How Long To Be A Phlebotomist Jessup MD - Phlebotomist Training Schools

How to Pick the Best Phlebotomy Tech School near Jessup Maryland

Jessup MD phlebotomist drawing blood from patient Choosing the ideal phlebotomist training near Jessup MD is an important first step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging task to assess and compare all of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s vital that you perform your due diligence to ensure that you get a superior education. In fact, a large number of prospective students begin the process by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Another factor you might consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll review a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your selection 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 pick the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online classes.

Request Free Information on Phlebotomy Training Near You!

Should You Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

blood analysis performed in Jessup MD lab Right out of the gate, few people probably know what a phlebotomist or phlebotomy technician is. The short definition is a medical professional whose job is to draw blood. We will provide more details later. So naturally anyone who decides to enter this profession must be able to handle blood and needles. And if you are anxious in hospitals or other Jessup MD medical facilities, well this profession may not be the best choice for you. And then there are the patients. Phlebotomy Techs often work with anxious people who hate needles or having their blood taken. And because many medical facilities are open around the clock, you may be expected to work weekends, nights and even on holidays. But if you can handle the hours and the blood and needles, and if you enjoy helping people and are patient and compassionate, this could be the right profession for you.

Click Here to Get Free Information on Phlebotomy Training Near You!

Phlebotomy Technician Career Description

Jessup MD phlebotomist holding blood sample A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. While that is their main function, there is in fact much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the instruments being used are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample must be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork needs to be correctly filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory screening procedure. 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. Some phlebotomists in fact work in Jessup MD laboratories and are responsible for making certain that samples are analyzed correctly utilizing the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they can be required to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The simplest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work environments are numerous and varied, including Jessup MD medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be charged to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to seniors. A number of phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a certain kind of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be drawing blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Licensing and Certification

Jessup MD phlebotomy tech drawing blood There are primarily two types of programs that furnish phlebotomy training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program normally takes under a year to complete and furnishes a basic education together 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, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will include training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they usually require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a 4 year program provide a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will probably want to be certified. While not required in most states, many Jessup MD employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. A few of the key certifying organizations include:

National Phlebotomy Association
National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
American Medical Technologists (AMT)

There are some states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, including California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a superior education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomist Online Schools

Jessup MD student attending online phlebotomy classes First, let’s dispel one possible mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant portion of the course of study will be practical training and it will be performed either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. A large number of courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-practical part of the training may be attended online, it may be a more practical alternative for some Jessup MD students. As an added benefit, many online programs are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenditures, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be lowered also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy school you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

What to ask Jessup MD phlebotomy schools Now that you have a basic understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already decided on 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 campus is important if you will be commuting from Jessup MD in addition to the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an accredited phlebotomist online program. Each of these decisions are an important component of the process for choosing a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you should ask about each of the programs you are considering prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Maryland? As previously mentioned, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that complies with the state specific requirements for Maryland or the state where you will be working and readies you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you select should be accredited by a reputable 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 in addition to an assurance of a premium 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. Next, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are often unavailable for non-accredited programs. Last, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the Jessup MD job market.

What is the Program’s Ranking? In numerous states there is minimal 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 check out the reputations of any schools you are considering. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can also contact several Jessup MD hospitals or clinics that you may have an interest in working for and ask if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the Maryland school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Included? First, check with the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums might signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish adequate training.

Are Internships Provided? Find out from the programs you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with area medical facilities. They are the optimal means to get hands-on practical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Jessup MD healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Finding your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the schools you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation as well as a substantial network of professional contacts within the Jessup MD medical community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it’s critical to verify that the ultimate college you pick provides classes at times that are compatible with your busy schedule. This is especially important if you opt to still work while attending school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Jessup MD, make sure they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option also. Even if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is in case you have to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.

Can You Take Phlebotomy Classes Online Jessup MD

How Long To Be A Phlebotomist Jessup Maryland

Making certain that you select the right phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare field. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a premium school. Phlebotomy training programs are offered in a variety of educational institutions, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide array of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Course offerings can vary a bit from state to state as each state has its own criteria when it concerns phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must carefully screen and compare each college prior to making your final selection. You originally came to this website due to an interest in How Long To Be A Phlebotomist and to get more information regarding Phlebotomy Training And Certification. However, by addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the best phlebotomy program for you. And with the proper education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Jessup MD.

More Maryland Bloody Wonderful Locations

Phlebotomy Training Course Catonsville MD

Phlebotomy Tech Schools Linthicum Heights MD

Cost Of Phlebotomy Training Henderson MD

Phlebotomist Degree Requirements Rising Sun MD

Phlebotomy Online Classes Cockeysville MD

Schools For Phlebotomist Kensington MD

Phlebotomy Degree Abingdon MD

How Many Years Of School To Become A Phlebotomist Willards MD

Phlebotomy Course Cost Hollywood MD

Phlebotomist School Online Derwood MD

Jessup, Maryland

Jessup (/ˈdʒɛsəp/ JESS-əp) is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Howard County, Maryland and Anne Arundel County, Maryland, United States. The population was 7,137 at the 2010 census.[1]

Jessup is located at 39°08′18″N 76°46′30″W / 39.138374°N 76.774929°W / 39.138374; -76.774929 (39.138374, −76.774929).[2] According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 5.3 square miles (13.6 km2), all of it land. As of the 2010 census, the center of population for the state of Maryland is located on the grounds of the Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center in Jessup.[3][4]

Jessup is located near the site of the historic Spurrier's Tavern, a farm and tavern located on the post road between Baltimore and Washington (Route One) where George Washington traveled regularly.[5]