Top Drawing Blood Schools Near Me Olympia Fields IL

How to Enroll in the Best Phlebotomy Tech Training Program near Olympia Fields Illinois

Olympia Fields IL phlebotomist drawing blood from patientEnrolling in the right phlebotomy school near Olympia Fields IL is an essential first step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging undertaking to evaluate and compare each of the school options that are available to you. However it’s vital that you perform your due diligence to make certain that you obtain a superior education. In reality, many prospective students begin their search by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another option you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is far 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 need to be part of your selection process too. 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 pick the best one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then continue our conversation about online schools.

Request Free Information on Phlebotomy Training Near You!

Should You Choose a Career as a Phlebotomy Technician?

blood analysis performed in Olympia Fields IL labRight out of the gate, few people probably know what a phlebotomist or phlebotomy technician is. The basic definition is a health care professional whose job is to draw blood. We will provide more details later. So naturally anyone who chooses this profession must be comfortable with needles and blood. And if you are anxious in hospitals or other Olympia Fields IL medical environments, well this profession may not be right for you. And then there are the patients. Phlebotomists routinely work around anxious people who hate needles or having their blood drawn. And because many medical facilities are open around the clock, you will probably be required to work weekends, evenings and, you guessed it even on holidays. But if you can handle the hours and the needles and blood, and if you enjoy interacting with people and are compassionate and very patient, this may be the right profession for you.

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

Phlebotomist Job Description

Olympia Fields IL phlebotomist holding blood sampleA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their main task, there is actually so much more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to check that the instruments being used are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork needs to be properly completed in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory screening process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Many phlebotomists in fact work in Olympia Fields IL labs and are responsible for making certain that samples are analyzed correctly under the strictest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they can be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The quickest response is wherever patients are treated. Their work environments are numerous and diverse, including Olympia Fields IL hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting blood from a certain type of patient. For example, those practicing in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing 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 different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Licensing and Certification

Olympia Fields IL phlebotomy tech drawing bloodThere are essentially 2 kinds of programs that provide phlebotomy training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to finish and offers a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they usually require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a four year program provide a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will probably want to become certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, a number of Olympia Fields IL employers require certification before hiring technicians. Some of the key 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 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 superior education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Phlebotomy Online Certificates and Degrees

Olympia Fields IL student attending online phlebotomy classesTo start with, let’s resolve one potential misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant portion of the curriculum will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. Many courses also require completing an internship in order to graduate. However since the non-clinical component of the training may be attended online, it might be a more convenient option for many Olympia Fields IL students. As an added benefit, many online schools are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenditures, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced as well. Just verify that the online phlebotomy program you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a superior education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal choice for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomist Programs

What to ask Olympia Fields IL phlebotomy schoolsNow that you have a basic understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already chosen the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the school is significant if you will be commuting from Olympia Fields IL in addition to the tuition expense. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomy school. Each of these decisions are an important component of the process for selecting a phlebotomy program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you should ask about all of the schools you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Illinois? As mentioned previously, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Illinois or the state where you will be working and prepares you for all examinations you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting organization, 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 premium education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification exam offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the Olympia Fields IL job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomist colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s important to check the reputations of all 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 placement program. You can screen online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can even check with some Olympia Fields IL clinics or hospitals that you might have an interest in working for and see if they can provide any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the Illinois school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Plenty of 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 length of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any phlebotomist program that you are reviewing should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out from the programs you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with area healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to receive hands-on practical training typically not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish relationships within the local Olympia Fields IL medical community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Finding your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the colleges you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation as well as a substantial network of professional contacts within the Olympia Fields IL healthcare community.

Are Classes Available as Needed? Finally, it’s crucial to make sure that the final school you select provides classes at times that are compatible with your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Olympia Fields IL, make certain they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is in case you need to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Colleges That Offer Phlebotomy Program Near Me Olympia Fields IL

Top Drawing Blood Schools Near Me Olympia Fields Illinois

Making sure that you choose the ideal phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this gratifying health care field. As we have covered in this article, there are multiple factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior school. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be available in a variety of educational institutions, including junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive array of programs in medical care and health sciences. Training program options can differ a bit from state to state as each state has its own requirements when it concerns phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must diligently evaluate and compare each school prior to making your final selection. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Top Drawing Blood Schools Near Me and to get more information regarding Best Phlebotomy Tech Courses Near Me.  However, by asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to fine tune your choices so that you can pick the best phlebotomy school for you. And with the proper education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Olympia Fields IL.

More Illinois Bloody Wonderful Locations

  • Evening Phlebotomy Tech Schools Near Me Elburn IL
  • Evening Phlebotomy Schools Near Me Cicero IL
  • Best Phlebotomy Colleges Perry IL
  • Phlebotomy Education Requirements Woodhull IL
  • Phlebotomy School Cost West Frankfort IL
  • Affordable Drawing Blood Courses Island Lake IL
  • Low Cost Drawing Blood Programs Mascoutah IL
  • Accredited Phlebotomy Programs Tonica IL
  • Top Drawing Blood Associates Degrees Near Me Oswego IL
  • Best Phlebotomy Tech Schools Savanna IL
  •  

     

     

    Olympia Fields, Illinois

    Olympia Fields is a village and southern suburb of Chicago in Cook County, Illinois, United States. The population was 4,988 at the 2010 census.[3] The municipality grew up around the prestigious Olympia Fields Country Club, originally established in 1915.

    Olympia Fields is noteworthy as one of the wealthiest and best educated, majority African-American communities in the United States.[4] The village's zip code (60461) is one of three majority African American communities which rank among the top five percent in the U.S. for median household income and share of adults with college degrees.[5]

    The area that comprises the village today was once farmland managed by immigrant families during the 1830s. The Illinois Central Railroad began serving the area in the 1850s, which fostered population and economic growth during that era.

     

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 103

    Health Diagnostics of NWI
    6 Reviews
    Laboratory Testing
    Phone:
    9003-A Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, IN 46322

    Quest Diagnostics
    16 Reviews
    Laboratory Testing
    Phone:
    10837 S Cicero Ave, Ste 310, Oak Lawn, IL 60453

    Quest Diagnostics
    5 Reviews
    Laboratory Testing
    Phone:
    9046 W 159Th St, Orland Park, IL 60462

    Dupage Medical Group
    4 Reviews
    Medical Centers, Gastroenterologist, Neurologist
    Phone:
    17495 South La Grange Rd, Tinley Park, IL 60487

    Caring Hands - Private Duty Services
    1 Reviews
    Home Health Care, Personal Care Services
    Phone:
    1615 Vollmer Rd, Flossmoor, IL 60422

    Community Diagnostic Center
    2 Reviews
    Medical Centers, Family Practice
    Phone:
    10020 Donald S Powers Dr, Munster, IN 46321

    Quest Diagnostics
    9 Reviews
    Laboratory Testing
    Phone:
    19070 Everett Blvd, Unit 111, Mokena, IL 60448

    Doctors General Laboratory
    4 Reviews
    Laboratory Testing
    Phone:
    9243 S Roberts Rd, Hickory Hills, IL 60457

    Presence Family Health Center
    2 Reviews
    Family Practice, Optometrists, Ophthalmologists
    Phone:
    305 Vine St, New Lenox, IL 60451

    Physicians Immediate Care - Orland Park
    28 Reviews
    Urgent Care, Doctors, Walk-in Clinics
    Phone:
    9570 W 159th St, Orland Park, IL 60467