Tag Archives: Phlebotomy Training Classes Westwood CA 96137

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Westwood CA 96137

Picking a Phlebotomist Training Program near Westwood California

Westwood CA phlebotomist taking blood sampleChoosing the ideal phlebotomy technician school near Westwood CA is a critical first step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting undertaking to assess and compare all of the training options that are available to you. However it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you receive a superior education. In fact, a large number of potential students begin their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another factor you may consider 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 you need to remember is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and need to be part of your decision process as well. Toward that end, 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 continue our conversation about online training.

Phlebotomy Technician Career Description

Westwood CA phlebotomist testing blood sampleA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their main function, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the instruments being employed are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork must be correctly completed to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory screening procedure. The phlebotomist then transports 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 Westwood CA phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are accountable for making certain that samples are tested correctly utilizing the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they might be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The quickest answer is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are many and diverse, including Westwood CA hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be charged to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a specific type of patient. For instance, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be drawing 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 practicing in a general hospital setting would be collecting blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Certification and Licensing

Westwood CA phlebotomist holding blood sampleThere are basically two types of programs that furnish phlebotomy training in Westwood CA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to complete and furnishes a general education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will provide training to become a phlebotomist. Available at community and junior colleges, they normally take two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a four year program furnish a more expansive background in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not required in the majority of states, a number of employers require certification prior to employing technicians. Some of the primary 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 require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, like Nevada and California. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a superior education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomy Online Schools

attending phlebotomy training online in Westwood CATo start with, let’s dispel one likely misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant component of the course of study will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Westwood CA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. A large number of courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-practical portion of the training can be attended online, it may be a more convenient option for many students. As an added benefit, many online classes are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some costs, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened also. Just verify that the online phlebotomy school you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can receive a superior education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Now that you have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already picked the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the California school is relevant in addition to the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomist college. All of these decisions are an important component of the process for choosing a school or program. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you should ask about all of the Westwood CA programs you are considering before making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed before working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for California or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for all examinations you may have to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you pick should be accredited by a reputable regional or national accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several 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 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 typically not available for non-accredited colleges in Westwood CA. Finally, graduating from an accredited college can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Reputation? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to check out the reputations of all schools you are looking at. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their graduates 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 contact a few Westwood CA local hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and find out if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the California school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Adequate Training Included? To begin with, check with the California regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any Westwood CA phlebotomy program that you are looking at should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything lower than these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Ask the California colleges you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional healthcare facilities. They are the ideal way to get hands-on clinical training typically not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Westwood CA medical community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Finding your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the schools you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement percentage 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 an excellent reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Westwood CA health care community.

Are Class Times Conveniently Scheduled? And last, it’s critical to confirm that the final college you pick offers classes at times that are compatible with your active lifestyle. This is particularly true if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Westwood CA, make sure they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, confirm it is an option as well. And if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is in case you have to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's advantageous to review questions you might be asked. Among the questions that recruiters frequently ask Phlebotomy Tech applicants is "What drove you to pick Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not only the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomist, but also what attributes and talents you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you should prepare some approaches about how you want to respond to them. Since there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the abilities you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Tech and the best candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but write down a few ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Enroll in the Ideal Phlebotomy Program near Westwood CA

Making sure that you enroll in the right phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare field. As we have covered in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium school. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are offered in a wide range of educational institutes, such as community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive range of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Course options may vary somewhat across the country as each state has its own requirements when it comes to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must thoroughly research and compare each program prior to making your ultimate decision. By addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the best school for you. And with the appropriate training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Westwood CA.

Learn About Westwood California

Westwood, California

Westwood is a census-designated place (CDP) in Lassen County, California, United States. Westwood is located 20 miles (32 km) west-southwest of Susanville,[3] at an elevation of 5,128 feet (1,563 m).[2] The population was 1,647 at the 2010 census, down from 1,998 at the 2000 census. Westwood is the hometown of mythical logger Paul Bunyan.

Westwood is built upon lava flows from Cascade Mountain Range volcanoes to the north. Keddie Ridge is considered to be at the northern end of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.[4]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 5.5 square miles (14 km2), of which 5.4 square miles (14 km2) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km2) (1.34%) is water.

Westwood was built by T. B. Walker to be the operations center for the Red River Lumber Company in 1913.[3][5][6] The first post office opened the same year.[3] The Red River Lumber Company is credited as being "the world's largest electrical sawmill of the times."[7] Red River Lumber Company also operated one of the first electric railways in the state built in 1927.[8] The mill was equipped with the most modern equipment for its time;[9] and the surrounding territory was crisscrossed by forest railways bringing logs to the mill. The railway shop at Westwood was home to 2-8-0 #102 and 2-8-2 #104 when forest railway operations ceased in the early 1950s.[10] The four woods engines scrapped in 1953 were 2-6-0 number 1, 2-6-2 number 2, 2-8-2 number 3, and 3-truck Shay locomotive number 4.[11]

 

 

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