Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician School near Clearlake Oaks California
Choosing the right phlebotomy school near Clearlake Oaks CA is an important initial step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult task to assess and compare each of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s vital that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you receive a superior education. In fact, a large number of prospective students begin their search by considering two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Another option you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is much more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors including reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and need to be part of your selection process also. To assist in that effort, we will supply 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 prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online classes.
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Phlebotomy Tech Career Description
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their primary function, there is actually much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the instruments being employed are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork has to be correctly filled out in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory screening process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some Clearlake Oaks CA phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are in charge of ensuring that samples are tested correctly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they can be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.
Where do Phlebotomists Work?
The most basic answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are numerous and varied, such as Clearlake Oaks CA hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be tasked to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomy techs, 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 exclusively be collecting blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients each day.
Phlebotomist Training, Licensing and Certification
There are essentially two kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomy training in Clearlake Oaks CA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to finish and offers a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they normally require 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a four year program furnish a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will probably want to be certified. While not required in most states, a number of employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. A few of the principal certifying agencies include:
- National Phlebotomy Association
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
- American Medical Technologists (AMT)
There are some states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, such as Nevada and California. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a premium education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.
Online Phlebotomist Schools
First, let’s resolve one possible misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant portion of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Clearlake Oaks CA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. A large number of courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-practical portion of the training may be accessed online, it could be a more convenient alternative for many students. As an additional benefit, many online programs are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered also. Just verify that the online phlebotomy program you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Phlebotomy Programs
Now that you have a basic understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already picked the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the California school is significant as well as the tuition expense. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online school. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the process for picking a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you need to ask about all of the Clearlake Oaks CA programs you are looking at prior to making your final selection.
Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed before working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for California or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for all examinations you may be required to take.
Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to an assurance of a premium education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges in Clearlake Oaks CA. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more attractive to future employers in the job market.
What is the College’s Ranking? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s important to check the reputations of any colleges you are reviewing. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even talk to a few Clearlake Oaks CA local clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and ask if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can contact the California school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in total compliance.
Is Plenty of Training Provided? First, contact the California regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Clearlake Oaks CA phlebotomist 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 might signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer sufficient training.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask the California schools you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with local medical facilities. They are the optimal way to receive hands-on clinical training often not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Clearlake Oaks CA health care community. And they are a plus on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Landing your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation along with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Clearlake Oaks CA healthcare community.
Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it’s important to make sure that the ultimate school you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is particularly true if you choose to still work while attending college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Clearlake Oaks CA, make certain they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option also. Even if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up procedure is in case you have to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.
Why Did You Want to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?
When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's helpful to reflect on questions you may be asked. Among the things that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomy Technician applicants is "What made you select Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not merely the private reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomist, but additionally what attributes and skills you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of routine interview questions, so you should organize a number of ideas about how you want to address them. Given that there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the talents you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Tech and the best choice for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down several concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.Select the Best Phlebotomist Course near Clearlake Oaks CA
Making sure that you choose the right phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this fulfilling medical care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are found in a wide range of educational institutes, such as community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide assortment of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program offerings can differ somewhat across the country as every state has its own requirements when it comes to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you need to diligently evaluate and compare each program prior to making your ultimate decision. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can pick the right program for you. And with the appropriate education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Clearlake Oaks CA.
Learn About Clearlake Oaks California
Clearlake Oaks, California
Clearlake Oaks is a census-designated place (CDP) in Lake County, California, United States.[2] It is located on the extreme south east of Clear Lake, 13 miles (20.8 km) east-southeast of Lakeport, at an elevation of 1,335 feet (407 m).[2] The population was 2,359 at the 2010 census, down from 2,402 at the 2000 census.
The community was formerly named Stubbs and Clear Lake Oaks.
The site of the original town, inland of State Route 20, was subdivided by the 1920s. Situated in a broad canyon mouth, the original town site is about 4 blocks long and 3 deep, triangular in shape, with a plaza site in its center. Today the plaza is paved and used for parking by the church located along the west side. Most of the homes in the village remain true to their "fishing cottage" roots.
The Stubbs post office opened in 1926, and changed its name to Clearlake Oaks in 1935.[3] The name Stubbs honored Charles Stubbs, a local landowner.[3] The relocation of the post office, the aging population, and the coming of Wal-Mart have combined to kill the "downtown". Fifteen years ago, there were two markets, a chain hardware store, two gas stations, video store, salon, and several restaurants and bars. A privately operated marina had fish and ski boats for rent. But by the late nineties, Clearlake Oaks was down to one market, one convenience store, and a struggling antique store.
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