Selecting a Phlebotomy Training Program near Prospect Park Pennsylvania

Enrolling in the ideal phlebotomist training near Prospect Park PA is a critical initial step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting task to assess and compare each of the training alternatives that are available to you. However it’s vital that you do your due diligence to ensure that you get a quality education. In fact, many students begin the process by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Another factor you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll review a bit more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is much more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and must be part of your selection process as well. 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 select the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online classes.

Phlebotomy Tech Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their principal duty, there is actually far more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the tools being employed are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork must be correctly completed to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory testing procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Many Prospect Park PA phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are in charge of ensuring that samples are tested properly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they might be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The simplest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are many and diverse, such as Prospect Park PA hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a certain type of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Certification and Licensing

There are basically two kinds of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Prospect Park PA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes under a year to complete and provides a general 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, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at community and junior colleges, they typically take two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program furnish a more expansive background in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to be certified. Although not required in the majority of states, most employers look for certification before employing technicians. A few of the principal certifying agencies 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, like California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only furnishes a premium education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Certificates and Degrees

To start with, let’s dispel one potential misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant component of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Prospect Park PA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-clinical portion of the training may be accessed online, it could be a more convenient alternative for many students. As an added benefit, a number of online programs are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenses, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy program you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a premium education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Now that you have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already decided on the kind 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 significant as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomist online program. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the process for choosing a school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when arriving at your decision. Following are a few questions that you should ask about each of the Prospect Park PA colleges you are reviewing before making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As mentioned previously, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you might have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Pennsylvania or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for all examinations you may be required to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you select should be accredited by a reputable regional or national accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to an assurance of a quality education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are often not available for non-accredited schools in Prospect Park PA. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to future employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Reputation? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of any schools you are considering. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also contact some Prospect Park PA local clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the Pennsylvania school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Provided? First, check with the Pennsylvania regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Prospect Park PA phlebotomy program that you are considering should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask the Pennsylvania colleges you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with area healthcare facilities. They are the optimal way to get hands-on clinical training often not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Prospect Park PA medical community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Finding your first phlebotomist position will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the colleges you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school 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 together with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Prospect Park PA health care community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it’s important to verify that the ultimate program you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is especially true if you opt to still work while going to school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Prospect Park PA, make certain they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, make sure 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 fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is should you need to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's important to review questions you could be asked. Among the things that interviewers typically ask Phlebotomy Tech candidates is "What compelled you to choose Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not only the private reasons you might have for being Phlebotomist, but additionally what qualities and abilities you have that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to Phlebotomy, in addition to a significant number of standard interview questions, so you must ready several approaches about how you want to address them. Given that there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Technician and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down a few concepts and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Enroll in the Ideal Phlebotomist School near Prospect Park PA

Making certain that you enroll in the right phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding healthcare career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium program. Phlebotomy training programs are found in a wide range of educational institutes, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide array of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Program options may differ somewhat across the country as every state has its own requirements when it concerns phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you need to thoroughly evaluate and compare each program prior to making your final selection. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can select the right program for you. And with the proper education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Prospect Park PA.

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