Choosing a Phlebotomy Training Program near Itasca Illinois

Selecting the right phlebotomy technician school near Itasca IL is a critical first step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging undertaking to assess and compare each of the school alternatives that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you do your due diligence to ensure that you obtain a superior education. In reality, a large number of students start their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Another factor you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is far more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors such as accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and should be part of your selection process as well. To assist in that effort, we will furnish a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you choose the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our conversation about online training.

Phlebotomy Tech Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their primary function, there is in fact much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the instruments being used are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample has to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork must be correctly completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. A number of Itasca IL phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are accountable for making sure that samples are tested properly under the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they might be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Practice?

The simplest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work environments are numerous and varied, including Itasca IL medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be tasked to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or young children to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing blood from a certain type of patient. For example, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be collecting blood from senior patients. If they are practicing 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 collecting blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients each day.

Phlebotomist Education, Certification and Licensing

There are primarily 2 types of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Itasca IL, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to complete and furnishes a general education along 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 specifically a phlebotomist degree, will include training to become a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they usually require 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a four year program furnish a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. While not mandated in most states, a number of employers look for certification before employing technicians. A few of the key 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 call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, including Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only supplies a superior education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Classes

To begin with, let’s dispel one likely misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial component of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Itasca IL healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-clinical part of the training can be attended online, it might be a more convenient option for some students. As an added benefit, a number of online colleges are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenditures, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized also. Just verify that the online phlebotomist program you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Since you now have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already decided on the kind of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Illinois college is relevant in addition to the tuition expense. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomy online program. All of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for choosing a school or program. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about each of the Itasca IL schools you are reviewing prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Illinois? As previously mentioned, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states call for certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Illinois or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a respected regional or national accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of advantages to graduating from an accredited program in addition to an assurance 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 offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are often unavailable for non-accredited programs in Itasca IL. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to future employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Reputation? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to check the reputations of any colleges you are considering. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also contact several Itasca IL local hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and see if they can offer any insights. As a closing thought, you can contact the Illinois school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Enough Training Provided? First, contact the Illinois regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Itasca IL phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums may indicate that the program is not expansive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internships Provided? Find out from the Illinois schools you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with area health care facilities. They are the optimal way to obtain hands-on practical training often not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Itasca IL healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Finding your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Find out if the colleges you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation together with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Itasca IL healthcare community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s critical to confirm that the final program you choose offers classes at times that are compatible with your active schedule. This is especially true if you decide to continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Itasca IL, check that they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure 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 fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is in case you have to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Phlebotomist?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomist job, it's helpful to review questions you may be asked. One of the questions that recruiters often ask Phlebotomy Tech applicants is "What compelled you to select Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not only the personal reasons you may have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what characteristics and skills you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you must organize a number of strategies about how you would like to answer them. Because there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Technician and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down several concepts and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right Phlebotomist Course near Itasca IL

Making sure that you pick the right phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare field. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior school. Phlebotomy training programs are found in a wide range of academic institutions, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive range of programs in medical care and health sciences. Training program options may differ slightly across the country as every state has its own requirements when it comes to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to thoroughly screen and compare each college before making your final selection. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can pick the best program for you. And with the appropriate training, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Itasca IL.

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