How to Pick the Best Phlebotomy Technician School near Melrose Park Illinois

Selecting the right phlebotomy school near Melrose Park IL is an important first step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult undertaking to investigate and compare all of the training alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s vital that you do your due diligence to make certain that you get a quality education. In fact, many students begin the process by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Another factor you might consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll talk more about online classes later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is a lot 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 also. Toward that end, 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 before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our discussion about online schools.

Request Free Information on Phlebotomy Training Near You!

Should You Choose a Career as a Phlebotomy Tech?

First of all, not many people probably know what a phlebotomist or phlebotomy technician is. The basic definition is a health care professional who draws blood from patients. We will go into more depth later. So of course anyone who decides to enter this profession must be able to handle needles and blood. And if you are not comfortable in hospitals or other Melrose Park IL medical environments, well this profession may not be right for you. And now let’s talk about the patients. Phlebotomy Technicians often work with nervous people who don’t like needles or having a blood sample taken. And because many medical facilities are open 24 hours, you may be required to work weekends, evenings and even on holidays. But if you can handle the hours and the blood and needles, and if you enjoy helping people and are patient and compassionate, this could be the right job for you.

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

Phlebotomist Work Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, draws blood from patients. Although that is their principal responsibility, there is actually so much more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must verify that the tools being employed are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample has to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork has to be properly filled out to be able to track the sample from the time 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 may be screened for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some phlebotomists in fact work in Melrose Park IL labs and are accountable for making certain that samples are tested correctly under the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they may be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Practice?

The easiest answer is wherever patients are treated. Their workplaces are numerous and diverse, such as Melrose Park IL hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be charged to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their practice and their training, specialize in drawing blood from a specific kind of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would only be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital environment would be collecting blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Certification and Licensing

There are basically 2 kinds of programs that provide phlebotomy training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to complete and provides a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest 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. Offered at community and junior colleges, they normally require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program offer a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. While not required in most states, many Melrose Park IL employers require certification before employing technicians. Some of the principal 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 require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, like Nevada and California. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only provides a premium education, but also preps you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Training

To start with, let’s resolve one likely misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial component of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be performed either in an approved healthcare facility or an on-campus lab. Numerous courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical portion of the training may be accessed online, it may be a more convenient alternative for many Melrose Park IL students. As an additional benefit, a number of online classes are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenses, such as those for commuting or textbooks, may be lowered as well. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy college you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Phlebotomy Programs

Now that you have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, 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 previously mentioned, the location of the college is important if you will be commuting from Melrose Park IL as well as the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an accredited phlebotomist online program. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for picking a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Following are several questions that you need to ask about all of the programs you are considering before making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed prior to 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 phlebotomy program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Illinois or the state where you will be working and readies you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you select should be accredited by a reputable national or regional accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several benefits to graduating from an accredited school aside from an assurance of a premium education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to sit for a certification exam administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited schools. Finally, graduating from an accredited school can make you more desirable to potential employers in the Melrose Park IL job market.

What is the School’s Ranking? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to investigate the reputations of all colleges you are looking at. 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 online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also contact some Melrose Park IL clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can provide any insights. As a closing thought, you can check with the Illinois school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Ample Training Provided? To begin with, check with 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 phlebotomist program that you are looking at should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums may indicate that the program is not expansive enough to provide sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out from the programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with local health care facilities. They are the optimal way to receive hands-on practical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop relationships within the local Melrose Park IL health care community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance 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 reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Melrose Park IL medical community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s crucial to confirm that the final college you select provides classes at times that are compatible with your active schedule. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Melrose Park IL, make sure they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, confirm it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is in case you need to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Certified Phlebotomist Melrose Park IL

Low Cost Phlebotomy Tech Schools Melrose Park Illinois

Making certain that you enroll in the ideal phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this gratifying healthcare career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a premium program. Phlebotomist training programs are found in a variety of educational institutions, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a wide array of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Program offerings can differ somewhat across the country as each state has its own requirements when it comes to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must diligently screen and compare each college prior to making your ultimate decision. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Low Cost Phlebotomy Tech Schools and to get more information regarding Best Phlebotomy Courses.  However, by addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the ideal phlebotomist school for you. And with the appropriate training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Melrose Park IL.

More Illinois Bloody Wonderful Locations

Phlebotomy Training Program Summit Argo IL

Phlebotomy Schools Skokie IL

Fast Track Phlebotomy Programs Near Me Berkeley IL

Phlebotomist Course Table Grove IL

Accelerated Phlebotomy Tech Schools Arlington Heights IL

Part Time Phlebotomy Technician Programs Fulton IL

Part Time Phlebotomist Training Near Me Forest Park IL

Low Cost Phlebotomy Associates Degrees Leaf River IL

Best Phlebotomy Associates Degrees Near Me Poplar Grove IL

Phlebotomist Class Waterloo IL