Choosing a Phlebotomist Training Program near Oak Brook Illinois

Choosing the right phlebotomist training near Oak Brook IL is a critical initial step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting task to assess and compare all of the school alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s important that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you get a quality education. In reality, many potential students start the process by considering 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Another option you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is much more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors including accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your selection process also. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online classes.

Phlebotomy Tech Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their main function, there is in fact much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must confirm that the instruments being utilized are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork has to be properly completed in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory testing process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Many Oak Brook IL phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are accountable for making sure that samples are analyzed properly using the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they might be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The easiest response is wherever there are patients. Their workplaces are many and diverse, including Oak Brook IL hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be charged to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomists, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a particular type of patient. For instance, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomists practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients each day.

Phlebotomy Training, Certification and Licensing

There are basically 2 types of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Oak Brook IL, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to complete and furnishes a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomist. Offered at junior and community colleges, they typically take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program offer a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to get certified. While not mandated in most states, a number of employers look for certification prior to 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 a few states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, such as Nevada and California. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only supplies a premium education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Colleges

To start with, let’s resolve one likely mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A good part of the course of study will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Oak Brook 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 prior to graduation. But since the non-practical part of the training may be accessed online, it could be a more practical option for some students. As an additional benefit, some online colleges are less expensive than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, for instance those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy program you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can receive a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomy 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 decided on the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Illinois college is relevant in addition to the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomy program. Each of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for picking a program or school. But they are not the only considerations when making your decision. Following are some questions that you need to ask about each of the Oak Brook IL colleges you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As earlier discussed, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training completed before working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomist program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Illinois or the state where you will be working and preps you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you pick should be accredited by a recognized national or regional accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of advantages to graduating from an accredited program in addition to a guarantee of a superior education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited colleges in Oak Brook IL. Finally, graduating from an accredited college can make you more desirable to potential employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of all schools you are considering. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their students as part of their job assistance program. You can research internet school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also talk to a few Oak Brook IL local clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Illinois school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Plenty of Training Included? To begin with, 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. As a minimum, any Oak Brook IL phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything lower than these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask the Illinois schools you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with regional medical facilities. They are the ideal way to get hands-on practical training often not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Oak Brook IL health care community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Landing your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, signifying they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation together with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Oak Brook IL medical community.

Are Classes Available as Needed? And last, it’s crucial to verify that the ultimate school you select provides classes at times that will accommodate your active schedule. This is particularly true if you choose to continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Oak Brook IL, check that they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option as well. And if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is in case you have to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Want to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomist job, it's important to review questions you might be asked. Among the things that recruiters often ask Phlebotomy Tech applicants is "What made you decide on Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not just the private reasons you might have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but also what attributes and skills you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to organize some strategies about how you want to answer them. Since there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the strengths you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Tech and the perfiect choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but take down some ideas and talking points that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Choose the Right Phlebotomist Course near Oak Brook IL

Making certain that you pick the right phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this fulfilling health care career position. As we have covered in this article, there are several factors that go into the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomist training programs are found in a variety of educational institutions, such as community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive array of programs in medical care and health sciences. Course options can vary somewhat from state to state as every state has its own requirements when it pertains to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must diligently evaluate and compare each college before making your ultimate decision. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the right program for you. And with the appropriate education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Oak Brook IL.

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