Phlebotomy Training Schools near West Covina CA 91790

Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician Course near West Covina California

West Covina CA phlebotomist taking blood sampleSelecting the ideal phlebotomy training near West Covina CA is an essential first step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult undertaking to evaluate and compare each of the school options that are available to you. However it’s vital that you do your due diligence to ensure that you receive a superior education. In fact, most students begin their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional option you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and must be part of your selection process too. To assist in that effort, we will furnish a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you select the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online schools.

Phlebotomist Work Description

West Covina CA phlebotomist testing blood sampleA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their primary task, there is actually so much more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the instruments being employed are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample must be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork has to be accurately filled out to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab testing procedure. 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 West Covina CA phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are responsible for ensuring that samples are analyzed correctly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they may be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The most basic response is wherever they treat patients. Their work environments are many and diverse, such as West Covina CA hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood banks. They can be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or young children to seniors. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a certain type of patient. For instance, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be drawing blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Licensing and Certification

West Covina CA phlebotomist holding blood sampleThere are primarily two kinds of programs that provide phlebotomy training in West Covina CA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to finish and offers a general education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at junior and community colleges, they normally take two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program furnish a more extensive background in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will probably want to be certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, most employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. Some of the principal 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 phlebotomist, such as California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a superior education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomist Training

attending phlebotomy training online in West Covina CATo start with, let’s dispel one potential misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial part of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved West Covina 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 prior to graduation. But since the non-practical component of the training may be accessed online, it can be a more convenient alternative for many students. As an additional benefit, a number of online classes are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenses, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened also. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist school you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online may be the best option for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Since you now have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already picked the type of program you wish 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. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomy online program. Each of these decisions are an important component of the procedure for selecting a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Following are several questions that you need to ask about all of the West Covina CA programs you are considering before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to California? As mentioned previously, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states call for certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that complies with the state specific requirements for California or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you choose should be accredited by a reputable regional or national accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited program aside from a guarantee of a quality education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification exam offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges in West Covina CA. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Ranking? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s essential to check the reputations of any schools you are reviewing. 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 screen internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even check with several West Covina CA area hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and ask if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the California school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Ample Training Provided? 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 West Covina CA phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums may signify that the program is not expansive enough to provide adequate training.

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

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Finding your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the colleges you are reviewing provide 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 an excellent reputation together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the West Covina CA medical community.

Are Class Times Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s critical to confirm that the final program you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your active schedule. This is particularly true if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near West Covina CA, make certain they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to study 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 because of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be a Phlebotomist?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's advantageous to consider questions you might be asked. Among the questions that interviewers frequently ask Phlebotomist prospects is "What compelled you to select Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what qualities and talents you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating specifically to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of typical interview questions, so you need to ready some ideas about how you want to respond to them. Considering there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the strengths you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Technician and the best candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down a few concepts and anecdotes that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Choose the Right Phlebotomist College near West Covina CA

Making certain that you select the right phlebotomist training is an important first step toward your success in this fulfilling healthcare career position. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior college. Phlebotomist training programs are available in a wide range of academic institutes, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive assortment of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program options can vary slightly from state to state as every state has its own mandates when it comes to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to thoroughly research and compare each college before making your ultimate decision. By addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the ideal school for you. And with the appropriate training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in West Covina CA.

Learn About West Covina California

West Covina, California

West Covina is a city in Los Angeles County, California, located 19 miles (31 km) east of Downtown Los Angeles in the eastern San Gabriel Valley and is part of Greater Los Angeles. The population for the city was 106,098 at the 2010 census.

West Covina was incorporated as an independent city in 1923 to prevent the city of Covina from building a sewage farm in the area. Walnut groves and orange groves continued to flourish during the subsequent decades. The population in 1930 was 769 and blossomed to 1,549 in 1940. As a result of remarkable expansion during the post World War II building boom, West Covina became one of the fastest-growing U.S. cities between 1950 and 1960, with the population increasing 1,000 per cent from less than 5,000 to more than 50,000 citizens. The decades between 1960 and 2000 demonstrated steady growth, which slowed significantly by the time of the 2010 census.

The City of West Covina began the second half of the 20th century with new developments and projects, mostly brought on by big business. The City Hall and police facility were built in 1969 as the first phase of an example of a Joint Powers Authority in the County of Los Angeles. The Civic Center Joint Powers Authority, consisting of the County of Los Angeles and the City of West Covina, also completed a three-level parking structure in the Civic Center complex. The Civic Center complex includes the Los Angeles County Regional Library and the Citrus Municipal Court building and the city offices.

The first Redevelopment Agency project included a regional shopping center, the West Covina Fashion Plaza, with three major department stores and 150 shops in an air-conditioned, enclosed mall. It also included the revitalization of the older sections of the shopping center. The Fashion Plaza has provided the citizens of the San Gabriel Valley with convenient access to all shopping needs. In 1991 the mall was renovated adding a food court and additional shops, as well as the redecorating of the entire mall. The mall was renamed "The Plaza at West Covina". The Plaza opened a new 100,000 sq ft (9,300 m2). wing in October 1993 featuring 50 new stores including a new Robinson's-May and interior renovation throughout The Plaza.

 

 

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