Selecting a Phlebotomist Training Program near Monterey California

Choosing the right phlebotomy school near Monterey CA is a critical first step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting undertaking to evaluate and compare each of the training options that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s vital that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you obtain a quality education. In reality, a large number of prospective students start their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another factor you might consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. We’ll review a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to remember 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 important considerations and need to 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 assessing to help you pick the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online schools.

Phlebotomy Technician Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their primary duty, there is actually so much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must confirm 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 data. Afterward, paperwork must be accurately completed to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Monterey CA phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are responsible for making sure that samples are analyzed properly under the strictest quality assurance 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 Phlebotomists Work?

The easiest response is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are numerous and varied, including Monterey CA hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a particular type of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns solely. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients every day.

Phlebotomy Education, Certification and Licensing

There are basically 2 types of programs that offer phlebotomy training in Monterey CA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to complete and offers a basic education as well as 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 specifically a phlebotomist degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they usually require 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program furnish a more extensive background in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will probably want to get certified. Although not required in the majority of states, most employers look for certification before employing technicians. A few 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 a few states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, like California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a quality education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomist Schools

First, let’s resolve one likely misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A good portion of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Monterey 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. But since the non-practical part of the training can be attended online, it might be a more convenient option for some students. As an additional benefit, many online classes are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist school you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can receive a premium education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the best choice for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Since you now have a basic understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already chosen the type of program you intend 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 decided to enroll in an phlebotomy online school. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for choosing a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you need to ask about all of the Monterey CA schools you are looking at before making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to California? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomist program that complies with the state specific requirements for California or the state where you will be working and prepares you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded regional or national accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many advantages to graduating from an accredited school in addition to a guarantee of a superior education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification exam administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited schools in Monterey CA. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, 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 schools you are reviewing. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even talk to a few Monterey CA area clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and find out if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can contact the California school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Sufficient 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 length of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Monterey CA phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums may indicate that the program is not expansive enough to provide sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Find out from the California programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with local health care facilities. They are the ideal way to get hands-on clinical training frequently not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Monterey CA healthcare community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Getting your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the schools you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation along with a large network of professional contacts within the Monterey CA healthcare community.

Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s crucial to verify that the final program you choose offers classes at times that will accommodate your active schedule. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Monterey CA, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the practical 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 Choose to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician job, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the things that interviewers frequently ask Phlebotomy Tech prospects is "What compelled you to decide on Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not just the private reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what attributes and talents you have that make you good at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, as well as a certain number of standard interview questions, so you should prepare several approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the abilities you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down several concepts and topics that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Select the Best Phlebotomist College near Monterey CA

Making sure that you pick the right phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this fulfilling health care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality program. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be available in a number of academic institutes, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide range of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Program offerings may differ a bit across the country as each state has its own mandates when it concerns phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must carefully research and compare each college prior to making your ultimate choice. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the ideal program for you. And with the proper training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Monterey CA.

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