Selecting a Phlebotomy School near Chicago Illinois
Selecting the right phlebotomist school near Chicago IL is a critical initial step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a challenging task to analyze and compare each of the school options that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s vital that you perform your due diligence to make certain that you obtain a quality education. In fact, many students begin the process by looking at two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another option you may look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is far more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also important 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 assessing to help you choose the best 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.
Phlebotomy Tech Job Description
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. While that is their principal duty, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the instruments being utilized are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample must be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork must be accurately filled out to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab testing process. 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 Chicago IL phlebotomists actually work in labs and are accountable for ensuring that samples are analyzed correctly under the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they can be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.
Where are Phlebotomists Employed?
The easiest answer is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are many and diverse, including Chicago IL medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be charged to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomists, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting samples from a particular kind of patient. For example, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be drawing blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from different patients each day.
Phlebotomy Education, Licensing and Certification
There are essentially two types of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in Chicago IL, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to complete and furnishes a general education together with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they typically take 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a four year program offer a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not required in most states, most employers look for certification prior to hiring 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 some states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, including California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only offers a quality education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.
Online Phlebotomist Schools
To start with, let’s resolve one possible misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant component of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Chicago IL healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-practical component of the training may be accessed online, it may be a more convenient option for some students. As an added benefit, a number of online classes are more affordable than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be minimized also. Just verify that the online phlebotomist school you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a premium education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the right option for you.
Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Programs
Since you now have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already picked the kind of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Illinois campus is relevant as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomy online college. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the process for choosing a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you need to ask about all of the Chicago IL schools you are looking at prior to making your ultimate selection.
Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Illinois? As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may need 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 Illinois 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 program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a respected regional or national accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of advantages to graduating from an accredited program aside from a guarantee of a premium education. To begin with, 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 securing financial aid or loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs in Chicago IL. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the job market.
What is the Program’s Reputation? 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 investigate 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 screen internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can even talk to a few Chicago IL area hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and ask if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Illinois school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in total compliance.
Is Adequate Training Provided? First, contact the Illinois regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Chicago IL phlebotomy program that you are looking at should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide sufficient training.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out from the Illinois programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with local healthcare facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on practical training often not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Chicago IL medical community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Getting your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the colleges you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation as well as a substantial network of professional contacts within the Chicago IL health care community.
Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it’s crucial to make sure that the ultimate college you pick offers classes at times that are compatible with your active schedule. This is particularly true if you decide to continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Chicago IL, check that they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make certain 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 Desire to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?
When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomist job, it's a good idea to consider questions you might be asked. One of the things that interviewers typically ask Phlebotomist prospects is "What made you select Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not merely the private reasons you might have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but also what qualities and skills you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of routine interview questions, so you need to prepare some ideas about how you want to address them. Because there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the strengths you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomist and the leading choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down some ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.Find the Best Phlebotomist College near Chicago IL
Making certain that you select the right phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this rewarding healthcare career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomy training programs can be available in a wide range of academic institutions, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide array of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program offerings can differ somewhat from state to state as each state has its own criteria when it concerns phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to carefully evaluate and compare each program prior to making your ultimate choice. By addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can pick the best school for you. And with the proper training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Chicago IL.
Learn About Chicago Illinois
Chicago
Chicago (/ʃɪˈkɑːɡoʊ/ ( listen) or /ʃɪˈkɔːɡoʊ/), officially the City of Chicago, is the third-most populous city in the United States. With over 2.7 million residents, it is also the most populous city in both the state of Illinois and the Midwestern United States. It is the county seat of Cook County. The Chicago metropolitan area, often referred to as Chicagoland, has nearly 10 million people and is the third-largest in the United States. Chicago has often been called a global architecture capital[6][7] and is considered one of the most important business centers in the world.[8]
Chicago was incorporated as a city in 1837 near a portage between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River watershed and grew rapidly in the mid-nineteenth century.[9] After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which destroyed several square miles and left more than 100,000 homeless, the city made a concerted effort to rebuild on the damage.[10] The construction boom accelerated population growth throughout the following decades, and by 1900 Chicago was one of the five largest cities in the world.[11] During this period, Chicago made noted contributions to urban planning and zoning standards, new construction styles (including the Chicago School of architecture), the development of the City Beautiful Movement, and the eventual creation of the steel-framed skyscraper.[12]
Positioned along Lake Michigan, the city is an international hub for finance, commerce, industry, technology, telecommunications, and transportation. O'Hare International Airport is the second-busiest airport in the world when measured by aircraft traffic; the region also has the largest number of U.S. highways and railroad freight.[13] In 2012, Chicago was listed as an alpha global city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network,[14] and it ranked seventh in the world in the 2016 Global Cities Index.[15] Chicago has the third-largest gross metropolitan product in the United States—about $640 billion according to 2015 estimates.[16] The city has one of the world's largest and most diversified economies, with no single industry employing more than 14% of the workforce.[17]
In 2016, Chicago hosted a record 54 million domestic and international visitors, making it one of the most visited cities in the United States.[18][19] Landmarks in the city include Millennium Park, Navy Pier, the Magnificent Mile, the Art Institute of Chicago, Museum Campus, the Willis (Sears) Tower, the Museum of Science and Industry, and Lincoln Park Zoo. Chicago's culture includes the visual arts, novels, film, theater (especially improvisational comedy), and music, particularly jazz, blues, soul, hip-hop, gospel,[20] and house music. There are many colleges and universities in the Chicago area, of which Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois at Chicago are classified as "highest research" doctoral universities.
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