![\"Occidental](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/phlebotomist-drawing-blood-from-patient.jpg\" "\\"Occidental")
Choosing the right phlebotomy school near Occidental CA<\/strong> is an essential first step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a daunting undertaking to investigate and compare all of the school options that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s important that you perform your due diligence to ensure that you obtain a quality education. In fact, many potential students start the process by considering 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Yet another factor you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area 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 checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors including accreditation and reputation are also significant 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 evaluating to help you choose the best one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our conversation about online schools.<\/p>\nRequest Free Information on Phlebotomy Training Near You!<\/h4>\n
Should You Train to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?<\/h3>\n
![\"blood](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/blood-analysis-performed-in-lab.jpg\" "\\"blood")
First of all, few people probably know what a phlebotomist or phlebotomy technician is. The basic answer is a medical professional who draws blood from patients. We will go into more depth later. So of course anyone who chooses this profession must be able to handle blood and needles. And if you are nervous in hospitals or other Occidental CA medical facilities, well this profession may not be the best choice for you. And then there are the patients. Phlebotomy Technicians often work with nervous people who hate needles or having their blood drawn. And because most health care facilities are open around the clock, you may 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 helping people and are patient and compassionate, this could be the perfect job for you.<\/p>\n
Click Here to Get Free Information on Phlebotomy Training Near You!<\/a><\/h4>\nPhlebotomy Tech Job Summary<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"Occidental](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/phlebotomist-holding-blood-sample.jpg\" "\\"Occidental")
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their main duty, there is actually much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to check that the instruments being utilized are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample has to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork needs to be correctly completed to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab testing procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some phlebotomists in fact work in Occidental CA labs and are accountable for ensuring that samples are tested correctly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they might be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.<\/p>\n
Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe most basic answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work environments are numerous and diverse, such as Occidental CA medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a certain kind of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.<\/p>\n
Phlebotomist Training, Certification and Licensing<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"Occidental](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/phlebotomy.jpg\" "\\"Occidental")
There are primarily two types of programs that offer phlebotomist training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to finish and furnishes 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 exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they usually require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program furnish a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will probably want to get certified. While not required in the majority of states, most Occidental CA employers require certification before employing technicians. A few of the principal certifying agencies include:<\/p>\n
\n- National Phlebotomy Association<\/strong><\/li>\n
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)<\/strong><\/li>\n
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)<\/strong><\/li>\n
- American Medical Technologists (AMT)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
There are a few states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, like California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only supplies a superior education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.<\/p>\n
Online Phlebotomy Colleges<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"Occidental](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/student-attending-online-phlebotomy-classes.jpg\" "\\"Occidental")
To start with, let’s resolve one possible misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A good part of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be performed either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical portion of the training may be accessed online, it could be a more convenient alternative for many Occidental CA students. As an added benefit, many online colleges are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced as well. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy program you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.<\/p>\n
Topics to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"What](\"https:\/\/bloodtechsedu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/What-to-ask-phlebotomy-schools.jpg\" "\\"What")
Since you now have a basic understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already chosen the type 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 significant if you will be commuting from Occidental CA as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomist program. Each of these decisions are an important part of the process for selecting a phlebotomy program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you need to ask about each of the programs you are considering prior to making your final selection.<\/p>\n
Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to California?<\/strong> As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that complies with the state specific requirements for California or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for all exams you may have to take.<\/p>\nIs the School Accredited?<\/strong> The phlebotomist school and program you choose should be accredited by a respected 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 in addition to a guarantee of a superior education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited programs. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more desirable to potential employers in the Occidental CA job market.<\/p>\nWhat is the Program’s Reputation?<\/strong> In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of any colleges 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 placement program. You can research online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also talk to several Occidental CA hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and find out if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the California school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in total compliance.<\/p>\nIs Ample Training Provided?<\/strong> To begin with, contact the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any phlebotomist 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 indicate that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.<\/p>\nAre Internships Sponsored?<\/strong> Ask the programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with area health care facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on clinical training typically not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Occidental CA healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.<\/p>\nIs Job Placement Assistance Available?<\/strong> Finding your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Ask if the schools you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Occidental CA medical community.<\/p>\nAre Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule?<\/strong> And last, it’s crucial to confirm that the final college you select offers classes at times that are compatible with your active lifestyle. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Occidental CA, check that they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option also. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is in case you have to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.<\/p>\nHow Can I Become A Phlebotomist Occidental CA<\/a><\/h3>\n
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy tech, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their main duty, there is actually much more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to check that the instruments being utilized are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample has to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork needs to be correctly completed to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab testing procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some phlebotomists in fact work in Occidental CA labs and are accountable for ensuring that samples are tested correctly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they might be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.<\/p>\n
Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe most basic answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work environments are numerous and diverse, such as Occidental CA medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They may be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to seniors. Some phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a certain kind of patient. For example, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from new patients every day.<\/p>\n
Phlebotomist Training, Certification and Licensing<\/strong><\/h3>\nThere are primarily two types of programs that offer phlebotomist training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to finish and furnishes 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 exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they usually require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program furnish a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will probably want to get certified. While not required in the majority of states, most Occidental CA employers require certification before employing technicians. A few of the principal certifying agencies include:<\/p>\n
\n- National Phlebotomy Association<\/strong><\/li>\n
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)<\/strong><\/li>\n
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)<\/strong><\/li>\n
- American Medical Technologists (AMT)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
There are a few states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, like California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only supplies a superior education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.<\/p>\n
Online Phlebotomy Colleges<\/strong><\/h3>\nTo start with, let’s resolve one possible misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A good part of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be performed either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical portion of the training may be accessed online, it could be a more convenient alternative for many Occidental CA students. As an added benefit, many online colleges are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced as well. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy program you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.<\/p>\n
Topics to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges<\/strong><\/h3>\nSince you now have a basic understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already chosen the type 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 significant if you will be commuting from Occidental CA as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomist program. Each of these decisions are an important part of the process for selecting a phlebotomy program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you need to ask about each of the programs you are considering prior to making your final selection.<\/p>\n
Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to California?<\/strong> As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that complies with the state specific requirements for California or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for all exams you may have to take.<\/p>\nIs the School Accredited?<\/strong> The phlebotomist school and program you choose should be accredited by a respected 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 in addition to a guarantee of a superior education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited programs. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more desirable to potential employers in the Occidental CA job market.<\/p>\nWhat is the Program’s Reputation?<\/strong> In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of any colleges 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 placement program. You can research online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also talk to several Occidental CA hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and find out if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the California school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in total compliance.<\/p>\nIs Ample Training Provided?<\/strong> To begin with, contact the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any phlebotomist 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 indicate that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.<\/p>\nAre Internships Sponsored?<\/strong> Ask the programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with area health care facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on clinical training typically not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Occidental CA healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.<\/p>\nIs Job Placement Assistance Available?<\/strong> Finding your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Ask if the schools you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Occidental CA medical community.<\/p>\nAre Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule?<\/strong> And last, it’s crucial to confirm that the final college you select offers classes at times that are compatible with your active lifestyle. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Occidental CA, check that they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option also. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is in case you have to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.<\/p>\nHow Can I Become A Phlebotomist Occidental CA<\/a><\/h3>\n
There are primarily two types of programs that offer phlebotomist training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program generally takes under a year to finish and furnishes 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 exclusively a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at junior and community colleges, they usually require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program furnish a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have finished your training, you will probably want to get certified. While not required in the majority of states, most Occidental CA employers require certification before employing technicians. A few of the principal certifying agencies include:<\/p>\n
- \n
- National Phlebotomy Association<\/strong><\/li>\n
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)<\/strong><\/li>\n
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)<\/strong><\/li>\n
- American Medical Technologists (AMT)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
There are a few states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, like California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you select a phlebotomy training program that not only supplies a superior education, but also prepares you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.<\/p>\n
Online Phlebotomy Colleges<\/strong><\/h3>\n
To start with, let’s resolve one possible misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A good part of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be performed either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical portion of the training may be accessed online, it could be a more convenient alternative for many Occidental CA students. As an added benefit, many online colleges are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some expenses, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced as well. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy program you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.<\/p>\nTopics to Ask Phlebotomist Colleges<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Since you now have a basic understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already chosen the type 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 significant if you will be commuting from Occidental CA as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomist program. Each of these decisions are an important part of the process for selecting a phlebotomy program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you need to ask about each of the programs you are considering prior to making your final selection.<\/p>\nIs the Phlebotomy Program Specific to California?<\/strong> As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you may have to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomist program that complies with the state specific requirements for California or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for all exams you may have to take.<\/p>\n
Is the School Accredited?<\/strong> The phlebotomist school and program you choose should be accredited by a respected 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 in addition to a guarantee of a superior education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited programs. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more desirable to potential employers in the Occidental CA job market.<\/p>\n
What is the Program’s Reputation?<\/strong> In a number of states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of any colleges 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 placement program. You can research online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also talk to several Occidental CA hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and find out if they can offer any recommendations. As a closing thought, you can check with the California school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in total compliance.<\/p>\n
Is Ample Training Provided?<\/strong> To begin with, contact the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any phlebotomist 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 indicate that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.<\/p>\n
Are Internships Sponsored?<\/strong> Ask the programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with area health care facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on clinical training typically not provided on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students establish relationships within the local Occidental CA healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.<\/p>\n
Is Job Placement Assistance Available?<\/strong> Finding your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Ask if the schools you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Occidental CA medical community.<\/p>\n
Are Class Times Compatible With Your Schedule?<\/strong> And last, it’s crucial to confirm that the final college you select offers classes at times that are compatible with your active lifestyle. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Occidental CA, check that they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option also. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is in case you have to miss any classes as a result of illness or emergencies.<\/p>\n
How Can I Become A Phlebotomist Occidental CA<\/a><\/h3>\n
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)<\/strong><\/li>\n