Find Drawing Blood Associates Degrees Youngstown PA

How to Select the Right Phlebotomy School near Youngstown Pennsylvania

Youngstown PA phlebotomist drawing blood from patientEnrolling in the right phlebotomy technician school near Youngstown PA is a critical initial step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting undertaking to assess and compare each of the training alternatives that are available to you. However it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you get a superior education. In fact, many prospective students start their search by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional option you may consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local 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 much more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors including reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and need to 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 assessing to help you select the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online classes.

Request Free Information on Phlebotomy Training Near You!

Should You Become a Plebotomist?

blood analysis performed in Youngstown PA labRight out of the gate, few people are likely to know what a phlebotomist or phlebotomy technician is. The basic answer is a medical professional who draws blood from patients. We will go into more depth later. So naturally anyone who chooses this profession must be OK around needles and blood. And if you are nervous in hospitals or other Youngstown PA medical facilities, well this job may not be the best choice for you. And now let’s talk about the patients. Phlebotomy Techs tend to work around nervous people who hate needles or having their blood drawn. And because most health care facilities are open around the clock, you may be required to work weekends, evenings and even on holidays. But if you can handle the hours and the blood and needles, and if you enjoy interacting with people and are compassionate and very patient, this could be the right job for you.

Click Here to Get Free Information on Phlebotomy Training Near You!

Phlebotomist Job Summary

Youngstown PA phlebotomist holding blood sampleA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. While that is their primary responsibility, there is in fact far more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to confirm that the tools being used are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork needs to be correctly filled out in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory screening 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. A number of phlebotomists actually work in Youngstown PA labs and are responsible for making sure that samples are tested correctly under the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they may be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?

The most basic answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are many and varied, such as Youngstown PA medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a specific type of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be drawing blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital setting would be collecting blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Certification and Licensing

Youngstown PA phlebotomy tech drawing bloodThere are essentially two kinds of programs that offer phlebotomist training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes less than a year to complete and provides a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at community and junior colleges, they typically require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program offer a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will probably want to be certified. While not required in most states, most Youngstown PA employers require certification before employing technicians. Some of the main 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, including California and Nevada. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a superior education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomist Training

Youngstown PA student attending online phlebotomy classesTo start with, let’s resolve one possible mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A good portion 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. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-practical portion of the training can be attended online, it can be a more convenient option for some Youngstown PA students. As an added benefit, many online programs are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some expenses, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy program you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

What to ask Youngstown PA phlebotomy schoolsSince you now have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already picked the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the school is significant if you will be commuting from Youngstown PA as well as the cost of tuition. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomist program. All of these decisions are an important part of the process for selecting a phlebotomy program or school. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you need to ask about each of the programs you are looking at before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Pennsylvania or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for all exams you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you choose should be accredited by a reputable regional or national accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a superior education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited schools. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to potential employers in the Youngstown PA job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are reviewing. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job assistance program. You can screen online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even check with a few Youngstown PA hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and see if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can contact the Pennsylvania school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Provided? To begin with, contact the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are reviewing 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 provide adequate training.

Are Internships Included? Find out from the programs you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with local health care facilities. They are the optimal means to get hands-on clinical training often not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Youngstown PA healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Available? Getting your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation as well as a substantial network of professional contacts within the Youngstown PA health care community.

Are Class Times Conveniently Scheduled? And last, it’s crucial to make sure that the final college you select provides classes at times that are compatible with your busy lifestyle. This is especially true if you decide to still work while going to college. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Youngstown PA, make sure they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is should you need to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Where Can I Take Phlebotomy Classes Youngstown PA

Find Drawing Blood Associates Degrees Youngstown Pennsylvania

Making certain that you enroll in the right phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding healthcare career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomy training programs can be offered in a wide range of educational institutions, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide array of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Program offerings may vary somewhat across the country as each state has its own prerequisites when it pertains to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to diligently research and compare each program prior to making your ultimate choice. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Find Drawing Blood Associates Degrees and to get more information regarding Free Info on Phlebotomy Tech Training Near Me.  However, by addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the best phlebotomy program for you. And with the proper training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Youngstown PA.

More Pennsylvania Bloody Wonderful Locations

  • Phlebotomy Technician Classes Leetsdale PA
  • Online Phlebotomy Training Program Jessup PA
  • Best Phlebotomy Technician Colleges Near Me Barnesville PA
  • Blood Draw Training New Bloomfield PA
  • Phlebotomy College Monaca PA
  • Best Phlebotomist Programs Altoona PA
  • Becoming A Phlebotomist Cambridge Springs PA
  • Phlebotomist Courses Clinton PA
  • Best Drawing Blood Colleges Near Me Bentleyville PA
  • Phlebotomy Technician Training Program Frederick PA
  •  

     

     

    Youngstown State University

    Youngstown State University (YSU) is a public research university in Youngstown, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1908, it serves over 12,000 students in studies up to the doctoral level. It is affiliated with the University System of Ohio. and offers more than 170 undergraduate degree programs and over 50 graduate degree programs within its 7 schools and colleges in social science, education, STEM, communication, health, and business. Beyond its current student body, the university has more than 94,000 alumni.

    YSU's athletic teams compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and are collectively known as the Penguins, competing in the Horizon League in all varsity sports except football, which competes in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.

    The university's origins trace back to 1908, when the local branch of the YMCA established a school of law within the Youngstown Association School.[2] In 1921, the school became known as the Youngstown Institute of Technology and offered its first evening courses.[2] In 1928, a year after establishing the College of Arts and Sciences, the institute once again changed its name to Youngstown College. In 1955, Youngstown College was renamed as Youngstown University, an indication of the school's broadening curriculum.(note: A private for profit Youngstown College was formed in 1987 and had no affiliation with YSU. The college closed its doors in mid 2000 due to financial issues.[2])

     

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 2

    LabCorp
    3 Reviews
    Laboratory Testing
    Phone:
    9173 Rte 30, Ste 5, Irwin, PA 15642

    Quest Diagnostics
    2 Reviews
    Laboratory Testing
    Phone:
    4889 William Penn Hwy, Walnut Hollow Shopping Center, Murrysville, PA 15668