Picking a Phlebotomy Technician Course near San Quentin California
Choosing the ideal phlebotomist training near San Quentin CA is an essential first step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting task to investigate and compare each of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you perform your due diligence to ensure that you get a quality education. In reality, a large number of potential students begin the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Another option you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk 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 cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and must be part of your selection process too. 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 before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online schools.
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Phlebotomist Job Description
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their primary function, there is in fact far more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the instruments being utilized are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork needs to be correctly filled out to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory testing procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. A number of San Quentin CA phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are accountable for making certain that samples are tested correctly utilizing the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they may be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.
Where do Phlebotomists Practice?
The quickest response is wherever patients are treated. Their work places are numerous and diverse, such as San Quentin CA medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a specific type of patient. For instance, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from different patients every day.
Phlebotomy Technician Education, Licensing and Certification
There are primarily two types of programs that furnish phlebotomy training in San Quentin CA, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to finish and provides a general education along 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, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will include training to become a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they typically require 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program provide a more extensive background in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, many employers look for certification before 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 a few states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, such as Nevada and California. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only furnishes a superior education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.
Online Phlebotomist Classes
To begin with, let’s dispel one likely misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A good portion of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved San Quentin 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. But since the non-practical component of the training can be accessed online, it can be a more practical option for many students. As an added benefit, a number of online classes are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenses, for instance those for textbooks or commuting, may be lowered also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy college you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a quality education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the best option for you.
Questions to Ask Phlebotomist Schools
Since you now have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already selected the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the California college is important in addition to the tuition expense. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomy school. All of these decisions are a critical part of the process for selecting a program or school. But they are not the sole concerns when arriving at your decision. Following are some questions that you need to ask about all of the San Quentin CA colleges you are looking at before making your ultimate selection.
Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to California? As mentioned previously, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomist program that complies with the state specific requirements for California or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for any examinations you may be required to take.
Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you select should be accredited by a respected national or regional accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited school in addition to a guarantee of a premium education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are typically not available for non-accredited schools in San Quentin CA. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the job market.
What is the School’s Reputation? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to investigate the reputations of all schools you are reviewing. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their students as part of their job placement program. You can screen internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also check with a few San Quentin CA area hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and see if they can offer 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 schools are in total compliance.
Is Enough Training Included? First, 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 San Quentin 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 less than these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide sufficient training.
Are Internships Included? Find out from the California schools you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with local medical facilities. They are the optimal means to receive hands-on clinical training often not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students develop relationships within the local San Quentin CA health care community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Finding your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation along with a large network of professional contacts within the San Quentin CA medical community.
Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s critical to make sure that the final school you pick offers classes at times that are compatible with your hectic lifestyle. This is particularly important if you opt to still work while going to school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near San Quentin CA, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option also. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up policy is should you need to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.
Why Did You Decide to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?
When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician job, it's advantageous to consider questions you may be asked. Among the questions that recruiters often ask Phlebotomy Tech prospects is "What compelled you to pick Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what qualities and talents you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to prepare a number of ideas about how you want to address them. Because there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the abilities you have that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down a few ideas and talking points that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.Find the Right Phlebotomy Program near San Quentin CA
Making sure that you select the most suitable phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this gratifying medical care field. As we have covered in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomist training programs are found in a wide range of educational institutes, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive range of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program options may vary a bit from state to state as every state has its own requirements when it concerns phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to thoroughly evaluate and compare each program prior to making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the best college for you. And with the proper education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in San Quentin CA.
Learn About San Quentin California
San Quentin State Prison
San Quentin State Prison (SQ) is a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation state prison for men, located north of San Francisco in the unincorporated town of San Quentin in Marin County, U.S.
Opened in July 1852, San Quentin is the oldest prison in California. The state's only death row for male inmates, the largest in the United States, is located at the prison.[1][2] It has a gas chamber, but since 1996, executions at the prison have been carried out by lethal injection, though the prison hasn't performed an execution since 2006[3]. The prison has been featured on film, video, and television; is the subject of many books; has hosted concerts; and has housed many notorious inmates.
The correctional complex sits on Point San Quentin, which comprises 432 acres (1.75 km2) on the north side of San Francisco Bay.[4][5][6][7] The prison complex itself occupies 275 acres (1.11 km2), valued in a 2001 study at between $129 million and $664 million.[8]
The prison complex has its own ZIP code for mail sent to inmates, 94974;[9] the ZIP code of the adjacent community of Point San Quentin Village is 94964.[10] It is bordered by San Francisco Bay to the south and west and by Interstate 580 to the north and east, near the northern terminus of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge.
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