Pennsylvania Archives - Train to Become a Phlebotomist

Selecting a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Womelsdorf Pennsylvania

Womelsdorf PA phlebotomist taking blood sample Choosing the ideal phlebotomy technician training near Womelsdorf PA is a critical first step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult undertaking to evaluate and compare all of the training options that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you get a superior education. In reality, many prospective students begin the process by considering 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Another option you may consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online schools later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is far more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and should be part of your decision process too. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomist schools you are researching to help you choose the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our discussion about online training.

Phlebotomist Job Summary

Womelsdorf PA phlebotomist holding blood sample A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their primary task, there is in fact much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to confirm that the instruments being employed are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork has to be properly filled out to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab testing process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some phlebotomists actually work in Womelsdorf PA area laboratories and are responsible for ensuring that samples are tested properly under the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they might be required to train other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

Womelsdorf PA diagnostic lab blood analysis The easiest response is wherever patients are treated. Their workplaces are many and varied, including Womelsdorf PA medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to seniors. A number of phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a specific kind of patient. For example, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be drawing blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide variety of patients and would work with different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Training, Certification and Licensing

Womelsdorf PA phlebotomy lab There are essentially two types of programs that provide phlebotomy training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to complete and furnishes a basic education together 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 phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at Womelsdorf PA junior and community colleges, they typically require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a four year program offer a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will probably want to become certified. Although not required in the majority of states, most Womelsdorf PA employers require certification prior to hiring 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 some states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, like Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a premium education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomy Schools

attending phlebotomy training classes online in Womelsdorf PA To start with, let’s dispel one likely misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant portion of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. A large number of courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-clinical portion of the training may be attended online, it can be a more convenient option for many Womelsdorf PA students. As an added benefit, a number of online programs are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenses, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist college you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a premium education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Now that you have a basic understanding 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 wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the school is significant in addition to the tuition expense. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomist college. All of these decisions are an important component of the process for choosing a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Following are several questions that you need to ask about all of the Womelsdorf PA programs you are considering prior to making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you might need 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 working and preps you for all exams you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded regional or national accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited program aside from an assurance of a superior education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are often not available for non-accredited schools. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more attractive to potential employers in the Womelsdorf PA job market.

What is the Program’s Reputation? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to check out the reputations of any colleges you are reviewing. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their students as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also contact several Womelsdorf PA clinics or hospitals 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 complaints have been filed or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Included? To begin with, check with the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are considering should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums might indicate that the Womelsdorf PA training program is not expansive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out from the colleges you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with Womelsdorf PA healthcare facilities. They are the ideal means to receive hands-on clinical training typically not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop relationships within the local Womelsdorf healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Getting your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation along with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Womelsdorf PA health care community.

Are Class Times Available as Needed? And last, it’s important to make sure that the final program you choose provides classes at times that are compatible with your busy schedule. This is particularly true if you decide to still work while going to school. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Womelsdorf PA, make sure they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is in case you have to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.

Considering Phlebotomy Training near Womelsdorf PA?

Womelsdorf, Pennsylvania

Womelsdorf is a borough in Berks County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,810 at the 2010 census. The main thoroughfares through Womelsdorf are High Street, which runs east-west, and Pennsylvania Route 419, which runs north-south. U.S. Route 422 runs along the northern edge of town.

John Womelsdorf founded the community in 1762. It was originally named Middletown, being halfway between the cities of Lebanon and Reading, but roughly 50 years later it was changed to Womelsdorf in honor of its founder.[3][4]

A Pennsylvania state historic site, the Conrad Weiser Homestead, is located in Womelsdorf; this site interprets the life of Conrad Weiser, a well-known 18th-century German immigrant who played a major role in the history of colonial Pennsylvania.

As of the census[8] of 2000, there were 2,599 people, 1,061 households, and 691 families residing in the borough. The population density was 2,995.8 people per square mile (1,153.4/km²). There were 1,112 housing units at an average density of 1,281.8 per square mile (493.5/km²). The racial makeup of the borough was 96.46% White, 0.65% African American, 1.42% Asian, 0.96% from other races, and 0.50% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.19% of the population.

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Find the Ideal Phlebotomy Training Program near Womelsdorf PA

Making certain that you select the ideal phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding medical care field. As we have covered in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium school. Phlebotomist training programs can be found in a number of academic institutes, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive range of programs in medical care and health sciences. Program options may differ slightly across the country as each state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to carefully evaluate and compare each school prior to making your ultimate selection. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the best school for you. And with the proper training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Womelsdorf PA.