Selecting a Phlebotomy Training Program near Elmira California
Selecting the right phlebotomist school near Elmira CA is an important first step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting task to assess and compare each of the training options that are accessible to you. However it’s important that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you obtain a superior education. In fact, many students begin the process by looking at two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Another factor you might consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is much more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and must be part of your decision process too. 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 pick the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online training.
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Phlebotomist Job Description
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their primary task, there is actually much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to verify that the instruments being utilized are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork has to be correctly completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab testing procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. A number of Elmira CA phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are responsible for making certain that samples are analyzed properly using the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they might be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.
Where are Phlebotomists Employed?
The most basic response is wherever they treat patients. Their work environments are many and varied, including Elmira CA hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomists, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing blood from a certain kind of patient. For instance, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only 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 work with different patients on a daily basis.
Phlebotomy Education, Licensing and Certification
There are essentially two types of programs that furnish phlebotomy training in Elmira CA, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program normally takes under a year to finish and furnishes a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at community and junior colleges, they usually take 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a four year program provide a more expansive background in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to be certified. While not mandated in most states, many 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 a few states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, such as Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you pick a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a quality education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.
Phlebotomist Online Colleges
First, let’s resolve one likely mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A good component of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Elmira CA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-practical portion of the training may be accessed online, it might be a more practical alternative for some students. As an added benefit, some online colleges are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenses, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist 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 quality education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Phlebotomist Programs
Since you now have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already picked 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 California campus is relevant as well as the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online school. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for choosing a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Following are a few questions that you need to ask about each of the Elmira CA schools you are looking at before making your final decision.
Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for California or the state where you will be working and prepares you for all examinations you may be required to take.
Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you select should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited program aside from a guarantee of a premium education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification exam offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited programs in Elmira CA. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.
What is the College’s Reputation? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of all colleges you are looking at. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their students as part of their job placement program. You can screen internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can also check with some Elmira CA local hospitals or clinics that you may have an interest in working for and see if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the California school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in total compliance.
Is Adequate Training Included? First, contact the California 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. As a minimum, any Elmira CA phlebotomy program that you are considering should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums may indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish adequate training.
Are Internships Provided? Ask the California programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional medical facilities. They are the optimal means to get hands-on clinical training frequently not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Elmira CA healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Landing your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Find out if the schools you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation as well as a substantial network of professional contacts within the Elmira CA healthcare community.
Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s critical to verify that the final program you pick provides classes at times that will accommodate your busy lifestyle. This is particularly true if you decide to still work while attending school. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Elmira CA, check that they are offered 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 attend online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is in case you need to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.
Why Did You Decide to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?
When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician job, it's helpful to consider questions you may be asked. Among the things that recruiters typically ask Phlebotomist candidates is "What made you select Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not just the private reasons you might have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but also what attributes and talents you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining primarily to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you need to organize some strategies about how you would like to address them. Considering there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the abilities you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomist and the ideal choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but jot down a few concepts and topics that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can help you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.Choose the Ideal Phlebotomy Course near Elmira CA
Making certain that you choose the right phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding health care career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomist training programs are available in a variety of educational institutions, such as community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive assortment of programs in medical care and health sciences. Program offerings can differ somewhat from state to state as each state has its own prerequisites when it concerns phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to thoroughly evaluate and compare each school prior to making your final choice. 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 proper education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Elmira CA.
Learn About Elmira California
Elmira, California
Elmira is a census-designated place (CDP) in Solano County, California, United States. The population was 188 at the 2010 census.
Elmira, California, is named after Elmira, New York.[3][4]
In the 19th and early 20th century, Elmira was the major railroad stop between Fairfield and Davis.[5][6] To get to Vacaville, travelers had to take a spur from Elmira. When U.S. Route 40 was built through Vacaville, the population of Vacaville increased in size, while the population of Elmira declined.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 0.531 square miles (1.38 km2), all of it land.[7]
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