Phlebotomy Training Schools near Prospect Heights IL 60070

Selecting a Phlebotomist Training Program near Prospect Heights Illinois

Prospect Heights IL phlebotomist taking blood sampleChoosing the right phlebotomist training near Prospect Heights IL is an important first step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a challenging undertaking to assess and compare all of the school options that are accessible to you. However it’s necessary that you perform your due diligence to make sure that you obtain a quality education. In reality, most potential students start the process by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Another option you might consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. We’ll review more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind 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 must be part of your selection process also. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online schools.

Phlebotomist Career Description

Prospect Heights IL phlebotomist testing blood sampleA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although 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 verify that the tools being utilized are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork must be correctly completed in order 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 infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. A number of Prospect Heights IL phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are in charge of making sure that samples are analyzed properly under the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they might be required to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The quickest answer is wherever patients are treated. Their work environments are numerous and varied, such as Prospect Heights IL hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting samples from a specific type of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be collecting blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide variety of patients and would work with new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomist Training, Licensing and Certification

Prospect Heights IL phlebotomist holding blood sampleThere are basically two types of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Prospect Heights IL, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes under a year to finish and furnishes a general education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at community and junior colleges, they normally require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a four year program provide a more extensive background in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not required in most states, a number of employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. Some 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 require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, like Nevada and California. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only provides a quality education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Schools

attending phlebotomy training online in Prospect Heights ILTo start with, let’s resolve one likely misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant component of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Prospect Heights 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 component of the training may be accessed online, it might be a more convenient option for some students. As an added benefit, some online schools are less expensive than their on-campus competitors. And some costs, for instance those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist program you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a superior education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Since you now have a basic understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already decided on the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Illinois college is significant in addition to the tuition expense. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomy school. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the process for selecting a program or school. But they are not the sole concerns when arriving at your decision. Following are several questions that you need to ask about all of the Prospect Heights IL programs you are considering before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states require certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s extremely 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 preps you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you choose should be accredited by a respected national or regional accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to a guarantee of a quality education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are typically not available for non-accredited colleges in Prospect Heights IL. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more desirable to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Reputation? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of any schools you are reviewing. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also contact a few Prospect Heights IL local clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and find out if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Illinois school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Enough Training Included? First, check with 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 clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Prospect Heights IL phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask the Illinois programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with local health care facilities. They are the optimal way to obtain hands-on clinical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Prospect Heights IL health care community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Getting your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the colleges you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation along with a large network of professional contacts within the Prospect Heights IL medical community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s important to verify that the final college you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is especially true if you opt to still work while going to college. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Prospect Heights IL, check that they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm 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 ask what the make-up policy is in case you need to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Phlebotomist?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you may be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers typically ask Phlebotomist applicants is "What compelled you to choose Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not just the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what qualities and talents you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to prepare some approaches about how you want to answer them. Given that there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you along with the abilities you have that make you an outstanding Phlebotomy Technician and the best candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but take down several ideas and talking points that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can assist you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Enroll in the Right Phlebotomy Program near Prospect Heights IL

Making sure that you choose the most suitable phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a premium program. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs are offered in a number of educational institutions, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive range of programs in medical care and health sciences. Program options may differ somewhat from state to state as every state has its own requirements when it comes to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must thoroughly evaluate and compare each college before making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the ideal college for you. And with the appropriate education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Prospect Heights IL.

Learn About Prospect Heights Illinois

Prospect Heights, Illinois

Prospect Heights is a city in Cook County, Illinois, United States and is a suburb of Chicago. The population was 16,256 at the 2010 census.[3]

Prospect Heights is located at 42°6′20″N 87°55′41″W / 42.10556°N 87.92806°W / 42.10556; -87.92806 (42.105576, -87.928168).[4]

According to the 2010 census, Prospect Heights has a total area of 4.269 square miles (11.06 km2), of which 4.24 square miles (10.98 km2) (or 99.32%) is land and 0.029 square miles (0.08 km2) (or 0.68%) is water.[5]

As of the census[7] of 2000, there were 17,081 people, 6,379 households, and 4,433 families residing in the city. The population density was 4,011.1 people per square mile (1,548.1/km²). There were 6,573 housing units at an average density of 1,543.5 per square mile (595.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 77.41% White, 1.76% African American, 0.25% Native American, 4.37% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 13.82% from other races, and 2.35% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 27.58% of the population.

 

 

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