How Long Is A Phlebotomy Program Shrewsbury PA - Phlebotomist Training Schools

How to Pick the Right Phlebotomist Training Program near Shrewsbury Pennsylvania

Shrewsbury PA phlebotomist drawing blood from patient Choosing the right phlebotomist training near Shrewsbury PA is a critical initial step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting undertaking to investigate and compare all of the school alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s vital that you perform your due diligence to make certain that you get a superior education. In reality, a large number of potential students start the process by considering 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional option you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online schools later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and need to be part of your decision process as well. To assist in that effort, we will provide 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 address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online schools.

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Should You Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

blood analysis performed in Shrewsbury PA lab Right out of the gate, few people probably know what a phlebotomy tech or phlebotomist is. The basic answer is a health care professional who draws blood from patients. We will provide more details later. So naturally anyone who chooses this profession must be able to handle needles and blood. And if you are not comfortable in hospitals or other Shrewsbury PA medical environments, well this job probably is not right for you. And then there are the patients. Phlebotomists routinely work with nervous people who don’t like needles or having a blood sample taken. And because most health care facilities are open around the clock, you will probably be required to work weekends, evenings and, you guessed it even on holidays. But if you don’t mind working with the needles and blood, and if you enjoy helping people and are compassionate and very patient, this could be the perfect job for you.

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Phlebotomist Job Summary

Shrewsbury PA phlebotomist holding blood sample A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their principal task, there is in fact much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to confirm that the instruments being used are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork must be correctly filled out to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory screening procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Many phlebotomists in fact work in Shrewsbury PA laboratories and are responsible for ensuring that samples are tested correctly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they might be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?

The quickest answer is wherever there are patients. Their work places are many and diverse, including Shrewsbury PA medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be charged to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or young children to seniors. A number of phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, 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 senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Training, Licensing and Certification

Shrewsbury PA phlebotomy tech drawing blood There are basically 2 types of programs that offer phlebotomy training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes under a year to complete and furnishes a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at junior and community colleges, they usually take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a four year program provide a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to get certified. While not required in the majority of states, many Shrewsbury PA employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. Some 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 a few states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, such as Nevada and California. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a superior education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomist Online Colleges

Shrewsbury PA student attending online phlebotomy classes To begin with, let’s dispel one potential mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A good part of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be carried out 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 accessed online, it could be a more convenient option for many Shrewsbury PA students. As an added benefit, some online schools are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some costs, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be minimized also. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist college you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a quality education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Programs

What to ask Shrewsbury PA phlebotomy schools Since you now have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already chosen the kind of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the school is relevant if you will be commuting from Shrewsbury PA as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomy school. All of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for picking a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you should ask about each of the programs you are considering prior to making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As previously mentioned, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomy 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 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 premium education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to take a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more attractive to future employers in the Shrewsbury PA job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to check the reputations of all schools you are considering. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer 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 also. You can also contact some Shrewsbury PA clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and find out if they can offer any insights. As a closing thought, you can contact the Pennsylvania school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Enough Training Provided? First, check with the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Find out from the programs you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with local health care facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on clinical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Shrewsbury PA healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Getting your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the colleges you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Shrewsbury PA health care community.

Are Classes Available as Needed? Finally, it’s important to make sure that the final school you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your active schedule. This is particularly important if you decide to still work while attending school. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Shrewsbury PA, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option also. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is should you have to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.

What Do You Need To Become A Phlebotomist Shrewsbury PA

How Long Is A Phlebotomy Program Shrewsbury Pennsylvania

Making sure that you enroll in the right phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this fulfilling medical care field. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomist training programs are found in a wide range of educational institutions, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive array of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Program options may differ a bit across the country as every state has its own criteria when it concerns phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must carefully research and compare each school before making your ultimate decision. You originally came to this website due to an interest in How Long Is A Phlebotomy Program and to get more information regarding Find Phlebotomy Classes Near Me. 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 phlebotomy program for you. And with the appropriate training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Shrewsbury PA.

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Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania

At one time, the land that is now Shrewsbury Borough was part of one large area called Shrewsbury Township. In 1797, Baltzer (Balthaser) Faust began to develop the village by laying out lots on both sides of Joppa Road (later the York-Baltimore Turnpike and now Main Street). The early settlers were mostly German and the town was called Strassburg, which means “the town by the street or road.” By 1830 there was enough of an influx of English people to reinstate “Shrewsbury” as the official name. On August 9, 1834, the Borough of Shrewsbury was incorporated by an Act of the General Assembly. The area delineated was approximately one mile long and one-half mile wide, stretching lengthwise along the turnpike, with the borough center located at the crossroads.

As of the census[7] of 2000, there were 3,378 people, 1,330 households, and 942 families residing in the borough. The population density was 1,916.4 people per square mile (741.1/km²). There were 1,367 housing units at an average density of 775.5 per square mile (299.9/km²). The racial makeup of the borough was 97.48% White, 0.80% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.77% Asian, 0.15% Pacific Islander, 0.27% from other races, and 0.38% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.98% of the population.

There were 1,330 households out of which 32.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.4% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.1% were non-families. 26.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.08.