Phlebotomy Training Schools near Larkspur CA 94939

Picking a Phlebotomy Technician Course near Larkspur California

Larkspur CA phlebotomist taking blood sampleEnrolling in the right phlebotomy school near Larkspur CA is an important initial step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult task to analyze and compare each of the training options that are accessible to you. However it’s necessary that you perform your due diligence to make certain that you obtain a superior education. In fact, most potential students begin their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Another option you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll review a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is far more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables including reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and must be part of your decision process too. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you select the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our conversation about online classes.

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Phlebotomy Technician Job Description

Larkspur CA phlebotomist testing blood sampleA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their main task, there is in fact far more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must verify that the instruments being utilized are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample must be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork needs to be properly filled out in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory screening process. 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. Many Larkspur CA phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are responsible for ensuring that samples are analyzed properly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they might be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The easiest answer is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are many and diverse, such as Larkspur CA hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be charged to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a specific kind of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be collecting blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital setting would be collecting blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.

Phlebotomy Training, Licensing and Certification

Larkspur CA phlebotomist holding blood sampleThere are essentially 2 kinds of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Larkspur CA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to complete and provides a general education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they typically take 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program offer a more expansive background in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. While not required in most states, many employers require certification before hiring technicians. Some of the primary 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 require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, including California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only furnishes a premium education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomy Online Training

attending phlebotomy training online in Larkspur CATo begin with, let’s resolve one likely misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial component of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Larkspur CA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-clinical portion of the training can be accessed online, it may be a more practical alternative for some students. As an added benefit, many online classes are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenses, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened also. Just verify that the online phlebotomy school you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Since you now have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already decided on the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the California campus is important as well as the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomist online college. All of these decisions are a critical part of the process for selecting a school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when arriving at your decision. Following are a few questions that you need to ask about all of the Larkspur CA schools you are looking at before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for California or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for all exams you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you select should be accredited by a reputable national or regional accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited school in addition to an assurance of a quality education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Larkspur CA. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to future employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Reputation? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to investigate the reputations of any schools you are looking at. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their students as part of their job placement program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also contact a few Larkspur CA local hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and find out if they can provide any insights. As a final thought, you can check with 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 Included? First, contact the California regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any Larkspur CA phlebotomist program that you are considering should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask the California programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional medical facilities. They are the ideal way to receive hands-on practical training frequently not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Larkspur CA health care community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Landing your first phlebotomist job will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Find out if the programs you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a higher 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 substantial network of professional contacts within the Larkspur CA health care community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? And last, it’s critical to confirm that the ultimate college you choose provides classes at times that are compatible with your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while going to college. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Larkspur CA, make sure they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option also. 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 ask what the make-up protocol is should you have to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician job, it's a good idea to consider questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers frequently ask Phlebotomy Tech applicants is "What drove you to decide on Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not just the personal reasons you might have for being Phlebotomist, but also what qualities and skills you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to ready several strategies about how you want to answer them. Considering there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the talents you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomist and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but take down several ideas and talking points that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Select the Best Phlebotomist School near Larkspur CA

Making certain that you pick the ideal phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this rewarding health care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a superior school. Phlebotomy training programs are available in a wide range of academic institutes, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide assortment of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program options may vary somewhat across the country as each state has its own requirements when it comes to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must carefully screen and compare each school before making your ultimate decision. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the ideal school for you. And with the appropriate education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Larkspur CA.

Learn About Larkspur California

Larkspur, California

Larkspur is a city in Marin County, California, United States. Larkspur is located 3 miles (4.8 km) south of San Rafael,[8] at an elevation of 43 feet (13 m).[1] As of the 2010 Census, the city's population was 11,926. Larkspur is located north of San Francisco near Mount Tamalpais. Larkspur's Police Department is shared with that of the neighboring Corte Madera and town of San Anselmo as the Central Marin Police Authority. Intersecting Larkspur's downtown is Madrone Canyon, a residential area amidst a redwood grove.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.24 sq mi (8.4 km2), of which 3.03 sq mi (7.8 km2) is land and 0.22 sq mi (0.6 km2) (6.66%) is water.

Charles W. Wright laid out the town in 1887.[8] The first post office opened in 1891.[8] Larkspur incorporated in 1908.[8]Larkspur's Downtown Historic District, known also as Old Downtown Larkspur, is a historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The restored Art Deco Lark Theater is part of this downtown district.

Scenes in the 1949 film noir Impact featured several areas around Larkspur, including the home and gas station of the Probert family, in the location now occupied by The Tavern at Lark Creek.[9]

 

 

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