Picking a Phlebotomy Training Program near Niles Illinois

Enrolling in the ideal phlebotomy training near Niles IL is a critical initial step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a challenging undertaking to investigate and compare each of the training options that are available to you. However it’s important that you do your due diligence to ensure that you receive a quality education. In reality, many prospective students start their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Another option 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 you need 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 factors such as accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and should be part of your decision process also. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you choose the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online schools.

Phlebotomy Technician Job Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal task, there is in fact far more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must confirm that the instruments being used are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample must be correctly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork must be correctly filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing procedure. 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. A number of Niles IL phlebotomists actually work in labs and are accountable for making certain that samples are tested correctly utilizing the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they can be required to train other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The quickest response is wherever they treat patients. Their work environments are many and diverse, such as Niles IL medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be charged to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to seniors. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a particular type of patient. For instance, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients each day.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Certification and Licensing

There are essentially two kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomy training in Niles IL, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to finish and provides a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at junior and community colleges, they usually require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program furnish a more extensive background in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will probably want to be certified. Although not required in most states, most employers look for certification prior to employing technicians. Some 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 several states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, including Nevada and California. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s important that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only supplies a superior education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomy Training

To begin with, let’s resolve one possible mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant component of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Niles 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-practical portion of the training may be accessed online, it may be a more practical alternative for some students. As an additional benefit, many online programs are less expensive than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be lowered as well. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy college 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 obtain a premium education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the best option for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Programs

Now that you have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already selected the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Illinois school is significant in addition to the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online program. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for picking a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you should ask about each of the Niles IL colleges you are considering prior to making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As earlier discussed, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for Illinois or the state where you will be working and readies you for all exams you may be required to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you pick should be accredited by a highly regarded regional or national accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited program aside from an assurance of a premium education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam administered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs in Niles IL. Finally, graduating 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 phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to check out the reputations of all colleges you are looking at. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their students as part of their job assistance program. You can research internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also check with some Niles IL local hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can contact the Illinois school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Included? First, contact the Illinois regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Niles IL phlebotomy program that you are looking at should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums may signify that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out from the Illinois programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with area medical facilities. They are the ideal way to obtain hands-on practical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Niles IL health care community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Getting your first phlebotomist job will be a lot 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 higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation along with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Niles IL healthcare community.

Are Class Times Available as Needed? And last, it’s critical to verify that the ultimate school you select offers classes at times that are compatible with your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Niles IL, check that they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm 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 find out what the make-up procedure is in case you have to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomist job, it's advantageous to consider questions you may be asked. One of the things that hiring managers typically ask Phlebotomist applicants is "What drove you to decide on Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not just the private reasons you might have for being Phlebotomist, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you must ready some ideas about how you would like to answer them. Since there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the talents you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomist and the leading choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down several ideas and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Select the Right Phlebotomy Program near Niles IL

Making sure that you select the right phlebotomist training is an important first step toward your success in this gratifying health care field. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a quality school. Phlebotomy training programs are available in a variety of educational institutes, such as community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive array of programs in medical care and health sciences. Training program offerings may vary slightly from state to state as every state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must diligently research and compare each program before making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the right school for you. And with the appropriate training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Niles IL.

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