Picking a Phlebotomist Course near Duarte California
Enrolling in the right phlebotomy training near Duarte CA is a critical first step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting task to investigate and compare all of the school alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s vital that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you get a superior education. In reality, a large number of students begin their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Another option you may look into 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’s important to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest 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 furnish a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you choose the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our conversation about online schools.
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Phlebotomist Job Summary
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their main duty, there is in fact far more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the instruments being utilized are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork has to be accurately filled out to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab 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 infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some Duarte CA phlebotomists actually work in labs and are accountable for making certain that samples are tested properly under the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they may be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.
Where are Phlebotomists Employed?
The most basic answer is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are numerous and varied, such as Duarte CA medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomists, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing blood from a specific kind of patient. For instance, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are working 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, Licensing and Certification
There are essentially 2 types of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Duarte CA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to finish and offers a general 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 specifically a phlebotomy degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomist. Offered at community and junior colleges, they typically require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program provide a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will probably want to be certified. Although not mandated in most states, most employers require certification prior to employing 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 several states that do call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, including Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only supplies a superior education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.
Phlebotomist Online Colleges
To begin with, let’s dispel one possible misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A good component of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Duarte CA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|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 might be a more convenient alternative for some students. As an additional benefit, a number of online schools are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some expenditures, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomy program you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Phlebotomist Programs
Now that you have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already picked the kind of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the California college is significant as well as the tuition expense. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomy college. All of these decisions are a critical part of the process for picking a school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when arriving at your decision. Following are several questions that you should ask about all of the Duarte CA colleges you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision.
Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states call for certification, while some others require licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for California or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for all examinations you may be required to take.
Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you choose should be accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting organization, 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 has not received accreditation, 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 loans or financial assistance, which are often unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Duarte CA. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.
What is the School’s Ranking? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s important to check out the reputations of any colleges you are considering. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their students as part of their job assistance program. You can research internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even talk to several Duarte CA area hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and ask if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the California school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.
Is Ample Training Included? To begin with, check with the California regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Duarte CA phlebotomist program that you are looking at should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to offer sufficient training.
Are Internship Programs Included? Find out from the California colleges you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with area healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to obtain hands-on practical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Duarte CA medical community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Landing your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Find out if the schools you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation as well as an extensive network of professional contacts within the Duarte CA health care community.
Are Classes Available as Needed? And last, it’s critical to verify that the ultimate college you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is particularly true if you choose to still work while attending school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Duarte CA, check that they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option as well. And if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is should you need to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.
Why Did You Choose to Be a Phlebotomist?
When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's a good idea to review questions you could be asked. Among the things that interviewers often ask Phlebotomy Tech candidates is "What made you select Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the private reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what qualities and skills you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you must organize several approaches about how you would like to address them. Since there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the abilities you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Tech and the best choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but jot down several concepts and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.Enroll in the Ideal Phlebotomy School near Duarte CA
Making certain that you enroll in the most suitable phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this rewarding health care career position. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomy training programs can be found in a variety of academic institutes, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive assortment of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Course options may differ somewhat from state to state as each state has its own criteria when it comes to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to thoroughly screen and compare each college prior to making your ultimate choice. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the best program for you. And with the appropriate education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Duarte CA.
Learn About Duarte California
Duarte, California
Duarte (/ˈdwɑːrtiː/ or /duːˈɑːrteɪ/; from Spanish or Portuguese [ˈdwaɾte]) is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 21,321, down from 21,486 at the 2000 census.
It is bounded to the north by the San Gabriel Mountains, to the north and west by the cities of Bradbury and Monrovia, to the south by the city of Irwindale, and to the east by the cities of Irwindale and Azusa.
Duarte is located on historic U.S. Route 66 which today follows Huntington Drive through the middle of the city. The town holds an annual Salute to Route 66 Parade on the third weekend in September on Huntington Drive.
Duarte is located at 34°08′25″N 117°57′42″W / 34.140416°N 117.961678°W / 34.140416; -117.961678.[6]
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