Becoming A Phlebotomy Technician Riverdale MD - Phlebotomist Training Schools

How to Choose the Right Phlebotomist Training Program near Riverdale Maryland

Riverdale MD phlebotomist drawing blood from patient Selecting the right phlebotomy technician school near Riverdale MD is an important first step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult task to assess and compare all of the school options that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you receive a superior education. In reality, most students begin the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another option you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online schools later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is much more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables including accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and should be part of your decision process as well. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you pick the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our conversation about online classes.

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Should You Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

blood analysis performed in Riverdale MD lab Right out of the gate, few people probably know what a phlebotomy tech or phlebotomist is. The short answer is a medical professional whose job is to draw blood. We will provide more details later. So of course anyone who chooses this profession must be able to handle blood and needles. And if you are anxious in hospitals or other Riverdale MD medical facilities, well this job probably is not the best choice for you. And then there are the patients. Phlebotomists tend to work with anxious people who hate needles or having their blood drawn. And because many medical facilities are open around the clock, you may be expected to work weekends, evenings and even on holidays. But if you don’t mind working with the blood and needles, and if you enjoy helping people and are compassionate and very patient, this could be the perfect profession for you.

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Phlebotomist Work Summary

Riverdale MD phlebotomist holding blood sample A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their primary responsibility, there is in fact much more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the instruments being utilized are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be correctly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork must be accurately completed in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab screening procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some phlebotomists in fact work in Riverdale MD laboratories and are responsible for making certain that samples are analyzed correctly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they can be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The easiest response is wherever they treat patients. Their work environments are numerous and varied, including Riverdale MD medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting samples from a specific type of patient. For example, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers solely. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Certification and Licensing

Riverdale MD phlebotomy tech drawing blood There are essentially two types of programs that offer phlebotomist training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes under a year to complete and provides a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomist. Available at community and junior colleges, they usually take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program offer a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not required in the majority of states, most Riverdale MD employers require certification prior to employing technicians. A few of the main certifying agencies 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 require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, such as Nevada and California. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a premium education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomy Online Certificates and Degrees

Riverdale MD student attending online phlebotomy classes First, let’s resolve one possible misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant component of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an approved healthcare facility or an on-campus lab. A large number of courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-practical portion of the training can be attended online, it may be a more convenient alternative for some Riverdale MD students. As an added benefit, a number of online classes are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenditures, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened also. Just verify that the online phlebotomist college you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a premium education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

What to ask Riverdale MD phlebotomy schools Now that you have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already decided on the type of program you wish 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 Riverdale MD in addition to the cost of tuition. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomist college. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the process for choosing a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Following are some questions that you should ask about all of the colleges you are considering prior to making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Maryland? As earlier discussed, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while some others require licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed before working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomist program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Maryland or the state where you will be working and preps you for all exams you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you pick should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of advantages to graduating from an accredited program in addition to an assurance of a quality education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to take a certification exam offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the Riverdale MD job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are considering. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job assistance program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even check with some Riverdale MD clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and find out if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the Maryland school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Sufficient 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 amount of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are considering should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums might indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Ask the schools you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with local healthcare facilities. They are the ideal means to get hands-on clinical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Riverdale MD healthcare community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Available? Landing your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation together with a large network of professional contacts within the Riverdale MD health care community.

Are Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it’s critical to confirm that the ultimate program you choose offers classes at times that are compatible with your hectic lifestyle. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Riverdale MD, check that they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option also. Even if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make sure 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 as a result of emergencies or illness.

Blood Drawing Classes Riverdale MD

Becoming A Phlebotomy Technician Riverdale Maryland

Making certain that you enroll in the most suitable phlebotomist training is an important first step toward your success in this gratifying medical care career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium program. Phlebotomy training programs are offered in a number of educational institutions, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive range of courses in medical care and health sciences. Course options can differ a bit from state to state as every state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you need to diligently evaluate and compare each school prior to making your final decision. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Becoming A Phlebotomy Technician and to get more information regarding Phlebotomy Schools Online. However, by addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the best phlebotomist program for you. And with the proper education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Riverdale MD.

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Riverdale Park, Maryland

Riverdale Park, formerly known and often referred to as Riverdale, Maryland is a semi-urban town in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States, a suburb in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.[5] The population was 6,956 as of 2010.[6] The population as of 2018 is approximately 7,225, according to the US Census Bureau[7] and other entities[8].

Riverdale Park and the neighboring community of West Riverdale developed in the late 19th century as streetcar suburbs in central Prince George’s County. The town is located approximately seven miles northeast of downtown Washington, D.C., and is bounded to the north by East-West Highway. The area is also bisected by the heavily traveled Baltimore Avenue (U.S. Route 1). The city of College Park is located to the north, the town of University Park to the east across Baltimore Avenue, and Hyattsville is located to the south and southwest.

The area was first developed in 1801 when a Belgian aristocrat, Henri Joseph Stier, purchased 800 acres situated between two tributaries of the Anacostia River, known as the Paint and Northwest branches. Stier and his family moved to the United States several years earlier to escape the French Revolution (1788–1789). Upon purchase, he named his holdings Riversdale, and began constructing his residence that same year. The mansion was modeled after the Stier family’s Belgian home, Chateau du Mick, and when completed in 1807, the building stood as a two-story stuccoed-brick dwelling in the style of late Georgian architecture.