How to Enroll in the Best Phlebotomy Technician School near Knoxville Maryland
Enrolling in the right phlebotomist school near Knoxville MD is a critical first step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting undertaking to investigate and compare each of the training options that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you perform your due diligence to make certain that you receive a superior education. In fact, a large number of students start their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another factor you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is far more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors including accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and must be part of your decision process too. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you choose the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our conversation about online training.
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Should You Become a Plebotomist?
First of all, few people are likely to know what a phlebotomy tech or phlebotomist is. The short definition is a health care professional whose job is to draw blood. We will go into more depth later. So naturally anyone who decides to enter this profession must be comfortable with needles and blood. And if you are anxious in hospitals or other Knoxville MD medical environments, well this job may not be the best choice for you. And now let’s talk about the patients. Phlebotomists tend to work around nervous people who don’t like needles or having a blood sample drawn. And because most health care facilities are open around the clock, you may be expected to work weekends, nights and, you guessed it even on holidays. But if you don’t mind working with the needles and blood, and if you enjoy interacting with people and are patient and compassionate, this could be the right job for you.
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Phlebotomist Job Summary
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their principal task, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to confirm that the tools being utilized are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork needs to be accurately completed to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab 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 pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some phlebotomists actually work in Knoxville MD labs and are accountable for making certain that samples are tested correctly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they may be required to train other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.
Where are Phlebotomists Employed?
The simplest answer is wherever there are patients. Their work places are numerous and varied, such as Knoxville MD hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting samples from a certain type of patient. For example, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients on a daily basis.
Phlebotomist Training, Licensing and Certification
There are basically 2 kinds of programs that offer phlebotomist training, 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 provides the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they usually take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four 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 the majority of states, a number of Knoxville MD employers require certification prior to employing technicians. Some 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 call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, like California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a superior education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.
Online Phlebotomist Training
To begin with, let’s dispel one potential misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial part of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-practical component of the training may be attended online, it can be a more convenient option for some Knoxville MD students. As an additional benefit, many online programs are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenditures, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy college you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a premium education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online might be the best option for you.
Questions to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges
Now that you have a basic understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already decided on 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 college is important if you will be commuting from Knoxville MD as well as the cost of tuition. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomist school. Each of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for picking a phlebotomy program or school. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Following are a few questions that you should ask about each of the colleges you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision.
Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Maryland? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for Maryland or the state where you will be working and preps you for any exams you may have to take.
Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you pick should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a superior education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification exam administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the Knoxville MD job market.
What is the School’s Ranking? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to check the reputations of any schools you are reviewing. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also check with some Knoxville MD hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and find out if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the Maryland school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.
Is Adequate Training Provided? To begin with, check with the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer adequate training.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask the colleges you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional health care facilities. They are the optimal way to receive hands-on clinical training frequently not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Knoxville MD medical community. And they are a plus on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Getting your first phlebotomy job will be a lot 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 college has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Knoxville MD health care community.
Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s crucial to confirm that the final college you pick offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is especially true if you choose to still work while going to college. If you need to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Knoxville MD, make sure they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option as well. And if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up policy is should you have to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.
Phlebotomy Night Classes Near Me Knoxville MD
Schooling For Phlebotomist Knoxville Maryland
Making certain that you enroll in the right phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding health care field. As we have discussed in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a superior college. Phlebotomist training programs can be found in a wide range of academic institutes, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide range of programs in medical care and health sciences. Program offerings can differ a bit from state to state as each state has its own mandates when it comes to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must carefully screen and compare each program prior to making your final decision. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Schooling For Phlebotomist and to get more information regarding How To Be Phlebotomist. However, by asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the right phlebotomist program for you. And with the proper training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Knoxville MD.
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Knoxville, Maryland
Knoxville is an unincorporated community in Frederick County, Maryland, United States and Washington County, Maryland, United States.[1] The Robert Clagett Farm and Magnolia Plantation are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[2]
Knoxville is situated at the base of South Mountain directly beside the Potomac River to the immediate east of the water gap leading towards Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. The first settlers, English and German, began to populate the area in the latter half of the 18th century. By the early 19th century, a village began to form along the main road leading from Frederick, Maryland, to Harpers Ferry, the site of one of the two national armories in the United States.[3] The coming of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, and the establishment of the industrial town of Weverton to the immediate west fueled the growth of Knoxville in the 1840s.
In 1849, the Frederick Examiner newspaper reported that Knoxville was flourishing with new businesses and houses.[4] Many of the vernacular and Greek Revival styled buildings seen in the village today date from the 1840s and 1850s when the railroad, canal, and industry along the Potomac River contributed to Knoxville's growth. In 1851, a German Reformed congregation was founded in Knoxville and a new stone church erected atop Cemetery Hill.[5] Despite the interruption of the Civil War, Knoxville continued to thrive as a local transportation hub throughout the third quarter of the 19th century. Two additional churches were established in the town during these years: a Methodist Episcopal Church in 1869 and a Lutheran church (removed from the village of Weverton) in 1873.[6]
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