Find Phlebotomy Training Near Me in Oakdale PA 15071

Choosing a Phlebotomist Training Program near Oakdale Pennsylvania

Oakdale PA phlebotomist taking blood sampleChoosing the ideal phlebotomy technician training near Oakdale PA is a critical initial step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging undertaking to evaluate and compare each of the school options that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you perform your due diligence to ensure that you get a superior education. In reality, many students begin the process by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional option you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll review a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is far more to researching phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors including accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and must be part of your selection process as well. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you choose the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online training.

Phlebotomy Technician Work Summary

Oakdale PA phlebotomist holding blood sampleA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their primary duty, there is actually far more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the tools being used are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork must be properly filled out to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers 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. Many phlebotomists actually work in Oakdale PA area labs and are accountable for making sure that samples are analyzed properly utilizing the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they may be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

Oakdale PA diagnostic lab blood analysisThe quickest response is wherever patients are treated. Their work environments are many and varied, such as Oakdale PA medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be tasked to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a certain type of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be collecting blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers solely. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide variety of patients and would work with different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomist Training, Licensing and Certification

Oakdale PA phlebotomy lab There are essentially two kinds of programs that offer phlebotomy 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 provides the fastest method to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at Oakdale PA community and junior colleges, they usually require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a 4 year program furnish a more expansive background in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will probably want to be certified. Although not required in most states, many Oakdale PA employers require certification prior to employing technicians. A few of the principal 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, like California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s important that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only offers a superior education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomy Online Schools

attending phlebotomy training classes online in Oakdale PATo begin with, let’s dispel one possible misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A good part of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved healthcare facility or an on-campus lab. A large number of courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-clinical component of the training can be accessed online, it could be a more convenient option for some Oakdale PA students. As an added benefit, many online schools are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenses, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy program you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Now that you have a basic understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already chosen the type 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 relevant as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomy online program. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the process for choosing a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you need to ask about each of the Oakdale PA colleges you are considering before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of practical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Pennsylvania or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded regional or national accrediting agency, for example 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 quality education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are typically not available for non-accredited schools. Last, graduating from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the Oakdale PA job market.

What is the College’s Reputation? In many states there is little 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 any colleges you are looking at. 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 solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also talk to a few Oakdale PA 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 check with the Pennsylvania school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Included? First, contact 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. At a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums may indicate that the Oakdale PA training program is not comprehensive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internships Provided? Find out from the colleges you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with Oakdale PA medical facilities. They are the ideal means to receive hands-on practical training typically not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Oakdale medical community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Getting your first phlebotomist job will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation along with a large network of professional contacts within the Oakdale PA healthcare community.

Are Class Times Available as Needed? Finally, it’s critical to verify that the final school you select provides classes at times that are compatible with your hectic lifestyle. This is especially true if you choose to still work while attending college. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Oakdale PA, make certain they are available at those times. Also, 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 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 have to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Considering Phlebotomy Training near Oakdale PA?

Oakdale, Pennsylvania

School tax millage rate- The West Allegheny SD (shared with Findlay Twp., North Fayette Twp. and Oakdale Borough) in 2017 was 18.51. This ranked 34th highest/most expensive out of Allegheny County's 45 school districts, between Avonworth SD (34th highest) and Quaker Valley SD (36th highest).[7]

As of the census[12] of 2000, there were 1,551 people, 604 households, and 445 families residing in the borough. The population density was 2,956.0 people per square mile (1,151.6/km²). There were 640 housing units at an average density of 1,219.8 per square mile (475.2/km²). The racial makeup of the borough was 98.19% White, 0.90% African American, 0.06% Native American, 0.06% Asian, 0.39% from other races, and 0.39% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.71% of the population.

There were 604 households, out of which 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.1% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.2% were non-families. 22.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the borough the population was spread out, with 22.8% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 30.6% from 45 to 64, and 12.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.3 males.

The location could not be found.

Select the Best Phlebotomist School near Oakdale PA

Making certain that you select the right phlebotomist training is an important first step toward your success in this gratifying medical care field. As we have discussed in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a premium program. Phlebotomy training programs can be available in a number of academic institutions, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive array of programs in medical care and health sciences. Course offerings can vary slightly from state to state as each state has its own requirements when it concerns phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must carefully evaluate and compare each program before making your ultimate choice. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the right program for you. And with the appropriate training, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Oakdale PA.

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