Selecting a Phlebotomist School near Earlville Illinois
Choosing the ideal phlebotomy technician training near Earlville IL is a critical first step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult undertaking to assess and compare all of the training options that are available to you. However it’s necessary that you do your due diligence to make certain that you receive a quality education. In reality, a large number of prospective students begin their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Another factor you may 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’s important to remember is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and need to be part of your selection process too. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you select the best one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online schools.
Phlebotomy Tech Job Summary
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their main task, there is actually much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the instruments being used are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork needs to be accurately completed to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab screening process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some Earlville IL phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are responsible for making sure that samples are analyzed properly utilizing the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they can be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.
Where do Phlebotomists Work?
The easiest answer is wherever there are patients. Their work places are many and varied, including Earlville IL medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be tasked to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting samples from a certain kind of patient. For example, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be collecting blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients on a daily basis.
Phlebotomist Training, Licensing and Certification
There are basically 2 kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in Earlville IL, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to finish and provides a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they normally require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a four year program furnish a more expansive background in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will probably want to get certified. While not mandated in most states, a number of 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 several states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, like 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 provides a superior education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.
Phlebotomist Online Training
First, let’s dispel one likely mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A good portion of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Earlville IL healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-practical portion of the training can be attended online, it can be a more practical option for some students. As an additional benefit, some online classes are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenses, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be minimized as well. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist program you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a superior education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges
Now that you have a basic understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already picked the type of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Illinois college is important in addition to the tuition expense. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomy online program. All of these decisions are a critical part of the process for choosing a school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when arriving at your decision. Following are several questions that you need to ask about each of the Earlville IL programs you are reviewing before making your final decision.
Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As previously mentioned, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of practical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Illinois or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for all examinations you may be required to take.
Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you select should be accredited by a reputable national or regional accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to an assurance of a premium education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to take a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are typically not available for non-accredited colleges in Earlville IL. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to potential 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 essential to check the reputations of all schools you are looking at. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can also contact several Earlville IL area hospitals or clinics that you may have an interest in working for and see if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can contact the Illinois school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.
Is Ample Training Provided? To begin with, check with the Illinois regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Earlville IL phlebotomy program that you are considering should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to offer sufficient training.
Are Internships Included? Ask the Illinois programs you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with regional health care facilities. They are the ideal means to get hands-on practical training often not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Earlville IL health care community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Landing your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire if the schools you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation along with a large network of professional contacts within the Earlville IL medical community.
Are Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it’s important to verify that the ultimate school you select provides classes at times that will accommodate your busy lifestyle. This is especially true if you choose to continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Earlville IL, make sure they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option as well. And if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up procedure is should you have to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.
Why Did You Decide to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?
When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's advantageous to consider questions you might be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomy Technician applicants is "What made you choose Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not merely the private reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what attributes and skills you have that make you good at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to organize some approaches about how you would like to address them. Given that there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but jot down some ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.Find the Best Phlebotomist Course near Earlville IL
Making sure that you pick the most suitable phlebotomist training is an important first step toward your success in this rewarding healthcare career position. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality program. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be offered in a variety of educational institutes, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide range of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program options can differ a bit across the country as every state has its own prerequisites when it concerns phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to thoroughly research and compare each college before 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 select the ideal school for you. And with the proper education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Earlville IL.
Learn About Earlville Illinois
Earlville, Illinois
Earlville is a city in LaSalle County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,701 at the 2010 census, and was estimated to be 1,661 by July 2013.[3] It is part of the Ottawa-Peru, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area.
A post office called Earlville has been in operation since 1844.[4] The city was named after Earlville, New York, the former hometown of an early settler.[5]
Earlville is located at 41°35′19″N 88°55′20″W / 41.588552°N 88.922356°W / 41.588552; -88.922356.[6]
According to the 2010 census, Earlville has a total area of 1.2 square miles (3.11 km2), all land.[7]
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