Choosing a Phlebotomist Training Program near Travis Afb California

Enrolling in the right phlebotomist training near Travis Afb CA is an important first step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging undertaking to evaluate and compare each of the school alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s important that you perform your due diligence to ensure that you receive a superior education. In fact, most students begin the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Another factor you may look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll review a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and must be part of your decision process as well. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you select the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online schools.

Phlebotomy Tech Career Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their primary function, there is actually so much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must confirm that the instruments being utilized are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork has to be accurately filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab testing process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some Travis Afb CA phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are in charge of ensuring that samples are analyzed properly under the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they might be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The quickest answer is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are numerous and varied, including Travis Afb CA medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be charged to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to seniors. A number of phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a specific 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 collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients each day.

Phlebotomist Education, Certification and Licensing

There are basically two kinds of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Travis Afb 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 phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will include training to become a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they normally take 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program offer a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. Although not required in the majority of states, most employers require certification prior to 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 some states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, like California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only furnishes a premium education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Classes

First, let’s dispel one potential mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant portion of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Travis Afb CA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-practical portion of the training may be attended online, it can be a more practical alternative for some students. As an additional benefit, many online classes are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenditures, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist program you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can receive a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Since you now have a basic understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already decided on the kind of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the California school is significant in addition to the tuition expense. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomist school. All of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for selecting a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Following are some questions that you need to ask about each of the Travis Afb CA programs you are looking at before making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As earlier discussed, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that satisfies the state specific requirements for California or the state where you will be working and prepares you for any exams you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you pick should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting agency, 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 quality education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing loans or financial assistance, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited programs in Travis Afb CA. Finally, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Reputation? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to check the reputations of all schools you are reviewing. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their students as part of their job placement program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also contact several Travis Afb CA area clinics or hospitals that you might have an interest in working for and find out 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 Ample Training Provided? First, check with the California regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Travis Afb CA phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish adequate training.

Are Internships Provided? Ask the California schools you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with area medical facilities. They are the optimal way to obtain hands-on practical training typically not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Travis Afb CA healthcare community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Available? Landing your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Ask if the colleges you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Travis Afb CA health care community.

Are Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it’s crucial to verify that the ultimate program you select offers classes at times that are compatible with your hectic lifestyle. This is particularly true if you decide to continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Travis Afb 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. Even 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 protocol is should you need to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician job, it's important to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the questions that interviewers often ask Phlebotomist applicants is "What made you decide on Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what qualities and talents you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you must ready a number of strategies about how you would like to answer them. Since there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the abilities you have that make you an outstanding Phlebotomist and the perfiect candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but write down a few ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Select the Right Phlebotomist Course near Travis Afb CA

Making sure that you choose the right phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this gratifying health care field. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a quality program. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are found in a variety of educational institutions, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive assortment of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program offerings can vary somewhat across the country as each state has its own requirements when it concerns phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly research and compare each program prior to making your final selection. By addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the best college for you. And with the appropriate education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Travis Afb CA.

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