How to Choose the Best Phlebotomy Technician School near Crum Lynne Pennsylvania

Enrolling in the ideal phlebotomy training near Crum Lynne PA is an essential initial step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a challenging task to analyze and compare all of the training options that are available to you. However it’s important that you perform your due diligence to make sure that you get a superior education. In fact, most students start the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Another factor you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is far more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your decision process too. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you pick the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our discussion about online training.

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Should You Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

Right out of the gate, not many 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 go into more depth later. So naturally anyone who selects this profession must be able to handle needles and blood. And if you are nervous in hospitals or other Crum Lynne PA medical facilities, well this job may not be right for you. And now let’s talk about the patients. Phlebotomy Technicians routinely work around nervous people who don’t like needles or having their blood taken. And because most health care facilities are open 24 hours, you will probably be required to work weekends, evenings 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 patient and compassionate, this could be the right profession for you.

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Phlebotomy Tech Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal task, there is in fact much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the instruments being employed are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample has to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork needs to be correctly filled out in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab screening process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Many phlebotomists in fact work in Crum Lynne PA labs and are accountable for making certain that samples are tested properly using the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they can be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The most basic response is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are numerous and varied, such as Crum Lynne PA medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a specific type of patient. For instance, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be collecting blood from senior patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital setting would be collecting blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients every day.

Phlebotomy Education, Certification and Licensing

There are primarily two kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomist training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to finish and furnishes a basic education along with 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, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at community and junior colleges, they normally require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program provide a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to get certified. Although not mandated in the majority of states, a number of Crum Lynne PA employers look for certification prior to hiring 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 some states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, including California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only supplies a superior education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomy Online Training

First, let’s resolve one possible mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial part of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. Many courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-clinical part of the training may be attended online, it may be a more convenient alternative for many Crum Lynne PA students. As an added benefit, many online programs are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be lowered also. Just confirm that the online phlebotomy school you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online may be the right option for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Since you now have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already decided on the kind 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 relevant if you will be commuting from Crum Lynne PA as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomy program. All of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for selecting a phlebotomy program or school. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Following are some questions that you should ask about each of the schools you are looking at before making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Pennsylvania? As earlier discussed, 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 requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Pennsylvania or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you pick 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 many benefits to graduating from an accredited school in addition to a guarantee of a quality education. To begin with, 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 unavailable for non-accredited programs. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to future employers in the Crum Lynne PA job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist 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 all 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 placement program. You can screen online school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can also check with a few Crum Lynne PA hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and find out if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Pennsylvania school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Ample Training Provided? 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 clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any phlebotomist program that you are looking at 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 provide adequate training.

Are Internships Provided? Ask the colleges you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional health care facilities. They are the optimal means to obtain hands-on clinical training often not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Crum Lynne PA health care community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Available? Finding your first phlebotomist position will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the schools you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a high rate, signifying they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Crum Lynne PA healthcare community.

Are Classes Available as Needed? And last, it’s important to confirm that the ultimate program you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your busy lifestyle. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Crum Lynne PA, make sure they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, confirm it is an option also. Even if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is should you need to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

Blood Drawing Course Crum Lynne PA

Accelerated Phlebotomy Training Crum Lynne Pennsylvania

Making certain that you enroll in the most suitable phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding medical care field. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium program. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are offered in a variety of academic institutes, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide assortment of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program options may vary somewhat across the country as each state has its own criteria when it comes to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly evaluate and compare each college before making your ultimate choice. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Accelerated Phlebotomy Training and to get more information regarding Certified Phlebotomy Schools.  However, by addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the right phlebotomist program for you. And with the proper education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Crum Lynne PA.

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