Choosing a Phlebotomy School near Jim Thorpe Pennsylvania

Picking the ideal phlebotomist training near Jim Thorpe PA is a critical initial step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult undertaking to analyze and compare all of the school options that are available to you. However it’s necessary that you perform your due diligence to ensure that you obtain a superior education. In reality, a large number of students start the process by looking at two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Another factor you may consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is far more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and must be part of your selection process also. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you select the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our discussion about online training.

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Phlebotomist Career Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their principal function, there is actually far more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the instruments being utilized are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample must be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork must be properly filled out to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory screening procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some Jim Thorpe PA phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are in charge of making certain that samples are tested correctly using the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they may be required to train other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The most basic answer is wherever there are patients. Their workplaces are many and diverse, such as Jim Thorpe PA hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to seniors. A number of phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting samples from a particular type of patient. For instance, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be collecting blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns solely. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomist Training, Certification and Licensing

There are primarily two types of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Jim Thorpe PA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes under a year to finish and provides a general education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will include training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at community and junior colleges, they normally take two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program offer a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. Although not required in the majority of states, many employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. A few of the main 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 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 imperative that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only furnishes a quality education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Colleges

First, let’s resolve one potential mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial portion of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Jim Thorpe 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-practical portion of the training may be attended online, it might be a more convenient option for some students. As an additional benefit, some online schools are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some expenditures, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomist program you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can receive a premium education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online may be the right option for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Since you now have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already decided on the kind of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Pennsylvania campus is relevant in addition to the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomy program. All of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for choosing a program or school. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you should ask about all of the Jim Thorpe PA schools you are considering before making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomist 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 require licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomy program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Pennsylvania or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you enroll in 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 in addition to an assurance of a premium education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited schools in Jim Thorpe PA. Finally, graduating from an accredited college can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Reputation? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to check the reputations of any schools you are reviewing. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their students as part of their job assistance program. You can screen internet school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even talk to some Jim Thorpe PA area clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and ask if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Pennsylvania school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Included? To begin with, check with the Pennsylvania 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. As a minimum, any Jim Thorpe PA phlebotomist program that you are considering should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything lower than these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internships Provided? Ask the Pennsylvania schools you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with area healthcare facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on clinical training typically not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Jim Thorpe PA healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Finding your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the schools you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation as well as an extensive network of professional contacts within the Jim Thorpe PA health care community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? And last, it’s crucial to verify that the final college you select offers classes at times that are compatible with your hectic schedule. This is particularly important if you opt to still work while going to school. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Jim Thorpe PA, make certain they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option also. Even if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is in case you have to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Phlebotomist?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician job, it's helpful to reflect on questions you might be asked. One of the questions that interviewers frequently ask Phlebotomist prospects is "What made you decide on Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not merely the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomist, but also what qualities and talents you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you should organize some strategies about how you want to answer them. Given that there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you along with the strengths you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down a few concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Select the Best Phlebotomist Program near Jim Thorpe PA

Making sure that you enroll in the most suitable phlebotomist training is an important first step toward your success in this rewarding medical care field. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomist training programs can be offered in a wide range of educational institutions, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive array of programs in medical care and health sciences. Training program offerings may differ a bit from state to state as each state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must carefully evaluate and compare each program prior to making your final choice. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can pick the best school for you. And with the proper training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Jim Thorpe PA.

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