Picking a Phlebotomy Technician School near Summerdale Pennsylvania
Selecting the right phlebotomy training near Summerdale PA is a critical initial step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting task to assess and compare all of the school options that are available to you. However it’s important that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you obtain a quality education. In reality, many students begin their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional option you might consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and need to be part of your decision process too. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you choose the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online training.
[campusexplorer header_text=”Find Phlebotomy Schools Near You!” aos=”75346615″ concentration=”E7147EE5″ tracking=”PHL-CT”]
Phlebotomy Technician Career Description
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their primary responsibility, there is in fact far more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must confirm that the instruments being used are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork must be accurately completed to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Many Summerdale PA phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are in charge of making sure that samples are analyzed correctly under the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they might be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.
Where do Phlebotomists Practice?
The easiest response is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are numerous and diverse, including Summerdale PA hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be charged to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or young children to seniors. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a specific type of patient. For example, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers solely. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from different patients every day.
Phlebotomist Training, Licensing and Certification
There are basically two kinds of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Summerdale PA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes less than a year to complete and offers a general education together with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at junior and community colleges, they typically require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program provide a more expansive background in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will probably want to become certified. While not required in the majority of states, most employers look for certification before hiring technicians. A few of the primary 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, including Nevada and California. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only supplies a superior education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.
Phlebotomist Online Schools
First, let’s dispel one potential mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant portion of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Summerdale PA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-practical portion of the training can be accessed online, it can be a more convenient alternative for some students. As an added benefit, some online classes are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some costs, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist school you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a quality education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the best choice for you.
What to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges
Now that you have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already picked 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 Pennsylvania school is relevant in addition to the tuition expense. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online program. Each of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for choosing a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Following are several questions that you need to ask about all of the Summerdale PA programs you are reviewing before making your final selection.
Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As previously mentioned, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed before working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for Pennsylvania or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for any exams you may be required to take.
Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program 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 several benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to a guarantee of a quality education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are often not available for non-accredited schools in Summerdale PA. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to future employers in the job market.
What is the Program’s Ranking? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to investigate the reputations of any schools you are considering. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their students as part of their job assistance program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also check with some Summerdale PA 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 Pennsylvania school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.
Is Enough Training Included? To begin with, contact the Pennsylvania regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any Summerdale PA phlebotomy program that you are looking at should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything lower than these minimums might indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide adequate training.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask the Pennsylvania colleges you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with local medical facilities. They are the ideal means to get hands-on practical training frequently not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Summerdale PA healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Getting your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the schools you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Summerdale PA health care community.
Are Classes Available as Needed? Finally, it’s critical to make sure that the ultimate school you pick offers classes at times that will accommodate your busy lifestyle. This is particularly true if you decide to continue working while going to college. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Summerdale PA, check that they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, confirm it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is in case you have to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.
Why Did You Decide to Become a Phlebotomist?
When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's important to review questions you may be asked. Among the things that recruiters frequently ask Phlebotomy Technician prospects is "What made you decide on Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not just the personal reasons you may have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but also what attributes and talents you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of typical interview questions, so you should prepare several approaches about how you would like to address them. Since there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the strengths you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Technician and the ideal choice for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down a few concepts and talking points that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.Choose the Best Phlebotomist College near Summerdale PA
Making certain that you enroll in the right phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this fulfilling health care career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a premium school. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs are found in a variety of academic institutes, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide range of courses in medical care and health sciences. Program options can vary a bit from state to state as each state has its own prerequisites when it pertains to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must diligently research and compare each program prior to making your ultimate decision. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can pick the right program for you. And with the proper education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Summerdale PA.
Learn About Summerdale Pennsylvania
Summerdale, Pennsylvania
Summerdale is an unincorporated community located in East Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, United States. As of 2000, the community had an estimated population of 479.[citation needed]Central Pennsylvania College and the Capital Area Intermediate Unit are located in Summerdale. It is part of the Harrisburg–Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Summerdale is located at 40°18'41" North, 76°55'54" West,[1] on the west side of U.S. Route 11/15 and the south side of Interstate 81. These two highways interchange just north of Summerdale.
Summerdale was founded in 1909. As people from Harrisburg came over the river during the summers, a dance hall was erected to support their need to party, thus, starting the town of Summerdale.[citation needed] In 2009, Summerdale held a Centennial Celebration. There was a parade, games, and a year-long celebration dedicated to the small town of Summerdale.
More Interesting Pennsylvania Cities
Business Results 1 - 5 of 11
Summerdale PA Blood Labs - BingNews Search results
-
Lab-grown blood vessels could soon become reality
One of the companies furthest along is Humacyte, a Durham, N.C.-based biotech that makes lab-grown blood vessels, which could help patients with traumatic injuries along with those who use ...
-
The Best Lab-Grown Diamonds, According To A Gem Expert
Even the best lab-grown diamonds can stir up a bit of skepticism in shoppers—and for good reason. You might wonder: How can anything concocted in a laboratory compare to what’s organically ...
-
Summerdale death investigation leads to manslaughter charge
The preliminary cause of death is homicide due to blunt force trauma, officials said. Baldwin County Sheriff’s investigators have issued an arrest warrant for Moreno, who was last seen in Texas ...
-
Lab-grown diamonds are ethical, cheaper, blood-less. So why aren't they as popular?
Gen Z and millennials are especially attracted to lab-grown diamonds, Disha says, because of "ethical sourcing and sustainability compared to natural diamonds, given the concerns around blood ...
-
Lab-grown blood given to people in world-first clinical trial
Blood that has been grown in a laboratory has been put into people in a world-first clinical trial, UK researchers say. Tiny amounts - equivalent to a couple of spoonfuls - are being tested to see ...
-
What is Medical Laboratory Science?
Medical laboratory science (MLS) is the health profession that provides diagnostic services needed to detect and treat disease. Diagnostic services include critical chemical, hematological, ...
-
Laboratory Medicine
Most faculty members are responsible (Section Head) of one or more clinical laboratory and are responsible for the analysis of blood, urine, body fluids and tissue used for the diagnosis and ...
-
About the Cybersecurity Lab
Whenever we go online—to shop, chat with our friends, or do anything else—we put ourselves at risk of cybercrime. Computer viruses can corrupt our files, hackers can steal our data, and ...
-
When to worry about blood test results
Under a new federal directive, commercial labs are required to give patients ... I asked him whether the technician had a difficult time drawing blood. He replied that indeed she had, leaving ...
-
James Fealtman OBITUARY
Fealtman Jr. and his wife, Elaine of Webster, MA; Thomas W. Fealtman of Summerdale, PA; and Michael J. Fealtman Sr. and his wife, Terry of Reading, PA. He also leaves 9 grandchildren and 17 great ...
-
Monitoring Blood Pressure at Home
High blood pressure has been called the "silent killer." The name may seem grandiose, but it's unfortunately accurate: High blood pressure has no symptoms and it can lead to life-threatening ...
-
About NOVA Labs
NOVA Labs is a free digital platform that engages teens and lifelong learners in games and interactives that foster authentic scientific exploration. From predicting solar storms and constructing ...