all colleges you are looking at. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also talk to some Middleburg PA area clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and find out if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the Pennsylvania school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in total 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. As a minimum, any Middleburg PA phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority 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? Find out from the Pennsylvania colleges you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with regional medical facilities. They are the optimal means to get hands-on practical training often not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Middleburg PA medical community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Finding your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Middleburg PA health care community.

Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s crucial to verify that the final school you pick offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is especially important if you choose to still work while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Middleburg PA, make certain they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, confirm 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 Decide to Become a Phlebotomist?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's important to review questions you might be asked. Among the things that hiring managers typically ask Phlebotomy Tech prospects is "What compelled you to select Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not merely the private reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what characteristics and talents you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to prepare some approaches about how you want to respond to them. Because there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the talents you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Technician and the best choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down several ideas and talking points that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Select the Right Phlebotomy College near Middleburg PA

Making certain that you enroll in the most suitable phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding medical care career position. As we have covered in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a quality program. Phlebotomy training programs can be found in a number of educational institutions, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide assortment of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program options may differ slightly from state to state as each state has its own requirements when it pertains to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to thoroughly screen and compare each college before making your final decision. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the ideal school for you. And with the appropriate training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Middleburg PA.

Learn About Middleburg Pennsylvania

Middleburg, Pennsylvania

Middleburg is a borough in Snyder County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,309 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Snyder County.[3] Middleburg is part of the Selinsgrove, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area, and is also part of the larger Bloomsburg-Berwick-Sunbury, PA Combined Statistical Area.

Native Americans had lived in the region for centuries. White settlers are recorded living in the area in 1755. Middleburg was originally named Swinefordstown (Swinefordstettle in the Pennsylvania Dutch dialect) after John Albright Swineford who ran a tavern here in 1787. He was also the owner of land located on the north bank of the Middle Creek on which engineer Frederick Evans laid out the town in 1800.[4] This town became known as Middleburgh circa 1825, and was incorporated as a borough in 1864.[5]

A portion of the site that Middleburg occupies was the location of the Stump's Run Massacre in January 1768. Stump's Run is located to the west of the Glendale Cemetery and is also near the Snyder County Historical Society. In this incident, two colonists named Frederick Stump and John Ironcutter were found to be responsible for the deaths of four Native American men, three Native American women, and three children over a two-day period. Four of the men and two of the women were killed at Stump's cabin, which was located at the mouth of the Middle Creek near Selinsgrove. After Stump and Ironcutter shoved the bodies through a hole in the ice, they traveled up the creek to Stump's Run to kill the remaining woman and the children. These bodies were thrown into the native cabins, and the cabins burned. Although the men claimed self-defense, it is suspected that this could have been provoked by a drunken brawl, or that the natives were killed by Stump in retaliation for the deaths of his wife and children at the hands of Native American raiders. The two men were arrested and taken to the Cumberland County jail at Carlisle for trial, but were freed at the hands of a sympathetic mob. The men were never recaptured.[6]

The section of the borough located on the southern bank of the Middle Creek was developed in a manner entirely different from that of the settlement on the northern bank. This portion of the town began with a few pioneer homes and a grist mill; later a successor on this site would be known as the Franklin Roller Mills. When the Sunbury and Lewistown Railroad was constructed, more lots for homes were laid out, and the southern section of the town was first known as Franklin, and later, Swineford.[7] In January 1917, the property owners in Swineford petitioned the Middleburgh borough for annexation, and this wish was granted in February of the same year.[8]

The location could not be found.