Choosing a Phlebotomist School near Burbank Washington

Enrolling in the right phlebotomy technician school near Burbank WA is an important first step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging task to assess and compare all of the training options that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s vital that you do your due diligence to make sure that you get a quality education. In fact, a large number of potential students begin the process by considering 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Another factor you might consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll discuss a bit 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 closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and should be part of your selection process too. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you pick the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online training.

Phlebotomy Tech Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. While that is their main task, there is in fact far more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must verify that the tools being utilized are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample must be correctly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork has to be accurately completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some Burbank WA phlebotomists actually work in labs and are responsible for making sure that samples are tested correctly utilizing the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they may be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?

The easiest answer is wherever patients are treated. Their work places are numerous and varied, such as Burbank WA hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be charged to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or young children to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a certain type of patient. For instance, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital environment would be collecting blood from a wide variety of patients and would work with different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Licensing and Certification

There are basically 2 types of programs that furnish phlebotomist training in Burbank WA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to complete and furnishes a general education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest method to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at community and junior colleges, they usually require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a four year program provide a more extensive background in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not required in most states, many employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. Some of the principal 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 call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, such as Nevada and California. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a premium education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomy Certificates and Degrees

To begin with, let’s dispel one potential misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A good portion of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved Burbank WA 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 portion of the training may be attended online, it can be a more convenient option for some students. As an added benefit, some online programs are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenditures, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized also. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist school you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can receive 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 choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges

Since you now have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already chosen 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 Washington school is important in addition to the tuition expense. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomist online college. All of these decisions are an important part of the process for picking a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you need to ask about all of the Burbank WA colleges you are looking at before making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states call for certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed before working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you might have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Washington or the state where you will be working and prepares you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable regional or national accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited program aside from an assurance of a superior education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited schools in Burbank WA. Finally, graduating from an accredited school 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 imperative to investigate the reputations of all schools you are reviewing. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also talk to some Burbank WA local clinics or hospitals that you might be interested in working for and find out if they can offer any insights. As a closing thought, you can check with the Washington school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Ample Training Included? To begin with, contact the Washington 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 Burbank WA phlebotomy program that you are looking at should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums may signify that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask the Washington schools you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with local healthcare facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on clinical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Burbank WA health care community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Getting your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the colleges you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Burbank WA health care community.

Are Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule? Finally, it’s crucial to make sure that the final school you choose provides classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while going to college. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Burbank WA, check that they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option as well. Even 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 procedure is in case you need to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Want to Become a Phlebotomist?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Tech position, it's a good idea to consider questions you might be asked. Among the questions that interviewers frequently ask Phlebotomy Tech applicants is "What drove you to pick Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not only the private reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomist, but also what qualities and talents you have that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to Phlebotomy, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you need to prepare a number of ideas about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the talents you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomist and the best candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but take down a few concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to prepare your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Find the Right Phlebotomy Course near Burbank WA

Making certain that you choose the most suitable phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this fulfilling healthcare career position. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a quality program. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be available in a number of academic institutions, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide range of programs in medical care and health sciences. Program offerings can differ somewhat across the country as each state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must diligently screen and compare each program prior to making your ultimate choice. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the best school for you. And with the appropriate training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Burbank WA.

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