Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Richfield Pennsylvania

Picking the right phlebotomy technician school near Richfield PA is an essential first step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult task to evaluate and compare each of the training options that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you receive a superior education. In fact, a large number of prospective students begin their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Another factor you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and must be part of your selection process as well. 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 pick the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our conversation about online schools.

Phlebotomist Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their primary function, there is actually so much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must verify that the tools being utilized are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork needs to be accurately filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab testing procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some Richfield PA phlebotomists actually work in labs and are accountable for making certain that samples are tested properly using the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they may be asked to train other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Practice?

The quickest answer is wherever there are patients. Their work places are numerous and diverse, including Richfield PA hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be charged to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomists, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a specific type of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be drawing blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomist Education, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially 2 types of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in Richfield PA, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes under a year to complete and furnishes a general education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest means 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 usually require 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program offer a more extensive background in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. Although not required in most states, most employers look for certification before hiring technicians. A few of the principal certifying organizations 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 in order to practice as a phlebotomist, including California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only supplies a quality education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomy Online Classes

First, let’s dispel one potential misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial portion of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Richfield 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. But since the non-practical part of the training may be attended online, it could be a more practical option for many students. As an added benefit, many online classes are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenditures, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be minimized also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist school you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a superior education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Now that you have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already selected the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Pennsylvania school is important in addition to the cost of tuition. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online college. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for choosing a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you should ask about all of the Richfield PA programs you are reviewing before making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Pennsylvania? As earlier discussed, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomist program that satisfies 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 phlebotomy program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a respected regional or national accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited program aside from a guarantee of a superior education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited schools in Richfield PA. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to investigate the reputations of all schools 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 research online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even check with some Richfield PA local clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and find out if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can contact 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 Included? First, contact 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 Richfield PA phlebotomy program that you are looking at should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish adequate training.

Are Internships Provided? Find out from the Pennsylvania schools you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional healthcare facilities. They are the ideal means to receive hands-on clinical training frequently not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Richfield PA medical community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Finding your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Richfield PA healthcare community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? And last, it’s critical to confirm that the final college you pick offers classes at times that will accommodate your active schedule. This is especially true if you opt to still work while going to college. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Richfield 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 as well. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up procedure is should you need to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the things that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomy Technician prospects is "What drove you to choose Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not only the private reasons you might have for being Phlebotomist, but also what qualities and abilities you have that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, in addition to a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to ready a number of strategies about how you want to answer them. Considering there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you along with the strengths you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomist and the best candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but write down several concepts and topics that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can help you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Select the Best Phlebotomist School near Richfield PA

Making certain that you pick the right phlebotomist training is an important first step toward your success in this rewarding health care career position. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomist training programs are available in a wide range of academic institutions, such as community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive assortment of courses in medical care and health sciences. Course offerings may vary a bit from state to state as each state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to thoroughly research and compare each college prior to making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the ideal school for you. And with the proper training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Richfield PA.

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