Picking a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Addison Illinois

Selecting the ideal phlebotomy school near Addison IL is an essential first step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting task to assess and compare each of the training options that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you perform your due diligence to make certain that you obtain a superior education. In fact, most prospective students begin their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional option you might consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. We’ll review more about online schools later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is much more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables such as accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and must be part of your decision process too. To assist in that effort, we will furnish a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you pick the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online training.

Phlebotomy Tech Career Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. While that is their principal task, there is actually much more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the tools being used are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork has to be properly completed to be able to track the sample from the time 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 tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Addison IL phlebotomists actually work in labs and are accountable for making certain that samples are tested properly under the strictest quality assurance 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 Practice?

The quickest answer is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are numerous and varied, including Addison IL hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be charged to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a specific type of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would solely be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide variety of patients and would work with new patients every day.

Phlebotomist Training, Certification and Licensing

There are primarily two types of programs that provide phlebotomist training in Addison IL, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to complete and provides a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they normally take 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program offer a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to get certified. Although not required in the majority of states, many employers require certification before employing technicians. A few of the primary 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, 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 preps you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomist Online Classes

To begin with, let’s dispel one possible misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial portion of the course of study will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Addison IL healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. A large number of courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical part of the training may be accessed online, it may be a more practical option for many students. As an additional benefit, many online colleges are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist school 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 quality education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the best option for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomy Programs

Since you now have a basic understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already selected 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 campus is important in addition to the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomy school. All of these decisions are a critical part of the process for choosing a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you need to ask about each of the Addison IL schools you are considering prior to making your final 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 call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed before working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Illinois or the state where you will be practicing and prepares you for any examinations you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded regional or national accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of advantages to graduating from an accredited program in addition to an assurance of a quality education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to take a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited schools in Addison IL. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Reputation? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to check out the reputations of all colleges you are considering. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can screen internet school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even check with several Addison IL area clinics or hospitals that you might have an interest in working for and ask if they can offer any insights. As a closing thought, you can contact the Illinois school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Included? First, check with the Illinois regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Addison IL phlebotomist program that you are considering should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish adequate training.

Are Internships Included? Ask the Illinois colleges you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with regional healthcare facilities. They are the ideal means to receive hands-on clinical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Addison IL healthcare community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Getting your first phlebotomist job will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire if the schools you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Addison IL healthcare community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? Finally, it’s crucial to make sure that the ultimate school you pick provides classes at times that are compatible with your busy schedule. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you need to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Addison IL, check that they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option also. And if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make sure 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 due to illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomist prospects is "What compelled you to select Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the personal reasons you might have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but additionally what attributes and talents you have that make you good at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to Phlebotomy, as well as a certain number of typical interview questions, so you need to prepare a number of strategies about how you want to answer them. Since there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the talents you have that make you an outstanding Phlebotomist and the leading choice for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down some concepts and talking points that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Select the Best Phlebotomy School near Addison IL

Making certain that you choose the right phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this fulfilling medical care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium program. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are found in a number of educational institutes, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide range of courses in medical care and health sciences. Program offerings may vary somewhat across the country as every state has its own requirements when it concerns phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to diligently evaluate and compare each college prior to making your final choice. By addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the right college for you. And with the appropriate education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Addison IL.

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