Selecting a Phlebotomist Course near Thornton Illinois

Selecting the right phlebotomist school near Thornton IL is a critical first step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting task to analyze and compare all of the training options that are available to you. However it’s necessary that you do your due diligence to make certain that you get a superior education. In fact, many students begin the process by considering two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another option you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online schools later in this article. What you need 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 including reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and need to be part of your decision process as well. To assist in that effort, we will furnish a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you select the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our discussion about online training.

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

Phlebotomist Job Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their primary function, there is actually so much more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must confirm that the instruments being employed are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample has to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork has to be correctly filled out in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory screening process. The phlebotomist then delivers 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. A number of Thornton IL phlebotomists actually work in labs and are in charge of making sure that samples are tested properly under the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they may be asked to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The easiest response is wherever they treat patients. Their work environments are many and diverse, such as Thornton IL medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be charged to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a specific type of patient. For example, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be drawing blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide variety of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.

Phlebotomist Education, Certification and Licensing

There are essentially 2 types of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Thornton IL, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to complete and offers a general education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest route 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. Offered at community and junior colleges, they typically require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program provide a more expansive background in lab sciences. When you have finished your training, you will probably want to get certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, many employers require certification prior to employing technicians. Some 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 a few states that do call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomy tech, like Nevada and California. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only offers a premium education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Certificates and Degrees

First, let’s dispel one possible mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant part of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Thornton 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-clinical portion of the training may be attended online, it can be a more practical alternative for many students. As an additional benefit, a number of online colleges are more affordable than their traditional competitors. And some expenses, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered as well. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist college you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a superior education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomist Programs

Now that you have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already chosen the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Illinois school is relevant as well as the cost of tuition. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomist school. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the process for choosing a school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Following are a few questions that you need to ask about all of the Thornton IL programs you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Illinois? As previously mentioned, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of practical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomy 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 be required to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you select should be accredited by a respected national or regional accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited program aside from an assurance of a quality education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification examination administered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs in Thornton IL. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to prospective 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 some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important 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 research online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also contact several Thornton IL area hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and see if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can contact the Illinois school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Adequate Training Included? First, check with 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 clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Thornton IL phlebotomist program that you are looking at should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything lower than these minimums might indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internships Provided? Ask the Illinois programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with local medical facilities. They are the optimal way to get hands-on practical training often not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Thornton IL healthcare community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Getting your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Find out if the colleges you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both an excellent reputation as well as a large network of professional contacts within the Thornton IL health care community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it’s important to make sure that the final program you choose provides classes at times that are compatible with your hectic schedule. This is particularly true if you decide to still work while going to school. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Thornton IL, make sure they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option as well. And if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is in case you have to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Phlebotomist?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's helpful to consider questions you might be asked. Among the questions that recruiters typically ask Phlebotomy Tech candidates is "What drove you to select Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomist, but additionally what qualities and talents you have that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you must prepare some approaches about how you want to address them. Because there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the abilities you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down several concepts and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can help you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Choose the Ideal Phlebotomy Course near Thornton IL

Making sure that you choose the right phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding healthcare career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior program. Phlebotomist training programs can be offered in a wide range of academic institutions, such as junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide array of courses in medical care and health sciences. Course offerings can vary slightly from state to state as every state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you need to carefully research and compare each program before making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the right school for you. And with the proper education, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Thornton IL.

Learn About Thornton Illinois

 

 

More Interesting Illinois Cities

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Sandoval IL 62882

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Palmyra IL 62674

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Capron IL 61012

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Clarendon Hills IL 60514

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Highwood IL 60040

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Robinson IL 62454

Phlebotomy Training Schools near La Grange IL 60525

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Richton Park IL 60471

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Golf IL 60029

Phlebotomy Training Schools near Bushnell IL 61422