How to Select the Right Phlebotomy Tech School near Crystal Lake Iowa
Picking the right phlebotomy training near Crystal Lake IA is an important initial step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a difficult undertaking to investigate and compare all of the school alternatives that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you do your due diligence to make sure that you get a superior education. In reality, many students start the process by considering 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another option you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll review more about online classes later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and should be part of your decision process as well. Toward that end, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you select the right 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 Plebotomist?
First of all, few people are likely to know what a phlebotomy tech or phlebotomist is. The basic definition is a medical professional whose job is to draw blood. We will go into more depth later. So of course anyone who decides to enter this profession must be OK around needles and blood. And if you are nervous in hospitals or other Crystal Lake IA medical environments, well this job probably is not right for you. And now let’s talk about the patients. Phlebotomy Techs routinely work with anxious people who hate needles or having a blood sample drawn. And because many medical facilities are open around the clock, you will probably be required to work weekends, evenings and even on holidays. But if you don’t mind working with the blood and needles, and if you enjoy interacting with people and are patient and compassionate, this could be the perfect job for you.
Click Here to Get Free Information on Phlebotomy Training Near You!
Phlebotomist Work Summary
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their main function, there is in fact far more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to verify that the tools being utilized are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample has to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork must be accurately completed to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing procedure. The phlebotomist then transports 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 in fact work in Crystal Lake IA laboratories and are accountable for making certain that samples are analyzed correctly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they may be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.
Where are Phlebotomists Employed?
The simplest answer is wherever they treat patients. Their workplaces are numerous and diverse, such as Crystal Lake IA medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They may be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a specific type of patient. For example, those practicing 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 mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomists working in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients on a daily basis.
Phlebotomy Education, Licensing and Certification
There are essentially two types of programs that provide phlebotomy training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program normally takes less than a year to finish and offers a basic education along with 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, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they usually take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a four year program furnish a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will probably want to get certified. Although not required in the majority of states, most Crystal Lake IA employers look for certification prior to employing technicians. A few of the primary certifying organizations include:
- National Phlebotomy Association
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
- American Medical Technologists (AMT)
There are some states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, such as Nevada and California. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a superior education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.
Phlebotomy Online Training
First, let’s dispel one likely misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A good 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. A large number of courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-clinical component of the training may be accessed online, it can be a more convenient option for many Crystal Lake IA students. As an additional benefit, a number of online colleges are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be lessened as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomy college you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this means of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the best option for you.
What to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges
Since you now have a basic understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already picked the kind of program you wish to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the college is significant if you will be commuting from Crystal Lake IA as well as the tuition expense. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomist college. All of these decisions are an important part of the procedure for selecting a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you should ask about all of the colleges you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision.
Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Iowa? As previously mentioned, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while some others require licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, 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 Iowa or the state where you will be working and preps you for all examinations you may have to take.
Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded regional or national 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 aside from a guarantee of a quality education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification examination offered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited colleges. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to future employers in the Crystal Lake IA job market.
What is the School’s Reputation? In a number of 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 essential to investigate the reputations of all schools you are considering. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen internet school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even contact a few Crystal Lake IA hospitals or clinics that you may have an interest in working for and see if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can contact the Iowa school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in total compliance.
Is Adequate Training Included? First, contact the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are looking at should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums may signify that the program is not comprehensive enough to furnish sufficient training.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask the schools you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with area health care 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 develop contacts within the local Crystal Lake IA medical community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Available? Getting your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Ask if the schools you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation along with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Crystal Lake IA healthcare community.
Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s crucial to make sure that the final college you pick offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic schedule. This is particularly true if you opt to still work while going to college. If you need to go to classes at night or on weekends near Crystal Lake IA, make sure they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option also. 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 procedure is should you have to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.
How Long Does Phlebotomy Classes Take Crystal Lake IA
2 Week Phlebotomy Training Crystal Lake Iowa
Making certain that you enroll in 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 several factors that go into the selection of a quality school. Phlebotomy training programs are found in a variety of academic institutes, such as junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer an extensive assortment of programs in medical care and health sciences. Program options can vary a bit across the country as each state has its own prerequisites when it comes to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must diligently research and compare each college before making your final selection. You originally came to this website due to an interest in 2 Week Phlebotomy Training and to get more information regarding Find Phlebotomy Technician Education Near Me. However, by asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can select the ideal phlebotomy college for you. And with the proper education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Crystal Lake IA.
More Iowa Bloody Wonderful Locations
Crystal Lake, Iowa
As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 250 people, 121 households, and 69 families residing in the city. The population density was 961.5 inhabitants per square mile (371.2/km2). There were 140 housing units at an average density of 538.5 per square mile (207.9/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 97.2% White, 1.6% African American, 0.4% Native American, and 0.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.0% of the population.
There were 121 households of which 19.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.5% were married couples living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.0% were non-families. 36.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.07 and the average family size was 2.65.
The median age in the city was 47.8 years. 18% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 18.4% were from 25 to 44; 33.6% were from 45 to 64; and 22.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.4% male and 51.6% female.
Business Results 1 - 10 of 0
