Selecting a Phlebotomy Technician Course near Valencia Pennsylvania

Enrolling in the ideal phlebotomy training near Valencia PA is a critical first step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a challenging undertaking to assess and compare each of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you obtain a quality education. In reality, many potential students begin their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional option you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and should be part of your decision process also. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing 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 resume our conversation about online training.

Phlebotomy Technician Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their principal responsibility, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the instruments being used are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork needs to be correctly completed to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening process. The phlebotomist then delivers 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 Valencia PA phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are responsible for ensuring that samples are tested correctly using the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they might be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The most basic response is wherever patients are treated. Their work environments are numerous and diverse, including Valencia PA medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomists, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a certain kind of patient. For instance, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be collecting blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting blood from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Training, Certification and Licensing

There are basically 2 kinds of programs that offer phlebotomist training in Valencia PA, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to finish and provides a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest 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 to become a phlebotomy tech. Available at community and junior colleges, they typically take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a four year program furnish a more extensive background in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. While not mandated in most states, many employers look for certification prior to employing technicians. Some of the main certifying organizations 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 call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, such as California and Nevada. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a premium education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomy Online Certificates and Degrees

First, let’s dispel one possible misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant part of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Valencia PA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-practical part of the training may be attended online, it can be a more practical alternative for many students. As an additional benefit, many online schools are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenditures, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be lowered as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomist college you choose is accredited by a regional or national 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 dedicated enough to study at home, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the best choice for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Programs

Now that you have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already picked 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 as well as the tuition expense. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomy program. All of these decisions are an important component of the procedure for selecting a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Following are some questions that you need to ask about all of the Valencia PA programs you are looking at prior to making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As mentioned previously, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Pennsylvania or the state where you will be working and readies you for all examinations you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to a guarantee of a quality education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification examination administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are typically not available for non-accredited schools in Valencia PA. Finally, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to check the reputations of any colleges you are looking at. 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 screen internet school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also talk to several Valencia PA area hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and find out if they can offer any insights. As a closing thought, you can check with the Pennsylvania school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Adequate Training Provided? First, contact the Pennsylvania regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Valencia PA phlebotomy program that you are looking at should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask the Pennsylvania programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with local health care facilities. They are the ideal means to receive hands-on clinical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Valencia PA health care community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Finding your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a higher rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Valencia PA medical community.

Are Classes Available as Needed? And last, it’s crucial to verify that the ultimate program you choose provides classes at times that are compatible with your hectic lifestyle. This is particularly true if you choose to still work while attending school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Valencia PA, check that they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up policy is should you need to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's advantageous to consider questions you might be asked. Among the things that recruiters frequently ask Phlebotomist candidates is "What made you pick Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the private reasons you might have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but also what characteristics and skills you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you must ready a number of approaches about how you want to answer them. Since there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the strengths you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Tech and the best choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but jot down some ideas and topics that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Select the Best Phlebotomist College near Valencia PA

Making certain that you select the most suitable phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this gratifying health care career position. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior school. Phlebotomist training programs can be offered in a wide range of academic institutions, including junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive array of courses in medical care and health sciences. Program options can differ a bit from state to state as each state has its own prerequisites when it comes to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly evaluate and compare each college prior to making your final choice. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the best program for you. And with the proper education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Valencia PA.

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