Selecting a Phlebotomy Training Program near Mchenry Illinois

Selecting the ideal phlebotomist training near Mchenry IL is an important initial step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting task to investigate and compare each of the training options that are available to you. However it’s vital that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you get a quality education. In fact, a large number of prospective students start their search by considering two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional factor you may look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll review more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is far more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and must be part of your decision process as well. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating 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 continue our discussion about online schools.

Phlebotomist Career Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their primary responsibility, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the instruments being utilized are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample must 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 laboratory testing process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Many Mchenry IL phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are accountable for making certain that samples are tested correctly using the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they might be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

The most basic response is wherever there are patients. Their workplaces are many and varied, such as Mchenry IL medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood banks. They can be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a particular type of patient. For example, 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 mothers and newborns solely. In contrast, phlebotomists working in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomist Education, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially two kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in Mchenry IL, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to complete and provides a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they normally take two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program provide a more expansive background in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. While not required in the majority of states, many employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. Some 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 several states that do call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, including California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only supplies a premium education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Schools

To begin with, let’s resolve one likely mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial part of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Mchenry IL healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical portion of the training may be accessed online, it might be a more practical alternative for many students. As an added benefit, some online colleges are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some costs, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist college you choose 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 method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Now that you have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already decided on the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Illinois school is significant in addition to the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomy online program. Each of these decisions are an important part of the process for selecting a school or program. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you should ask about all of the Mchenry IL colleges you are looking at prior to making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states require certification, while some others require licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s very important to choose a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for Illinois or the state where you will be working and readies you for all exams you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you enroll in should be accredited by a respected regional or national accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited program in addition to a guarantee of a superior education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are typically not available for non-accredited schools in Mchenry IL. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.

What is the School’s Reputation? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of any colleges you are looking at. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even talk to some Mchenry IL local hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and see if they can offer any insights. As a closing thought, you can check with the Illinois school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Enough Training Provided? First, contact the Illinois 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 classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Mchenry IL phlebotomist program that you are considering should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Find out from the Illinois schools you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with area medical facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on practical training frequently not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Mchenry IL medical community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Finding your first phlebotomist position will be much easier with the support 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 high rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Mchenry IL health care community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? And last, it’s critical to make sure that the final school you select provides classes at times that are compatible with your hectic schedule. This is particularly true if you choose to still work while attending college. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Mchenry IL, check that they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, confirm it is an option also. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is in case you need to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Desire to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's important to review questions you could be asked. Among the questions that recruiters often ask Phlebotomist prospects is "What compelled you to decide on Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the private reasons you might have for being Phlebotomist, but additionally what attributes and talents you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you must organize some strategies about how you would like to answer them. Since there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Technician and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but jot down some concepts and talking points that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Find the Right Phlebotomist Program near Mchenry IL

Making sure that you choose the ideal phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this fulfilling medical care career position. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomist training programs are offered in a number of educational institutions, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide range of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program offerings may vary a bit from state to state as each state has its own criteria when it pertains to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly screen and compare each program prior to making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the right program for you. And with the proper education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Mchenry IL.

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