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How to Pick the Best Phlebotomy Technician Training Course near Crofton Maryland

Crofton MD phlebotomist drawing blood from patient Selecting the ideal phlebotomist school near Crofton MD is a critical initial step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging task to assess and compare all of the training options that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you do your due diligence to make certain that you obtain a quality education. In reality, many prospective students begin the process by considering 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional option you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll review a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important 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 including reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and must be part of your selection process also. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating 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 classes.

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Should You Choose a Career as a Phlebotomy Technician?

blood analysis performed in Crofton MD lab Right out of the gate, not many people are likely to know what a phlebotomy tech or phlebotomist is. The basic definition is a medical professional who draws blood from patients. We will go into more depth later. So naturally anyone who selects this profession must be comfortable with blood and needles. And if you are nervous in hospitals or other Crofton MD medical facilities, well this profession probably is not the best choice for you. And now let’s talk about the patients. Phlebotomy Techs tend to work around anxious people who hate needles or having a blood sample taken. And because most health care facilities are open around the clock, you may be expected to work weekends, nights and even on holidays. But if you don’t mind working with the needles and blood, and if you enjoy helping people and are patient and compassionate, this could be the perfect job for you.

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Phlebotomy Tech Career Description

Crofton MD phlebotomist holding blood sample A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal responsibility, there is actually much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to check that the tools being used are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork needs to be properly filled out in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory screening 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 infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some phlebotomists in fact work in Crofton MD laboratories and are accountable for making certain that samples are tested correctly under the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they can be asked to train other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Practice?

The simplest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are numerous and diverse, including Crofton MD medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be charged to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a specific type of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be drawing blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients each day.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Licensing and Certification

Crofton MD phlebotomy tech drawing blood There are primarily 2 types of programs that furnish phlebotomy training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to finish and offers a basic education along with 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, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they normally take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a four year program furnish a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not mandated in most states, most Crofton MD employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. A few 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 Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only supplies a superior education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Training

Crofton MD student attending online phlebotomy classes First, let’s resolve one possible misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial portion of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved healthcare facility or an on-campus lab. Numerous courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical part of the training may be attended online, it might be a more practical option for some Crofton MD students. As an additional benefit, many online colleges are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenses, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be minimized also. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist program you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the best choice for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

What to ask Crofton MD phlebotomy schools Since you now have a basic understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already chosen the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the college is significant if you will be commuting from Crofton MD as well as the tuition expense. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an accredited phlebotomy online school. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for selecting a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you should ask about each of the colleges you are considering prior to making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Maryland? As previously mentioned, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Maryland or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting agency, 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 a guarantee of a superior education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the Crofton MD job market.

What is the College’s Reputation? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s important to check out the reputations of all colleges you are considering. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their students as part of their job assistance program. You can research internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also check with several Crofton MD clinics or hospitals that you might have an interest in working for and find out if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the Maryland school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Provided? First, contact the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internships Included? Ask the colleges you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional medical facilities. They are the ideal way to receive hands-on clinical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Crofton MD medical community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Landing your first phlebotomist job will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Find out if the programs you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation as well as a substantial network of professional contacts within the Crofton MD healthcare community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s crucial to verify that the ultimate school you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Crofton MD, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option also. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up procedure is should you need to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

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Phlebotomist Courses Crofton Maryland

Making certain that you enroll in the most suitable phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality school. Phlebotomist training programs can be offered in a wide range of academic institutes, including junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive range of courses in medical care and health sciences. Training program options can vary slightly from state to state as every state has its own criteria when it concerns phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to diligently screen and compare each college before making your final selection. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Phlebotomist Courses and to get more information regarding Train To Be A Phlebotomist. However, by asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the best phlebotomy college for you. And with the appropriate education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Crofton MD.

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Crofton, Maryland

Crofton is a census-designated place and planned community in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, United States, located just west of the state capital Annapolis. Crofton is located 24 miles (39 km) south of Baltimore, 9.8 miles (15.8 km) west of Annapolis, and 24 miles (39 km) east-northeast of Washington, D.C. The community was established in 1964. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 27,348.[1]

In 1963, after the Crawford Corporation accumulated over 1,600 acres (650 ha) of land, it announced that it would build a new community called Crofton. This new town and planned community was founded at the same time as Reston, Virginia (April 17, 1964) and Columbia, Maryland (1967). Crofton would be anchored by a community golf course, which later became the Crofton Country Club. Crofton was officially founded in the fall of 1964. The company considered picking an English name for the new town that "sounds well and implies that this is a pleasant place to live." It ended up picking the name "Crofton", named after a small township in Cumberland County, England. The English town was originally called Croft-town, derived from the word "Croft", as the town standing upon the Crofts. Originally an exclusive gated community, Crofton's gates were opened and they now only serve as a symbol for the community.

In July 2007 Crofton was named by Money magazine as one of "100 Best Places to Live" in the United States. Crofton placed 72nd out of 100 cities on the list. It was selected for its relative anonymity while still boasting many major amenities, excellent schools, and sought-after location.[2]