Part Time Phlebotomy Colleges Near Me Norco LA - Phlebotomist Training Schools

How to Choose the Right Phlebotomy Technician School near Norco Louisiana

Norco LA phlebotomist drawing blood from patient Picking the ideal phlebotomy school near Norco LA is an essential initial step toward a rewarding profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a challenging undertaking to investigate and compare each of the school alternatives that are accessible to you. However it’s important that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you receive a quality education. In reality, most students begin their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are cost and location. Another factor you might consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online classes later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also important considerations and must 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 assessing to help you select the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our conversation about online schools.

Request Free Information on Phlebotomy Training Near You!

Should You Choose a Career as a Plebotomist?

blood analysis performed in Norco LA lab Right out of the gate, few people are likely to know what a phlebotomist or phlebotomy technician is. The short definition is a medical professional who draws blood from patients. We will go into more depth later. So naturally anyone who selects this profession must be comfortable with blood and needles. And if you are anxious in hospitals or other Norco LA medical facilities, well this profession probably is not the best choice for you. And then there are the patients. Phlebotomy Technicians routinely work around nervous people who don’t like needles or having their blood drawn. And because many medical facilities are open around the clock, you will probably be expected to work weekends, nights and, you guessed it even on holidays. But if you don’t mind working with the blood and needles, and if you enjoy interacting with people and are compassionate and very patient, this could be the perfect job for you.

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

Phlebotomy Tech Work Description

Norco LA phlebotomist holding blood sample A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their primary duty, there is actually far more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the tools being used are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample must be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork must be accurately completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the lab screening process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Many phlebotomists actually work in Norco LA labs and are responsible for making sure that samples are tested correctly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they can be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The easiest response is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are many and diverse, including Norco LA medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to seniors. A number of phlebotomy techs, based on their practice and their training, specialize in collecting samples from a specific type of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be collecting blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide variety of patients and would work with different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Licensing and Certification

Norco LA phlebotomy tech drawing blood There are essentially two types of programs that offer phlebotomist training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program normally takes under a year to complete and provides a general education together 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, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will include training to become a phlebotomist. Offered at junior and community colleges, they normally take two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program offer a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will probably want to be certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, many Norco LA employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. Some of the primary 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, including Nevada and California. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only supplies a superior education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomy Schools

Norco LA student attending online phlebotomy classes First, let’s dispel one potential mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant component of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved healthcare facility or an on-campus lab. Numerous courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-clinical component of the training can be accessed online, it might be a more practical option for many Norco LA students. As an added benefit, some online classes are less expensive than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist program you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a premium education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the best option for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomist Programs

What to ask Norco LA phlebotomy schools Since you now have a general idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already picked 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 campus is important if you will be commuting from Norco LA as well as the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an accredited phlebotomy online school. All of these decisions are an important component of the process for selecting a phlebotomy program or school. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Following are some questions that you should ask about all of the schools you are considering before making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomist program that meets the state specific requirements for Louisiana or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded national or regional accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited program aside from an assurance of a premium education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited colleges. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to potential employers in the Norco LA job market.

What is the Program’s Reputation? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to investigate the reputations of all schools you are looking at. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can research internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even check with several Norco LA clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the Louisiana school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Ample Training Included? 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 clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are reviewing 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 furnish adequate training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask the colleges you are considering if they have an internship program in partnership with area health care facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on practical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Norco LA healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Finding your first phlebotomist job will be much easier with the support of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are looking at provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation as well as an extensive network of professional contacts within the Norco LA healthcare community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s critical to verify that the ultimate college you pick offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while attending college. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Norco LA, make sure they are available at those times. Additionally, 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 completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up procedure is in case you need to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

Phlebotomist Training Requirements Norco LA

Part Time Phlebotomy Colleges Near Me Norco Louisiana

Making certain that you enroll in the most suitable phlebotomist training is an important first step toward your success in this rewarding healthcare career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomist training programs can be available in a variety of educational institutions, including junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide assortment of programs in medical care and health sciences. Training program options can vary somewhat across the country as every state has its own prerequisites when it concerns phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you must carefully evaluate and compare each school before making your final choice. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Part Time Phlebotomy Colleges Near Me and to get more information regarding Affordable Phlebotomist Programs Near Me. However, by asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the right phlebotomy college for you. And with the proper training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Norco LA.