Find Phlebotomy Training Near Me in Shepherdstown WV 25443

Picking a Phlebotomist Training Course near Shepherdstown West Virginia

Shepherdstown WV phlebotomist taking blood samplePicking the ideal phlebotomist school near Shepherdstown WV is a critical initial step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult task to investigate and compare all of the school alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you get a superior education. In fact, most potential students begin the process by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional option you might consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll review more about online schools later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomist training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and should be part of your decision process also. To assist in that effort, we will furnish a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are researching to help you pick the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online schools.

Phlebotomist Work Summary

Shepherdstown WV phlebotomist holding blood sampleA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal duty, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the instruments being used are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be correctly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork must be correctly filled out in order to track the sample from the point 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 can be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. A number of phlebotomists in fact work in Shepherdstown WV area labs and are in charge of ensuring that samples are analyzed correctly using the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they may be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?

Shepherdstown WV diagnostic lab blood analysisThe simplest answer is wherever patients are treated. Their workplaces are numerous and varied, such as Shepherdstown WV hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood banks. They can be charged to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a particular kind of patient. For instance, those working 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 drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Education, Certification and Licensing

Shepherdstown WV phlebotomy lab There are essentially 2 kinds of programs that provide phlebotomist training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to finish and provides a general education together 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, although not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomist. Offered at Shepherdstown WV community and junior colleges, they usually take 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a four year program furnish a more expansive background in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will probably want to get certified. Although not required in the majority of states, most Shepherdstown WV employers look for certification prior to employing technicians. A few of the key 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 call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, including Nevada and California. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only supplies a quality education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomist Online Training

attending phlebotomy training classes online in Shepherdstown WVTo start with, let’s resolve one likely misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A good part of the course of study will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an approved healthcare facility or an on-campus lab. Many courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-clinical component of the training may be attended online, it can be a more practical alternative for many Shepherdstown WV students. As an additional benefit, some online classes are less expensive than their on-campus competitors. And some expenditures, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just verify that the online phlebotomist school you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a quality education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomy Programs

Since you now have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start 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 college is relevant as well as the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomist school. All of these decisions are a critical part of the process for picking a program or school. But they are not the sole concerns when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you need to ask about each of the Shepherdstown WV colleges you are reviewing before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to West Virginia? As previously mentioned, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that fulfills the state specific requirements for West Virginia or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you choose 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 benefits to graduating from an accredited program aside from an assurance of a superior education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are typically not available for non-accredited colleges. Finally, graduating from an accredited college can make you more desirable to potential employers in the Shepherdstown WV job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of all schools you are reviewing. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even talk to some Shepherdstown WV clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and ask if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the West Virginia school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Adequate Training Included? 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 classroom and practical. At a minimum, any phlebotomist program that you are considering should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums might indicate that the Shepherdstown WV training program is not comprehensive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out from the programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with Shepherdstown WV healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to obtain hands-on clinical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Shepherdstown health care community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Landing your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the programs you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation along with a large network of professional contacts within the Shepherdstown WV healthcare community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s critical to verify that the final college you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your busy lifestyle. This is particularly true if you choose to still work while going to school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Shepherdstown WV, check that they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm it is an option as well. And 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 policy is in case you have to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Considering Phlebotomy Training near Shepherdstown WV?

Shepherdstown, West Virginia

Shepherdstown is a town in Jefferson County, West Virginia, in the United States, located in the lower Shenandoah Valley along the Potomac River. Home to Shepherd University, the town's population was 1,734 at the 2010 census.

Shepherdstown is located at 39°25′55″N 77°48′22″W / 39.43194°N 77.80611°W / 39.43194; -77.80611 (39.432005, −77.806108),[5] in the lower Shenandoah Valley along the Potomac River in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 1,734 people, 518 households, and 192 families residing in the town. The population density was 4,686.5 inhabitants per square mile (1,809.5/km2). There were 583 housing units at an average density of 1,575.7 per square mile (608.4/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 85.5% White, 9.5% African American, 0.1% Native American, 1.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.0% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.9% of the population.

There were 518 households of which 15.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 24.5% were married couples living together, 9.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 62.9% were non-families. 33.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 2.79.

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Choose the Best Phlebotomy Training Program near Shepherdstown WV

Making certain that you select the right phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding healthcare career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior college. Phlebotomist training programs can be available in a wide range of academic institutes, including junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide array of courses in medical care and health sciences. Program offerings may vary a bit from state to state as every state has its own mandates when it comes to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to diligently evaluate and compare each college before making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the right program for you. And with the appropriate education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Shepherdstown WV.

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