Picking a Phlebotomy School near Stevenson Ranch California
Picking the right phlebotomy training near Stevenson Ranch CA is an essential first step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult undertaking to investigate and compare all of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s vital that you do your due diligence to make certain that you get a quality education. In fact, many students begin their search by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another option you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll talk more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is much more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and should be part of your decision process as well. To assist in that effort, we will supply 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 before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online schools.
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Phlebotomy Technician Work Description
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their main responsibility, there is actually much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to confirm that the tools being utilized are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample must be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork needs to be correctly completed to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory screening process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Stevenson Ranch CA phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are in charge of making certain that samples are analyzed properly under the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they can be required to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.
Where do Phlebotomists Practice?
The simplest response is wherever patients are treated. Their workplaces are many and diverse, such as Stevenson Ranch CA medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a particular kind of patient. For example, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients each day.
Phlebotomy Technician Training, Licensing and Certification
There are primarily 2 kinds of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Stevenson Ranch CA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes under 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 phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they usually take two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program offer a more extensive background in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to become certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, a number of employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. A few 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 some states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, including California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only supplies a superior education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.
Online Phlebotomist Schools
To begin with, let’s resolve one possible mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A good portion of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Stevenson Ranch 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 portion of the training can be accessed online, it can be a more practical option for many students. As an added benefit, some online programs are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some costs, for instance those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist program you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can receive a premium education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the best option for you.
Questions to Ask Phlebotomy Schools
Now that you have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already chosen 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 campus is significant in addition to the cost of tuition. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomist school. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the process for selecting a program or school. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Following are several questions that you need to ask about each of the Stevenson Ranch CA programs you are looking at before making your ultimate selection.
Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states require certification, while some others require licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomy program that fulfills 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 program and school 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 school aside from an assurance of a quality education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are typically not available for non-accredited colleges in Stevenson Ranch CA. Finally, 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 College’s Ranking? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to check the reputations of any schools you are looking at. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their students as part of their job assistance program. You can research internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also talk to several Stevenson Ranch 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 closing thought, you can contact the California school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in full compliance.
Is Ample 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 classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Stevenson Ranch CA phlebotomist program that you are looking at should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything lower than these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to provide adequate training.
Are Internship Programs Included? Ask the California colleges you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional medical facilities. They are the ideal way to obtain hands-on practical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop relationships within the local Stevenson Ranch CA medical community. And they are a plus on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Getting your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the colleges you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a high rate, signifying they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation as well as an extensive network of professional contacts within the Stevenson Ranch CA healthcare community.
Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s important to make sure that the final program you choose offers classes at times that are compatible with your active schedule. This is especially important if you opt to still work while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Stevenson Ranch CA, check that they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option also. And if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is should you need to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.
Why Did You Decide to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?
When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's helpful to consider questions you could be asked. Among the questions that interviewers often ask Phlebotomist prospects is "What drove you to select Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not just the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what attributes and skills you have that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, in addition to a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to organize a number of approaches about how you want to address them. Since there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the talents you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Technician and the best candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down a few concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can help you to prepare your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.Choose the Ideal Phlebotomist School near Stevenson Ranch CA
Making sure that you enroll in the right phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this fulfilling healthcare career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward 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 provide a wide range of programs in medical care and health sciences. Course options may vary slightly from state to state as each state has its own requirements when it concerns phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must carefully screen and compare each program before making your final selection. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the ideal college for you. And with the appropriate education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Stevenson Ranch CA.
Learn About Stevenson Ranch California
Stevenson Ranch, California
Stevenson Ranch is a census-designated place in Los Angeles County, California. The community is located in the Santa Clarita Valley. Often incorrectly referred to as part of the city of Santa Clarita, the community does not actually fall within the Santa Clarita city limits and is instead in an unincorporated area. It has many new suburban one- and two-story houses in new developments, with a median value of $1,034,600. Stevenson Ranch encompasses about 6.4 square miles (17 km2). About 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) are set aside as parks, recreation areas, and open space. Stevenson Ranch is set in the foothills of the Santa Susana Mountains and lies west of Interstate 5. One of the newer communities in the Santa Clarita, which was ranked number 18 of the top 100 places to live by Money Magazine in 2006, This area backs up to the historic, oil-mining town of Mentryville, founded in 1875. A master-planned community, it was approved by the county in 1987. The population was 17,557 at the time of the 2010 census.
It is home to the award winning California Distinguished and National Blue Ribbon Schools Stevenson Ranch Elementary, Pico Canyon Elementary, Rancho Pico Junior High, and West Ranch High School, The Valencia Marketplace and Stevenson Ranch Shopping Center are popular shopping areas in the community. Six Flags Magic Mountain, an amusement park, is located about three miles north of the community.
The names of many streets located in Stevenson Ranch are those of famous authors (e.g., Thackeray).
It is also the filming location of several film and television productions, including the television show Weeds, a Showtime original series, as well as the feature film Pleasantville. Its master-planned nature is at the heart of the suburban commentary of Weeds, such as the "Little Boxes" song and sprawling development portrayed in the opening of the show.
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