Part Time Phlebotomy Tech Classes Lafayette CA

How to Enroll in the Best Phlebotomy Training Program near Lafayette California

Lafayette CA phlebotomist drawing blood from patientChoosing the right phlebotomy training near Lafayette CA is an essential first step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting undertaking to evaluate and compare each of the school alternatives that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you obtain a superior education. In fact, many potential students start their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional factor you might consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is much more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors such as accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and must be part of your selection process also. 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 right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our conversation about online schools.

Request Free Information on Phlebotomy Training Near You!

Should You Go to School to Become a Phlebotomy Technician?

blood analysis performed in Lafayette CA labFirst of all, few people are likely to know what a phlebotomy tech or phlebotomist is. The basic definition is a health care professional whose job is to draw blood. We will go into more depth later. So naturally anyone who selects this profession must be OK around blood and needles. And if you are anxious in hospitals or other Lafayette CA medical facilities, well this profession probably is not right for you. And then there are the patients. Phlebotomy Technicians tend to work around anxious people who don’t like needles or having their blood drawn. And because many medical facilities are open 24 hours, you may be required to work weekends, nights and even on holidays. But if you can handle the hours and the needles and blood, and if you enjoy helping people and are compassionate and very patient, this may be the perfect profession for you.

Click Here to Get Free Information on Phlebotomy Training Near You!

Phlebotomist Career Summary

Lafayette CA phlebotomist holding blood sampleA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their primary duty, there is actually far more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to check that the tools being employed are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork must be properly completed to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory screening process. 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. Some phlebotomists actually work in Lafayette CA labs and are accountable for making certain that samples are tested properly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they may be called upon to train other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Practice?

The simplest response is wherever patients are treated. Their work places are numerous and varied, including Lafayette CA medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or young children to senior citizens. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing samples from a specific type of patient. For example, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility 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 exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Education, Licensing and Certification

Lafayette CA phlebotomy tech drawing bloodThere are basically 2 types of programs that offer phlebotomy training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to finish and offers a general education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomist. 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. Available at junior and community colleges, they usually require 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a 4 year program offer a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will probably want to get certified. Although not mandated in most states, most Lafayette CA employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. A few 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 require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, such as Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s important that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a superior education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomy Certificates and Degrees

Lafayette CA student attending online phlebotomy classesTo begin with, let’s dispel one possible mistaken belief. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial part of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be carried out either in an approved healthcare facility or an on-campus lab. A large number of courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-practical part of the training may be attended online, it can be a more convenient alternative for many Lafayette CA students. As an additional benefit, some online programs are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered also. Just verify that the online phlebotomist program you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a premium education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

What to ask Lafayette CA phlebotomy schoolsSince you now have a general understanding 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 intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the school is important if you will be commuting from Lafayette CA in addition to the tuition expense. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomy program. All of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for choosing a phlebotomy program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Following are several questions that you need to ask about each of the colleges you are considering prior to making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states call for certification, while some others require licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed before working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomist program that fulfills the state specific requirements for California or the state where you will be working and preps you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited school in addition to an assurance of a superior education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to take a certification exam offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited programs. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more desirable to future employers in the Lafayette CA job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to investigate the reputations of any schools you are reviewing. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can screen internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can also talk to some Lafayette CA hospitals or clinics that you may have an interest in working for and ask if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the California school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Enough Training Provided? First, contact the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask the colleges you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with area healthcare facilities. They are the optimal way to get hands-on practical training often not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Lafayette CA health care community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Landing your first phlebotomist job will be a lot easier with the support of a job placement program. Ask if the colleges you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both an excellent reputation together with a large network of professional contacts within the Lafayette CA health care community.

Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s important to confirm that the ultimate program you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your busy lifestyle. This is particularly true if you decide to still work while attending college. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Lafayette CA, make sure they are available at those times. Also, 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 ask what the make-up protocol is in case you need to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Phlebotomy School Near Me Lafayette CA

Part Time Phlebotomy Tech Classes Lafayette California

Making sure that you choose the most suitable phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare career position. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium school. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are available in a wide range of educational institutes, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive assortment of programs in medical care and health sciences. Program offerings may differ somewhat across the country as each state has its own mandates when it concerns phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must carefully research and compare each school before making your final decision. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Part Time Phlebotomy Tech Classes and to get more information regarding Low Cost Phlebotomy Education.  However, by asking the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can pick the best phlebotomy program for you. And with the proper training, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Lafayette CA.

More California Bloody Wonderful Locations

  • Top Phlebotomy Tech Colleges Portola Valley CA
  • Part Time Phlebotomy Tech Associates Degrees Laguna Niguel CA
  • Fast Track Phlebotomy Technician Education Desert Hot Springs CA
  • Local Phlebotomy Technician Schools Auberry CA
  • Top Phlebotomist Colleges Panorama City CA
  • Part Time Phlebotomy Technician Courses Jamestown CA
  • Evening Drawing Blood Training Near Me Greenwood CA
  • Affordable Drawing Blood Courses Near Me Mc Farland CA
  • Accelerated Drawing Blood Programs Near Me Chico CA
  • Affordable Phlebotomy Technician Associates Degrees Near Me Malibu CA
  •  

     

     

    Lafayette, California

    Lafayette (formerly La Fayette)[8] is a city in Contra Costa County, California, United States. As of 2011, the city's population was estimated to be 24,285. It was named after the Marquis de Lafayette, a French military hero of the American Revolutionary War. Today Lafayette is known for its pastoral rolling hills, good schools, and wealthy inhabitants. In 2016, the median household income in Lafayette was over $140,000, more than twice the statewide average and about two and half times the national median.[9]

    Before the colonization of the region by Spain, Lafayette and its vicinity were inhabited by the Saclan tribe of the indigenous Bay Miwok. Ohlone also populated some of the areas along Lafayette Creek.[10] The indigenous inhabitants' first contact with Europeans was in the late 18th century with the founding of Catholic missions in the region. These initial contacts developed into conflict, with years of armed struggle, including a battle on what is currently Lafayette soil in 1797 between the Saclan and the Spanish, and eventually resulting in the subjugation of the native population.

    Most of what is currently Lafayette was given as a Mexican land grant, Rancho Acalanes to Candelario Valencia in 1834. The name Acalanes seems to have come from the name of a native village in the area, Ahala-n.[11]

     

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 610

    Quest Diagnostics
    5 Reviews
    Laboratory Testing
    Phone:
    3800 Mt Diablo Blvd, Ste 104, Lafayette, CA 94549

    LabCorp
    14 Reviews
    Laboratory Testing
    Phone:
    1220 Rossmoor Pkwy, Walnut Creek, CA 94598

    LabCorp
    11 Reviews
    Laboratory Testing
    Phone:
    3466 Mt Diablo Blvd, Ste C-102, Lafayette, CA 94549

    LabCorp
    11 Reviews
    Laboratory Testing
    Phone:
    140 Brookwood Rd, Ste 200, Orinda, CA 94563

    John Muir Medical Group
    14 Reviews
    Medical Centers
    Phone:
    3466 Mt Diablo Blvd, Ste C104, Lafayette, CA 94549

    LabCorp
    16 Reviews
    Laboratory Testing
    Phone:
    120 La Casa Viaduct, Ste 102, Walnut Creek, CA 94598

    Open Medicine Institute Draw Station
    3 Reviews
    Laboratory Testing
    Phone:
    3190 Old Tunnel Rd, Ste B, Lafayette, CA 94549

    LabCorp
    6 Reviews
    Laboratory Testing
    Phone:
    1367 E 2nd St, Benicia, CA 94510

    New Medical: Faranak Fiedler, MD
    14 Reviews
    Family Practice
    Phone:
    978 2nd St, Ste 100, Lafayette, CA 94549

    Quest Diagnostics
    53 Reviews
    Laboratory Testing
    Phone:
    108 La Casa Via, Ste 105, Walnut Creek, CA 94598