Picking a Phlebotomy Technician School near Laurel Maryland

Picking the ideal phlebotomist school near Laurel MD is a critical first step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting undertaking to investigate and compare all of the training options that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you perform your due diligence to make certain that you receive a superior education. In fact, a large number of prospective students begin the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another factor you might consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online schools later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and must be part of your decision process too. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you choose the best one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our conversation about online classes.

Phlebotomy Tech Work Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal function, there is actually so much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the tools being used are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork needs to be properly completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab testing procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Laurel MD phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are accountable for ensuring that samples are analyzed correctly under the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they may be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The quickest response is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are numerous and varied, such as Laurel MD hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or young children to senior citizens. Some phlebotomy techs, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing blood from a particular kind of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be drawing blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers solely. In contrast, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Training, Licensing and Certification

There are primarily two types of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Laurel MD, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes under a year to complete and offers a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will include training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at community and junior colleges, they usually take 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program offer a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. Although not required in most states, many employers require certification prior to 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 several states that do call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, such as California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you pick a phlebotomist training program that not only supplies a quality education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomy Online Certificates and Degrees

To start with, let’s dispel one possible misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A good component of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Laurel MD healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. A large number of courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-practical portion of the training can be attended online, it can be a more practical option for many students. As an added benefit, a number of online classes are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenditures, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist school you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online might be the best choice for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Since you now have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already chosen the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Maryland college is significant in addition to the tuition expense. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online program. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for picking a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Following are some questions that you need to ask about all of the Laurel MD programs you are considering before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As previously mentioned, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Maryland or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you choose should be accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting agency, 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. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited schools in Laurel MD. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Reputation? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of all schools you are reviewing. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can even talk to a few Laurel MD local hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and ask if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can contact the Maryland school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Included? To begin with, check with the Maryland regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Laurel MD phlebotomist program that you are looking at should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums may signify that the program is not expansive enough to provide sufficient training.

Are Internships Provided? Ask the Maryland schools you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional healthcare facilities. They are the ideal way to receive hands-on clinical training often not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Laurel MD healthcare community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Landing your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the schools you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, signifying they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation together with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Laurel MD medical community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s important to make sure that the final program you choose provides classes at times that are compatible with your busy lifestyle. This is especially true if you choose to continue working while going to school. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Laurel MD, check that they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify 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 ask what the make-up procedure is should you need to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician job, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers typically ask Phlebotomy Technician prospects is "What made you select Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not merely the personal reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what qualities and talents you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of standard interview questions, so you should prepare several strategies about how you want to address them. Because there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the talents you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Technician and the leading candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down some concepts and topics that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Find the Right Phlebotomy Course near Laurel MD

Making sure that you pick the ideal phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding health care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are available in a wide range of educational institutions, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive range of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program options may differ somewhat from state to state as every state has its own criteria when it pertains to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must diligently evaluate and compare each school prior to making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the ideal school for you. And with the appropriate education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Laurel MD.

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