Choosing a Phlebotomy Training Program near Highwood Illinois
Picking the right phlebotomy school near Highwood IL is an essential first step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting undertaking to analyze and compare each of the school options that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you complete your due diligence to make certain that you obtain a quality education. In fact, most prospective students start the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another factor you might consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and need to be part of your decision process too. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our discussion about online training.
Phlebotomy Tech Career Description
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their primary duty, there is actually far more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the tools being utilized are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample has to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork must be properly completed to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory testing procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Many Highwood IL phlebotomists actually work in labs and are accountable for ensuring that samples are tested correctly under the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they can be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.
Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?
The simplest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work environments are numerous and diverse, such as Highwood IL hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a specific kind of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be collecting blood from senior patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients on a daily basis.
Phlebotomy Technician Training, Certification and Licensing
There are essentially 2 kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in Highwood IL, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to finish and furnishes a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they usually require two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program provide a more expansive background in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to get certified. While not required in the majority of states, a number of employers require certification prior to 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 require 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 imperative that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only provides a premium education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.
Phlebotomist Online Certificates and Degrees
To start with, let’s resolve one potential misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial portion of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Highwood IL 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-clinical portion of the training can be accessed online, it may be a more convenient option for some students. As an additional benefit, some online schools are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some expenditures, for instance those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened as well. Just verify that the online phlebotomist college you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Phlebotomist Programs
Now that you have a general understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already picked the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Illinois campus is important as well as the cost of tuition. Possibly you have opted 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 considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you should ask about each of the Highwood IL schools you are considering prior to making your final selection.
Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Illinois? As previously mentioned, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states require certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Illinois or the state where you will be working and preps you for all exams you may have to take.
Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you select should be accredited by a respected regional or national accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a quality education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited programs in Highwood IL. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to future employers in the job market.
What is the College’s Ranking? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of any schools you are reviewing. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even talk to several Highwood IL local hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and ask if they can offer any insights. As a closing thought, you can check with the Illinois school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been filed or if the schools are in full compliance.
Is Sufficient Training Included? To begin with, check with the Illinois 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 Highwood IL phlebotomy program that you are considering should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums may signify that the program is not expansive enough to provide adequate training.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask the Illinois programs you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with local medical facilities. They are the optimal means to obtain hands-on practical training often not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Highwood IL health care community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Landing your first phlebotomy job 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 rate 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 an excellent reputation together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Highwood IL healthcare community.
Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s crucial to verify that the ultimate school you choose offers classes at times that are compatible with your active schedule. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Highwood IL, check that they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option also. And if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up procedure is should you have to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.
Why Did You Decide to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?
When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the things that hiring managers frequently ask Phlebotomy Tech prospects is "What drove you to pick Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not just the personal reasons you may have for being Phlebotomist, but also what attributes and skills you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of typical interview questions, so you must ready several strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a number 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 exceptional Phlebotomy Technician and the ideal choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down several ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.Find the Ideal Phlebotomy Course near Highwood IL
Making sure that you enroll in the ideal phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this fulfilling healthcare career position. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a superior college. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be offered in a wide range of academic institutes, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive range of courses in medical care and health sciences. Training program options may differ a bit across the country as every state has its own criteria when it comes to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to diligently research and compare each program before making your final choice. By asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the right college for you. And with the proper education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Highwood IL.
Learn About Highwood Illinois
Highwood, Illinois
Highwood is a city in Moraine Township, Lake County, Illinois, United States located between Chicago and Kenosha. The city is also located just south of the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve.
Highwood is located at 42°12′19″N 87°48′44″W / 42.205357°N 87.812345°W / 42.205357; -87.812345, one of the highest points between Chicago and Milwaukee.[3]
According to the 2010 census, Highwood has a total area of 0.71 square miles (1.84 km2), all land.[4]
Originally, the land was owned by the Potawatomi until the 1833 when it was ceded to the United States through the Treaty of Chicago.[5] The first non-Native American settled in the town in 1846. In 1851 Highwood became the headquarter location of the Chicago North Shore and Milwaukee Railroad, which ran parallel to the Chicago and North Western Railway's and is now know today as Metra's Union Pacific/North line. Thomas Curley suggested the name High Woods because the land was the highest ground between Chicago and Milwaukee and was covered with trees.
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