Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician Course near Shasta California
Selecting the right phlebotomist training near Shasta CA is a critical initial step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult task to assess and compare each of the school options that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you perform your due diligence to make certain that you receive a quality education. In reality, many students begin their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another factor you might consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. We’ll discuss more about online schools later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and should be part of your selection process also. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the right 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.
Phlebotomy Technician 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. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the instruments being used are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork must be accurately 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 an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some Shasta CA phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories 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 can be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.
Where are Phlebotomists Employed?
The most basic response is wherever they treat patients. Their work environments are many and varied, such as Shasta CA medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to seniors. A number of phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a specific type of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers solely. In contrast, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital setting would be collecting blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.
Phlebotomy Technician Training, Licensing and Certification
There are basically two types of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Shasta CA, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to finish and furnishes a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will include training to become a phlebotomist. Offered at community and junior colleges, they usually take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a four year program offer a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. Although not mandated in the majority of states, many employers require certification before hiring technicians. A few of the key 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 call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, like Nevada and California. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only supplies a premium education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.
Online Phlebotomy Classes
To start with, let’s dispel one potential mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant portion of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Shasta 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-clinical part of the training may be attended online, it could be a more practical option for many students. As an added benefit, a number of online programs are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenditures, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered also. Just confirm that the online phlebotomy program you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can receive a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the right option for you.
Points to Ask Phlebotomy Schools
Now that you have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already decided on the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the California school is important as well as the cost of tuition. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomist program. Each of these decisions are an important component of the process for selecting a school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when arriving at your decision. Following are some questions that you should ask about all of the Shasta CA colleges you are reviewing prior to making your final selection.
Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As previously mentioned, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for California or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for any exams you may be required to take.
Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you select should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting agency, 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 a guarantee of a superior education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are often not available for non-accredited schools in Shasta CA. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to future employers in the job market.
What is the Program’s Ranking? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to check the reputations of all colleges you are reviewing. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even contact a few Shasta CA local clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and find out if they can offer any insights. As a closing thought, you can check with the California school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed or if the schools are in full compliance.
Is Enough Training Included? To begin with, check with 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 Shasta CA phlebotomy program that you are considering should provide 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 sufficient training.
Are Internships Sponsored? Ask the California programs you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with area healthcare facilities. They are the ideal way to receive hands-on clinical training typically not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Shasta CA health care community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Finding your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Shasta CA health care community.
Are Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it’s important to confirm that the final college you choose offers classes at times that will accommodate your busy lifestyle. This is particularly true if you choose to still work while attending college. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Shasta CA, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option also. And if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is in case you need to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.
Why Did You Decide to Be a Phlebotomist?
When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician job, it's helpful to consider questions you may be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers typically ask Phlebotomist prospects is "What made you choose Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not merely the private reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomist, but also what attributes and talents you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating specifically to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of general interview questions, so you must ready some ideas about how you would like to answer them. Considering there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the abilities you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomist and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but write down some concepts and talking points that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.Find the Ideal Phlebotomy College near Shasta CA
Making certain that you pick the ideal phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this fulfilling health care field. As we have covered in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality school. Phlebotomy training programs can be found in a number of academic institutions, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide range of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Program options may vary a bit from state to state as every 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 school prior to making your final selection. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the right program for you. And with the proper education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Shasta CA.
Learn About Shasta California
Shasta County, California
Shasta County, officially the County of Shasta, is a county in the northern portion of the U.S. state of California. As of the 2010 census, the population was 177,223.[2] The county seat is Redding.[4]
Shasta County comprises the Redding, California Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county occupies the northern reaches of the Sacramento Valley, with portions extending into the southern reaches of the Cascade Range.
Points of interest in Shasta County include Shasta Lake, Lassen Peak, and the Sundial Bridge.
Shasta County was one of the original counties of California, created in 1850 at the time of statehood. Parts of the county's territory were given to Siskiyou County in 1852, and to Tehama County in 1856.
More Interesting California Cities
Business Results 1 - 5 of 50
Shasta CA Blood Labs - BingNews Search results
-
Mount Rainier is shrinking and now has a new summit
Eric Gilbertson, a mountaineer and mechanical engineer, summited Rainier in August and September, taking measurements along the way to confirm the change. He’s collecting a series of data points ...
-
Breaking: River Fire reported in Shasta County on Oct. 4
A new wildfire was reported today at 9:24 p.m. in Shasta County. River Fire has been burning on private land. There is no update on the containment of the fire and its cause remains unknown.
-
Breaking: Rhonda Fire reported in Shasta County on Oct. 4
Read more on our AI policy here. A new wildfire was reported today at 7:18 p.m. in Shasta County. Rhonda Fire has been burning on private land. Currently, there is no data on the containment ...
-
Mount Shasta, United States - Weather Forecasts | Maps | News - Yahoo Weather
Mostly sunny with a high of 83 °F (28.3 °C). Winds variable at 7 to 20 mph (11.3 to 32.2 kph). Night - Clear. Winds variable at 2 to 19 mph (3.2 to 30.6 kph). The overnight low will be 44 °F (6 ...
-
Breaking: New wildfire reported in Shasta County on Sep. 28
A new wildfire was reported today at 3:42 p.m. in Shasta County. The wildfire has been burning on private land. At this time, the cause of the fire has yet to be determined.
-
California's Lake Shasta rises from severe-drought levels in stunning before and after images
Lake Shasta, the largest reservoir in California, has reached a milestone water level after storms in the state have saturated the area, with nearly 50 inches of rain falling in the Shasta Damn ...
-
California's Lake Shasta rises from severe-drought levels in stunning before and after images
Lake Shasta, the largest reservoir in California, has reached a milestone water level after storms in the state have saturated the area, with nearly 50 inches of rain falling in the Shasta Damn ...
-
Best Internet Service Providers in Mount Shasta, California
When you use links on our website, we may earn a fee. Why Trust U.S. News At U.S. News & World Report, we take an unbiased approach to our ratings. We adhere to strict editorial guidelines ...
-
Shasta's top planner leaving after 6 years to take job in another California county
Shasta County’s top planner is leaving to take a similar position with another county in California. Paul Hellman became Shasta’s resource management director in August 2018, about a month ...
-
16 of the Absolute Best Things to Do in Mount Shasta
With a picture perfect view of Shasta in the background, this makes for one of the best things to do in Mount Shasta! The hike is 3.0 miles round trip with 815 feet of elevation gain.
-
Mount Shasta, CA Current Weather
Solar max is nearly here! Here’s how and where to see the Northern Lights ...