How to Find the Best Phlebotomy Tech Training Course near Thorndale Pennsylvania
Enrolling in the ideal phlebotomy school near Thorndale PA is an essential initial step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult task to evaluate and compare all of the school options that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s vital that you perform your due diligence to ensure that you receive a quality education. In reality, most prospective students begin the process by considering 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional option you may look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll talk more about online classes 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 cheapest or the closest one. Other factors such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and must be part of your selection process as well. Toward that end, we will furnish a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you choose the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our conversation about online classes.
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Should You Become a Plebotomist?
First of all, few people probably know what a phlebotomist or phlebotomy technician is. The short answer is a health care professional whose job is to draw blood. We will provide more details later. So of course anyone who decides to enter this profession must be able to handle blood and needles. And if you are anxious in hospitals or other Thorndale PA medical facilities, well this job may not be right for you. And then there are the patients. Phlebotomy Techs 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 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 tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their primary function, there is actually so much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the instruments being employed are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample has to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork has to be accurately completed in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab testing process. 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 pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some phlebotomists in fact work in Thorndale PA labs and are accountable for making sure that samples are analyzed properly utilizing the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they can be asked to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.
Where are Phlebotomists Employed?
The easiest answer is wherever there are patients. Their workplaces are numerous and varied, such as Thorndale PA medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be charged to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a particular kind of patient. For example, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital setting would be collecting blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.
Phlebotomy Training, Licensing and Certification
There are basically two kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomist training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes under a year to finish and furnishes a general education together with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they normally require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program provide a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will probably want to be certified. Although not mandated in the majority of states, most Thorndale PA employers require certification before employing 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 several states that do call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, such as California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s important that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a superior education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.
Online Phlebotomist Colleges
To start with, let’s dispel one possible mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial component 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 completion of an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical part of the training can be accessed online, it might be a more practical alternative for some Thorndale PA students. As an added benefit, many online programs are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some costs, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomist program you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a superior education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the best option for you.
What to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges
Now that you have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already decided on the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the college is important if you will be commuting from Thorndale PA as well as the cost of tuition. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomy college. All of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for selecting a phlebotomy program or school. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Following are several questions that you should ask about all of the programs you are considering before making your final decision.
Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Pennsylvania? As earlier discussed, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed before working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Pennsylvania or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for all exams you may have to take.
Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited program aside from a guarantee of a quality 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 agencies. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are typically not available for non-accredited colleges. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to potential employers in the Thorndale 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 caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to check out the reputations of all colleges you are looking at. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their students as part of their job assistance program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can even talk to some Thorndale PA hospitals or clinics that you may have an interest in working for and find out if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the Pennsylvania school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been filed or if the schools are in full compliance.
Is Ample Training Included? First, check with the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are looking at should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums may indicate that the program is not expansive enough to furnish adequate training.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask the programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional health care facilities. They are the ideal means to get hands-on clinical training typically not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Thorndale PA medical community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Landing your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the schools you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation together with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Thorndale PA healthcare community.
Are Class Times Conveniently Scheduled? And last, it’s crucial to confirm that the final program you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your hectic schedule. This is especially true if you choose to still work while going to college. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Thorndale PA, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option also. And 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 in case you need to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.
Phlebotomy For Nurses Training Classes Thorndale PA
How Long Does Phlebotomy Classes Take Thorndale Pennsylvania
Making sure that you choose the right phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding health care field. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality school. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs are found in a wide range of academic institutes, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide range of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program offerings may vary slightly from state to state as each state has its own prerequisites when it concerns phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must carefully research and compare each program before making your final decision. You originally came to this website due to an interest in How Long Does Phlebotomy Classes Take and to get more information regarding Find Drawing Blood Colleges Near Me. However, by addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the best phlebotomist program for you. And with the proper education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Thorndale PA.
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Thorndale, Pennsylvania
Thorndale is a census-designated place in Chester County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 3,407 at the 2010 census. Thorndale is the commercial and administrative center of Caln Township. The community's main street is U.S. Route 30 Business. Many of Thorndale's old houses fell into disrepair from the late 1990s to present and have been torn down and replaced with new businesses. Thorndale is historically notable for containing a summer house of US President James Buchanan, which still stands and has been incorporated into a golf course and turned into a restaurant. The community contains the Thorndale Fire Station and Caln Elementary School, part of the Coatesville Area School District. Thorndale sits along SEPTA's Paoli/Thorndale Line and is currently the last station stop on that line. It is also served by the Rover bus system.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.8 square miles (4.7 km2), of which 0.55% is water. It is part of Caln Township, with students attending school in either the Coatesville Area School District or the Downingtown Area School District.
As of the census[2] of 2000, there were 3,561 people, 1,347 households, and 952 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,953.2 people per square mile (755.4/km²). There were 1,418 housing units at an average density of 777.8/sq mi (300.8/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 82.65% White, 10.98% African American, 0.22% Native American, 2.33% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 2.13% from other races, and 1.57% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.32% of the population.
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