How To Become A Licensed Phlebotomist Owings MD

How to Select the Right Phlebotomy Tech Training Program near Owings Maryland

Owings MD phlebotomist drawing blood from patientSelecting the right phlebotomist training near Owings MD is an important first step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging task 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 quality education. In fact, many potential students start the process by considering two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional factor you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll discuss more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and need to be part of your decision process as well. Toward that end, we will furnish a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you pick the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online training.

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Should You Train to Be a Plebotomist?

blood analysis performed in Owings MD labFirst of all, few people are likely to know what a phlebotomist or phlebotomy technician is. The short definition is a health care professional who draws blood from patients. We will provide more details later. So of course anyone who selects this profession must be comfortable with needles and blood. And if you are nervous in hospitals or other Owings MD medical environments, well this job probably is not right for you. And now let’s talk about the patients. Phlebotomists routinely work with anxious people who hate needles or having a blood sample drawn. And because many medical facilities are open around the clock, you will probably be required to work weekends, nights and, you guessed it even on holidays. But if you can handle the hours and the needles and blood, and if you enjoy helping people and are compassionate and very patient, this may be the perfect job for you.

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Phlebotomist Career Summary

Owings MD phlebotomist holding blood sampleA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal task, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the tools being employed are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample has to be correctly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork has to be accurately completed to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab testing procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Many phlebotomists in fact work in Owings MD laboratories and are responsible for making sure that samples are analyzed properly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they may be required to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The quickest response is wherever they treat patients. Their work environments are many and diverse, such as Owings MD medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be charged to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a specific type of patient. For example, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide variety of patients and would work with new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Certification and Licensing

Owings MD phlebotomy tech drawing bloodThere are essentially two 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 basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they usually take two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program furnish a more extensive background in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not required in most states, a number of Owings MD employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. A few of the principal certifying organizations 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 in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, like Nevada and California. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only provides a quality education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Colleges

Owings MD student attending online phlebotomy classesTo start with, let’s dispel one possible misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial component of the program of studies will be clinical 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-clinical part of the training can be accessed online, it might be a more convenient option for many Owings MD students. As an added benefit, a number of online schools are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some costs, for instance those for textbooks or commuting, may be lowered also. Just confirm that the online phlebotomy school you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can receive a quality education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the best choice for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomist Programs

What to ask Owings MD phlebotomy schoolsNow that you have a basic understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already decided on the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the school is significant if you will be commuting from Owings MD in addition to the tuition expense. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an accredited phlebotomist online college. All of these decisions are an important component of the procedure for selecting a phlebotomy program or school. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Following are several questions that you need to ask about all of the colleges you are looking at before 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 require licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of practical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you might have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomy program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Maryland or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for any exams you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you select should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited school aside from an assurance of a quality education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited schools. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the Owings MD job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s important to check out the reputations of all schools you are considering. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can research online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also check with some Owings MD hospitals or clinics that you may have an interest in working for and see if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can contact the Maryland school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Provided? To begin with, check with the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any phlebotomist program that you are looking at should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums might indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish adequate training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out from the colleges you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional medical facilities. They are the optimal means to get hands-on practical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Owings MD health care community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Landing your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the colleges you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation as well as a substantial network of professional contacts within the Owings MD health care community.

Are Classes Available as Needed? And last, it’s important to verify that the final program you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is especially true if you opt to continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Owings MD, check that they are offered 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 study online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is should you have to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Phlebotomist Owings MD

How To Become A Licensed Phlebotomist Owings Maryland

Making certain that you choose the right phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding health care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomist training programs are available in a wide range of educational institutes, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive range of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program options can differ a bit across the country as each state has its own prerequisites when it concerns phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to thoroughly screen and compare each program prior to making your ultimate selection. You originally came to this website due to an interest in How To Become A Licensed Phlebotomist and to get more information regarding Phlebotomists Training Courses.  However, by addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the best phlebotomist school for you. And with the proper training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Owings MD.

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    Owings Mills, Maryland

    Owings Mills is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Baltimore County, Maryland, United States. It is a suburb of Baltimore. The population was 30,622 at the 2010 census.[1] Owings Mills is home to the northern terminus of the Baltimore Metro Subway, and housed the Owings Mills Mall until its closure in 2015.[2] It is also home to the Baltimore Ravens' headquarters facility. In 2008, CNNMoney.com named Owings Mills number 49 of the "100 Best Places to Live and Launch." [3]

    As of the census[5] of 2010, there were 30,622 people and 12,525 households in the CDP. The population density was 3,189.8 people per square mile (1,229.8/km²). There were 13,282 housing units, at an average density of 1,383.5 per square mile (533.4/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 34.3% White, 51.0% African American, 0.3% Native American, 7.8% Asian, 0.1% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, 3.3% some other race, and 3.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.0% of the population.

    There were 12,525 households, out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.5% were headed by married couples living together, 16.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.1% were non-families. 33.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.1% were someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34, and the average family size was 3.01.

     

     

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