How to Pick the Right Phlebotomy Training Course near Langley Washington
Picking the right phlebotomy technician training near Langley WA is an important first step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting task to evaluate and compare all of the school options that are available to you. However it’s necessary that you do your due diligence to ensure that you receive a superior education. In fact, most prospective students start the process by considering 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Another option you might consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important 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 including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and must be part of your decision process too. Toward that end, we will furnish a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you pick the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online training.
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Should You Become a Plebotomist?
First of all, few people probably know what a phlebotomy tech or phlebotomist 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 blood and needles. And if you are nervous in hospitals or other Langley WA medical environments, well this job may not be the best choice for you. And then there are the patients. Phlebotomy Techs routinely work with anxious people who hate needles or having a blood sample taken. And because most health care facilities are open 24 hours, you will probably be required to work weekends, evenings and even on holidays. But if you can handle the hours and the needles and blood, and if you enjoy interacting with people and are patient and compassionate, this may be the right job for you.
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Phlebotomist Job Summary
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal task, there is in fact far more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must confirm that the tools being utilized are single use only and sterile. After collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork must be correctly filled out in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab screening process. 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. A number of phlebotomists actually work in Langley WA laboratories and are in charge of ensuring that samples are tested correctly under the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they may be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.
Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?
The quickest answer is wherever patients are treated. Their workplaces are numerous and varied, including Langley WA medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood centers. They may be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or young children to senior citizens. Some phlebotomy techs, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a specific type of patient. For instance, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would only be collecting 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 setting would be collecting samples from a wide variety of patients and would work with different patients on a daily basis.
Phlebotomist Training, Licensing and Certification
There are essentially two kinds of programs that offer phlebotomist training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes under a year to finish and provides a general education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they typically take two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a four year program furnish a more extensive background in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will probably want to get certified. While not required in the majority of states, most Langley WA employers require certification prior to employing 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 some states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, like California and Nevada. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only provides a superior education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing exams that you elect or are required to take.
Phlebotomy Online Certificates and Degrees
To begin with, let’s resolve one possible misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A substantial part of the program of studies will be practical 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 prior to graduation. However since the non-clinical portion of the training can be attended online, it might be a more practical alternative for many Langley WA students. As an additional benefit, a number of online schools are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some expenditures, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced as well. Just make certain that the online phlebotomist program you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a premium education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the best option for you.
Subjects to Ask Phlebotomist Programs
Since you now have a basic idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You might have already selected the kind of program you want 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 Langley WA in addition to the cost of tuition. Perhaps you have decided to enroll in an accredited phlebotomist online school. Each of these decisions are an important part of the process for selecting a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you need to ask about all of the colleges you are considering before making your final decision.
Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while some others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Washington or the state where you will be working and prepares you for all exams you may be required to take.
Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable regional or national accrediting agency, 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 superior education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to take a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to potential employers in the Langley WA job market.
What is the School’s Reputation? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to check out the reputations of all schools you are looking at. You can begin by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can research internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can even check with a few Langley WA hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and see if they can provide any recommendations. As a final thought, you can contact the Washington school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.
Is Plenty of Training Provided? First, contact the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything less than these minimums might indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide adequate training.
Are Internships Sponsored? Find out from the programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with area healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to receive hands-on clinical training often not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students develop contacts within the local Langley WA healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Finding your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the schools you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a higher rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation as well as a substantial network of professional contacts within the Langley WA healthcare community.
Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it’s crucial to make sure that the final program you select provides classes at times that are compatible with your busy schedule. This is especially true if you decide to continue working while going to college. If you need to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Langley WA, check that they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is in case you need to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.
How Long Is A Phlebotomy Course Langley WA
Compare Phlebotomist Classes Langley Washington
Making sure that you pick the ideal phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this fulfilling medical care career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a premium program. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs can be found in a wide range of educational institutions, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide range of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Training program options may differ a bit across the country as each state has its own requirements when it concerns phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly screen and compare each college before making your final decision. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Compare Phlebotomist Classes and to get more information regarding How to Enroll in Phlebotomy Technician Education. However, by addressing the questions that we have provided, 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 phlebotomist in Langley WA.
More Washington Bloody Wonderful Locations
Langley, Washington
Langley is a city in Island County, Washington, United States which is located on the south end of Whidbey Island, overlooking the Saratoga Passage. It is the third largest incorporated area on Whidbey. The population was 1,035 at the 2010 census, while the ZCTA for Langley's post office had a population of 4,878.[2] The geographical area of the city is only 0.8 square miles (2.1 km2) but the ZCTA includes 26.20 square miles (67.9 km2).[2]
Langley was founded in the 1800s by Jacob Anthes,[6] and was named for J.W. Langley of Seattle.[7] In 1902, Mr. Anthes built a logger bunkhouse that is still standing in the downtown core and currently serves as a museum. Langley was officially incorporated on February 26, 1913.
At one point in the late 1900s, a number of 4H rabbits escaped their enclosures at the Island County Fair and went on to become a large and successful feral population living, initially, around the county fairgrounds and, subsequently, extensively around Langley and south Whidbey Island. The rabbits later became a controversial topic in Langley politics in the 2010s with citizens and groups advocating for public policy positions from removal and relocation, to eradication, to control with raptors and others for a more lenient position of community acceptance.[8][9]
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