Selecting a Phlebotomy School near La Grange Park Illinois

Selecting the right phlebotomy technician training near La Grange Park IL is an essential initial step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting task to analyze and compare each of the training options that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you do your due diligence to make certain that you obtain a quality education. In reality, most prospective students start the process by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional factor you might consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and must be part of your decision process also. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you choose the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our conversation about online classes.

[campusexplorer header_text=”Find Phlebotomy Schools Near You!” aos=”75346615″ concentration=”E7147EE5″ tracking=”PHL-CT”]

Phlebotomy Tech Career Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. While that is their main responsibility, there is actually much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to check that the instruments being employed are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample has to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork needs to be properly completed to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of La Grange Park IL phlebotomists actually work in labs and are responsible for making sure that samples are analyzed properly using the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they might be asked to train other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The simplest response is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are many and varied, including La Grange Park IL hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be tasked to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or young children to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a specific type of patient. For instance, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Licensing and Certification

There are primarily 2 types of programs that provide phlebotomy training in La Grange Park IL, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to finish and furnishes a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers 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 include training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they typically take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program provide a more expansive background in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will probably want to become certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, most employers look for certification before employing technicians. Some of the primary certifying agencies 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 prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, such as Nevada and California. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s important that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only furnishes a premium education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomist Online Training

To start with, let’s dispel one possible mistaken belief. 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 La Grange Park IL healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-practical component of the training can be attended online, it can be a more convenient option for some students. As an additional benefit, some online programs are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenditures, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be lowered also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist college you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Now that you have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, 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 degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Illinois campus is relevant as well as the cost of tuition. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomist program. All of these decisions are an important component of the procedure for picking a school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about all of the La Grange Park IL programs you are considering before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for Illinois or the state where you will be working and preps you for any exams you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable national or regional accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a premium education. First, if your program is not accredited, 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 often unavailable for non-accredited programs in La Grange Park IL. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to future employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Reputation? In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, 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 colleges you are reviewing. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job assistance program. You can screen online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can also check with several La Grange Park IL local clinics or hospitals 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 complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Ample Training Included? To begin with, check with the Illinois 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 La Grange Park IL phlebotomist program that you are considering should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything lower than these minimums might indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internships Provided? Find out from the Illinois schools you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with local health care facilities. They are the optimal way to obtain hands-on clinical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local La Grange Park IL healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Landing your first phlebotomist job will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the colleges you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation as well as a substantial network of professional contacts within the La Grange Park IL medical community.

Are Class Times Available as Needed? And last, it’s critical to verify that the ultimate program you select provides classes at times that will accommodate your busy schedule. This is especially true if you opt to continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near La Grange Park IL, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option as well. And if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is should you have to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Desire to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's helpful to consider questions you could be asked. One of the questions that recruiters frequently ask Phlebotomy Technician applicants is "What compelled you to pick Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomist, but additionally what characteristics and skills you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you should ready several ideas about how you would like to address them. Since there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the talents you have that make you an outstanding Phlebotomist and the leading choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but take down some concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Choose the Best Phlebotomist College near La Grange Park IL

Making sure that you pick the ideal phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding healthcare field. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium program. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be offered in a number of educational institutions, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive range of courses in medical care and health sciences. Course offerings may vary a bit from state to state as every state has its own requirements when it concerns phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to carefully screen and compare each college prior to making your ultimate selection. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the right school for you. And with the appropriate education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in La Grange Park IL.

Learn About La Grange Park Illinois

 

 

More Interesting Illinois Cities

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Mapleton IL 61547

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Buda IL 61314

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Paxton IL 60957

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Maroa IL 61756

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Arthur IL 61911

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Salem IL 62881

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Auburn IL 62615

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Waterloo IL 62298

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Ashton IL 61006

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Oglesby IL 61348