Phlebotomy Training Schools near Wagontown PA 19376 - Find Phlebotomist Schools Near You

Picking a Phlebotomist School near Wagontown Pennsylvania

Wagontown PA phlebotomist taking blood sample Choosing the right phlebotomist training near Wagontown PA is an important first step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a challenging undertaking to evaluate and compare all of the school alternatives that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you receive a quality education. In reality, many potential students begin the process by looking at two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Another option you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll review more about online schools later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is much more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and should be part of your decision process also. 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 right one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online classes.

Phlebotomy Tech Career Summary

Wagontown PA phlebotomist testing blood sample A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. While that is their primary function, there is in fact far more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to confirm that the instruments being used are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork must be accurately filled out in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory testing process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Many Wagontown PA phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are responsible for ensuring that samples are analyzed correctly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they might be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Practice?

The most basic answer is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are numerous and diverse, including Wagontown PA hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be assigned 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 drawing samples from a certain type of patient. For instance, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be drawing blood from senior 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 practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide variety of patients and would work with different patients each day.

Phlebotomist Education, Licensing and Certification

Wagontown PA phlebotomist holding blood sample There are essentially 2 kinds of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Wagontown PA, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to finish and offers 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, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they typically require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program provide a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will probably want to get certified. Although not required in most states, most employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. Some 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 prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, like California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only supplies a quality education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomy Colleges

attending phlebotomy training online in Wagontown PA To begin with, let’s resolve one likely mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A good portion of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Wagontown PA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-practical part of the training may be accessed online, it can be a more practical alternative for some students. As an additional benefit, some online programs are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenses, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist school you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a superior education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal choice for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Now that you have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, 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 certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Pennsylvania college is significant as well as the cost of tuition. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomy online school. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the process for picking a school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Following are some questions that you need to ask about all of the Wagontown PA programs you are reviewing before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of practical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Pennsylvania or the state where you will be working and preps you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you select should be accredited by a respected regional or national accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a premium education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam administered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges in Wagontown PA. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more desirable to future employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to check out the reputations of all colleges you are reviewing. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their students as part of their job assistance program. You can research internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even check with some Wagontown PA area hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and find out if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Pennsylvania school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Ample 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 Wagontown PA phlebotomy program that you are looking at should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out from the Pennsylvania programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with area healthcare facilities. They are the ideal way to receive hands-on practical training often not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Wagontown PA healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Available? Finding your first phlebotomist job will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the schools you are considering provide 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 program has both an excellent reputation as well as an extensive network of professional contacts within the Wagontown PA health care community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s crucial to verify that the final college you pick offers classes at times that are compatible with your busy schedule. This is especially true if you decide to still work while attending school. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Wagontown PA, make sure they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option also. And if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up procedure is should 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 job, it's a good idea to review questions you may be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomy Technician applicants is "What made you pick Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not merely the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomist, but also what characteristics and talents you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of standard interview questions, so you should prepare several ideas about how you want to answer them. Given that there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the talents you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Technician and the leading candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down several ideas and talking points that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Enroll in the Right Phlebotomy Program near Wagontown PA

Making certain that you choose the ideal phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this fulfilling health care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a quality college. Phlebotomy training programs are offered in a variety of academic institutes, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive array of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program offerings can vary a bit from state to state as every state has its own prerequisites when it concerns phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must carefully screen and compare each school prior to making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the ideal college for you. And with the appropriate education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Wagontown PA.

Learn About Wagontown Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Route 340

Pennsylvania Route 340 (PA 340) is a 30-mile-long (48 km) state highway located in Lancaster and Chester counties in Pennsylvania. The western terminus is at PA 462 in Lancaster. The eastern terminus is at U.S. Route 30 Business (US 30 Bus.) in Thorndale. The route is a two-lane road passing through rural areas, heading through the Pennsylvania Dutch Country in eastern Lancaster County that is home to several Amish families and serving the communities of Bird-in-Hand, Intercourse, White Horse, Compass, and Wagontown. PA 340 intersects US 30 near Lancaster, PA 772 in Intercourse, PA 897 in White Horse, PA 10 in Compass, PA 82 in Wagontown, and US 30 again near Thorndale.

The route follows the route of the King's Highway that linked Lancaster and Philadelphia in colonial times and is, in fact, named King's Highway during the first few miles of its length near Thorndale. PA 340 was first designated in 1928 between US 222/PA 240 east of Lancaster and US 30/PA 1 in Gap, following its current route to White Horse before turning south to Gap. In 1937, the route was extended east to US 30 in Coatesville by heading east along its current route to Wagontown and turning south to Coatesville, with PA 897 replacing the former route between White Horse and Gap. By 1940, the route was extended west to US 22 in Harrisburg, heading west to Marietta, north to Hershey, northwest to Union Deposit, and west to Harrisburg. PA 340 was rerouted to end at US 30 in Thorndale during the 1940s. In the 1950s, the west end was cut back to US 422 in Hershey. The western terminus was scaled back to PA 441 in Marietta by 1962 and its current location by 1970, with the former alignment now PA 743 between Hershey and Marietta and PA 23 between Marietta and Lancaster.

PA 340 begins at an intersection with PA 462 in East Lampeter Township, Lancaster County, heading east on two-lane undivided Old Philadelphia Pike. The road passes through areas of homes and businesses, briefly forming the border between the city of Lancaster to the north and East Lampeter Township to the south. Farther east, the route runs between industrial parks to the north and neighborhoods to the south before coming to an interchange with the US 30 freeway that does not have a ramp from westbound US 30 to PA 340. Past this interchange, PA 340 heads through less dense areas of residential and commercial development with some farm fields.[2][3] At this point, the route enters the Pennsylvania Dutch Country of eastern Lancaster County, which is home to many Amish farms and businesses catering to tourists.[4][5] The road enters the community of Smoketown and intersects the northern terminus of PA 896 to the south of Smoketown Airport. The route continues east to Bird-in-Hand, where it passes under Amtrak's Philadelphia to Harrisburg Main Line.[2][3]

PA 340 enters Leacock Township and runs through open agricultural land with occasional homes. The road heads into Intercourse and passes homes and businesses. PA 340 intersects PA 772 and forms a concurrency with that route on Main Street, with the road gaining a center left-turn lane. PA 772 splits to the southeast and PA 340 passes more residential development on Old Philadelphia Pike. The road leaves Intercourse and loses the turn lane, continuing through more farmland. The route heads into Salisbury Township and runs through more rural areas, passing through Spring Garden. PA 340 comes to an intersection with PA 897 and runs concurrent with that route before PA 897 turns south in the community of White Horse. Following this, the road runs east through more areas of farm fields.[2][3]

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