Picking a Phlebotomy Technician School near Morro Bay California
Enrolling in the right phlebotomist school near Morro Bay CA is an important first step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a challenging undertaking to evaluate and compare all of the training alternatives that are available to you. However it’s necessary that you perform your due diligence to make sure that you receive a superior education. In fact, many students begin their search by considering two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional factor you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll review a bit 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 variables including reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and should be part of your decision process also. Toward that end, we will furnish a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you pick the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online schools.
Phlebotomy Tech Work Summary
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their principal task, there is in fact much more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to confirm that the tools being used are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample must be correctly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork has to be accurately completed in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab 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 Morro Bay CA phlebotomists actually work in labs and are accountable for making sure that samples are analyzed correctly under the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they might be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.
Where do Phlebotomists Work?
The most basic response is wherever they treat patients. Their work environments are numerous and diverse, such as Morro Bay CA medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood banks. They can be charged to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting 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 older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting blood from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from different patients every day.
Phlebotomy Training, Licensing and Certification
There are basically two kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in Morro Bay CA, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to complete and offers a general education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest method to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will include training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they usually require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program furnish a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not required in most states, many employers look for certification before employing technicians. A few of the main 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 call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, like California and Nevada. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s important that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a superior education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.
Online Phlebotomist Classes
To begin with, let’s resolve one possible misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant portion of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Morro Bay CA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-clinical part of the training can be attended online, it could be a more convenient alternative for some students. As an additional benefit, a number of online classes are more affordable than their traditional competitors. And some costs, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be minimized as well. Just verify that the online phlebotomy program you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Phlebotomist Schools
Since you now have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already selected the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the California campus is relevant as well as the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomist program. All of these decisions are a critical component of the process for picking a school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you need to ask about all of the Morro Bay CA schools you are considering before making your final decision.
Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As previously mentioned, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomy program that satisfies the state specific requirements for California or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for any examinations you may have to take.
Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a respected national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited school in addition to a guarantee of a superior education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are often unavailable for non-accredited programs in Morro Bay CA. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.
What is the College’s Ranking? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to check out the reputations of any colleges you are reviewing. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job assistance program. You can screen internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also check with some Morro Bay CA local clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the California school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.
Is Sufficient Training Included? First, check with the California regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Morro Bay CA phlebotomy program that you are looking at should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums might indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide sufficient training.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out from the California schools you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with local healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to receive hands-on clinical training often not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Morro Bay CA medical community. And they are a plus on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Landing your first phlebotomist job will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the colleges you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation together with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Morro Bay CA medical community.
Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it’s important to make sure that the ultimate school you pick offers classes at times that will accommodate your active schedule. This is particularly true if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Morro Bay CA, make certain they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option also. 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 find out what the make-up protocol is in case you need to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.
Why Did You Desire to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?
When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech job, it's a good idea to consider questions you might be asked. Among the questions that recruiters typically ask Phlebotomy Technician prospects is "What compelled you to choose Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomist, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to Phlebotomy, in addition to a significant number of standard interview questions, so you should ready a number of ideas about how you would like to address them. Given that there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the talents you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down a few ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.Find the Best Phlebotomist School near Morro Bay CA
Making sure that you select the ideal phlebotomist training is an important first step toward your success in this fulfilling medical care career position. As we have covered in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a superior school. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be offered in a number of academic institutes, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive array of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Course options can differ somewhat across the country as each state has its own requirements when it concerns phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to carefully evaluate and compare each school prior to making your ultimate choice. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the best college for you. And with the proper training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Morro Bay CA.
Learn About Morro Bay California
Morro Bay, California
Morro Bay is a waterfront city in San Luis Obispo County, California located along California State Route 1 on California's Central Coast. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 10,234, down from 10,350 at the 2000 census.
The prehistory of Morro Bay relates to Chumash settlement, particularly near the mouth of Morro Creek. At least as early as the Millingstone Horizon thousands of years before present, there was an extensive settlement along the banks and terraces above Morro Creek.[7]
The first European land exploration of Alta California, the Spanish Portola expedition, came down Los Osos Valley and camped near today's Morro Bay on September 8, 1769. Franciscan missionary and expedition member Juan Crespi noted in his diary that "we saw a great rock in the form of a round morro".[8]
Morro Rock later gave its name to the town. The descriptive term morro is common to the Spanish, Portuguese and Italian languages, and the word is part of many place names where there is a distinctive and prominent hill-shaped rock formation. Note that the similar Spanish descriptive word "moro" indicates a bluish color rather than a shape.[9]
More Interesting California Cities
Business Results 1 - 5 of 43
Morro Bay CA Blood Labs - BingNews Search results
-
Morro Bay businesses prepare for tourists looking to escape the heat
Many people come to Morro Bay to escape the heat but with temperatures rising even on the coast, we spoke with some businesses to see how they’ll be handling the crowds during a hot weekend ahead.
-
Morro Bay ceramicist blends sculpting with jazz
A collection of eight ceramic sculptures of musicians is on display in the front window of Full Moon Studio and Gallery in Morro Bay, owned by Ross Hale and his wife Hedy.
-
Ahoy: The first-ever Morro Bay Maritime Festival drops anchor this fall
THE MORRO BAY MARITIME FESTIVAL... will unfurl, like a grand flag waving from ship, over five festive days in October. You'll want to steer your own helm for the Central Coast hamlet starting Oct. 9 ...
-
Study says Morro Bay battery plant fire wouldn’t harm the public. Residents don’t trust it
A large fire at the proposed battery plant in Morro Bay would not cause “irreversible” or “long-lasting” health impacts to people living nearby, according to a March safety report commissioned by ...
-
Morro Bay celebrates its 60th birthday with a parade along the Embarcadero
Sophia is your community news reporter covering the North Coast of San Luis Obispo County, including Los Osos, Morro Bay, Cayucos, Cambria and San Simeon. Celebrations were underway along the Emba ...
-
Morro Bay man arrested following series of high-speed pursuits in San Luis Obispo County
MORRO BAY, Calif. – A 43-year-old Morro Bay man was arrested following a series of high-speed chases in San Luis Obispo County Tuesday. On Sep. 3, at 4:29 p.m., dispatchers received a call about ...
-
Body of missing California woman found off coast of Morro Bay
The body of a San Joaquin Valley woman reported missing about two weeks ago was found in the ocean off the coast of Morro Bay, Tulare police said Wednesday. The remains of Tiffany McClure ...
-
Morro Bay Recovery
At Morro Bay Recovery, we understand the courage it takes to seek help and face the challenges of addiction. Our mission is to provide a sanctuary where healing, self-discovery, and transformation ...
-
Morro Bay, CA Current Weather
Jasper used to burn often. Why did that change when it became a national park?
-
Inn at Morro Bay
Some past guests find the rooms expensive and not worth the price The recently renovated Inn at Morro Bay is a waterfront hotel on California's Central Coast overlooking Morro Bay and the Pacific ...
-
Best Hotels in Morro Bay, CA for 2024
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. Morro Bay $25 $500+ Discover the best hotel for you: ...