Phlebotomy Training Schools near Lewisberry PA 17339 - Find Phlebotomist Schools Near You

Picking a Phlebotomist Training Program near Lewisberry Pennsylvania

Lewisberry PA phlebotomist taking blood sample Enrolling in the ideal phlebotomy training near Lewisberry PA is an important initial step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult task to analyze and compare all of the training alternatives that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you get a quality education. In reality, most potential students start their search by considering 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 talk a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and should be part of your decision process also. 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 select the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online schools.

Phlebotomy Technician Work Summary

Lewisberry PA phlebotomist testing blood sample A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their main responsibility, there is actually so much more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the instruments being used are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork needs to be correctly 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 an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Lewisberry PA phlebotomists actually work in labs and are in charge of making sure that samples are analyzed properly utilizing the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they can be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The quickest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are many and varied, including Lewisberry PA hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to seniors. A number of phlebotomy techs, based on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a certain type of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients each day.

Phlebotomy Education, Licensing and Certification

Lewisberry PA phlebotomist holding blood sample There are essentially two kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomy training in Lewisberry PA, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program normally takes under a year to complete and provides a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at junior and community colleges, they typically take two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program furnish a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. While not required in most states, most employers look for certification prior to employing technicians. Some of the primary 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 require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, such as California and Nevada. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only supplies a quality education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Colleges

attending phlebotomy training online in Lewisberry PA To start with, let’s dispel one potential misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A good portion of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Lewisberry PA 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 prior to graduation. But since the non-practical component of the training may be attended online, it could be a more convenient alternative for some students. As an additional benefit, a number of online programs are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenditures, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomist program you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a premium education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the ideal option for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Since you now have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already selected the kind of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Pennsylvania college is significant in addition to the tuition expense. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomy online school. All of these decisions are an important component of the procedure for selecting a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you need to ask about all of the Lewisberry PA schools you are considering 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. Some states require certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomist program that complies with the state specific requirements for Pennsylvania or the state where you will be working and prepares you for any exams you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you select should be accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited program aside from an assurance of a superior education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges in Lewisberry PA. Finally, 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 quality. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are looking at. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even contact several Lewisberry PA area hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and see if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Pennsylvania school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Ample Training Provided? To begin with, contact 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 Lewisberry PA phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Included? 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 receive hands-on clinical training often not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Lewisberry PA medical community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Landing your first phlebotomy job 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 college has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Lewisberry PA health care community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s important to make sure that the final college you choose offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic schedule. This is especially true if you choose to continue working while attending college. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Lewisberry PA, make sure they are available 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 certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is should you need to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Want to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's important to consider questions you may be asked. Among the questions that recruiters often ask Phlebotomist applicants is "What compelled you to pick Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what qualities and talents you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you must prepare several ideas about how you want to answer them. Because there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but take down a few ideas and talking points that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Enroll in the Ideal Phlebotomy Course near Lewisberry PA

Making certain that you choose the most suitable phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding medical care field. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be available in a variety of academic institutions, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive assortment of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Course options may vary somewhat from state to state as every state has its own requirements when it pertains to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to thoroughly research and compare each college before making your ultimate choice. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the right program for you. And with the appropriate training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Lewisberry PA.