Find Phlebotomy Training Near Me in Shafter CA 93263

Selecting a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Shafter California

Shafter CA phlebotomist taking blood sampleEnrolling in the ideal phlebotomist school near Shafter CA is an essential first step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a challenging undertaking to evaluate and compare all of the training alternatives that are available to you. However it’s vital that you do your due diligence to make sure that you receive a quality education. In reality, many students start their search by considering two of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional factor you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll review more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is a lot more to researching phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and must be part of your decision process too. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomist schools you are researching to help you choose the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online training.

Phlebotomist Work Summary

Shafter CA phlebotomist holding blood sampleA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, draws blood from patients. Although that is their principal task, there is in fact far more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the instruments being used are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork needs to be properly filled out to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory testing procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers 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. Many phlebotomists in fact work in Shafter CA area labs and are in charge of ensuring that samples are analyzed correctly using the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they might be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomists Employed?

Shafter CA diagnostic lab blood analysisThe most basic answer is wherever patients are treated. Their work places are many and diverse, including Shafter CA medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be charged to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting blood from a particular type of patient. For instance, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital setting would be collecting blood from a wide variety of patients and would work with new patients every day.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Licensing and Certification

Shafter CA phlebotomy lab There are essentially two kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomy training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes under a year to finish and furnishes a basic education together with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will include training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at Shafter CA community and junior colleges, they usually require 2 years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program offer a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will probably want to get certified. Although not required in the majority of states, most Shafter CA employers require certification prior to employing technicians. Some of the main 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 prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, like Nevada and California. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you choose a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a superior education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Classes

attending phlebotomy training classes online in Shafter CATo begin with, let’s resolve one likely misconception. You can’t get all of your phlebotomy training online. A good component of the course of study will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved healthcare facility or an on-campus lab. Many courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-practical portion of the training can be attended online, it can be a more practical alternative for some Shafter CA students. As an additional benefit, a number of online programs are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some costs, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomist program you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a premium education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to study at home, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Since you now have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already selected the type of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we previously mentioned, the location of the campus is important in addition to the tuition expense. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomy online college. All of these decisions are a critical part of the process for picking a program or school. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Following are several questions that you need to ask about each of the Shafter CA schools you are looking at before making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to California? As mentioned previously, each state has its own laws 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. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomy program that complies with the state specific requirements for California or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you pick should be accredited by a respected national or regional accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited program aside from an assurance of a superior education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to take a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining financial aid or loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited programs. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to future employers in the Shafter CA job market.

What is the Program’s Ranking? In many states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to check out the reputations of any colleges you are looking at. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen internet school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also check with several Shafter CA hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and find out if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can check with the California school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

Is Ample Training Included? To begin with, contact the state regulator where you will be working to learn 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 furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything lower than these minimums might indicate that the Shafter CA training program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask the programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with Shafter CA health care facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on clinical training often not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students develop relationships within the local Shafter health care community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Landing your first phlebotomy job will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire if the colleges you are reviewing offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a school has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation together with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Shafter CA health care community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s crucial to verify that the final college you select provides classes at times that are compatible with your hectic schedule. This is particularly true if you decide to still work while attending school. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Shafter CA, make certain they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option also. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And find out what the make-up protocol is should you have to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.

Considering Phlebotomy Training near Shafter CA?

Shafter, California

Shafter is a city in Kern County, California, United States. It is located 18 miles (29 km) west-northwest of Bakersfield.[8] The population was 16,988 at the 2010 census, up from 12,736 at the 2000 census.

The city of Shafter began as a loading dock along the Santa Fe Railroad right-of-way. The community was named for General William Rufus Shafter who commanded US Forces in Cuba during the Spanish–American War.[8] Property was sold beginning in 1914 and the city incorporated in 1938.

Also of historical note, Shafter is home to Minter Field, which began operations in June 1941 and saw heavy use during World War II. Approximately 7,000 troops were stationed at the airstrip which hosted up to 600 prisoners of war as well. Today it is publicly owned and administered by the Minter Field Airport District and serves as an industrial center and airport for crop dusters and private aircraft. The Minter Field Museum is maintained on location as well.

The first truly successful human powered airplane, the Gossamer Condor, piloted by Bryan Allen won the Kremer prize on August 23, 1977 at Shafter's Minter Field. Allen piloted, and powered, the Paul MacCready designed airplane along the one mile long figure '8' course with two 10 foot high obstacles as specified by the Royal Aeronautical Society to claim the £50,000 prize. A California State Monument is located at the field for this event.[9]

The location could not be found.

Enroll in the Right Phlebotomist School near Shafter CA

Making sure that you select the ideal phlebotomist training is an important first step toward your success in this fulfilling healthcare field. As we have addressed in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a superior college. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs can be offered in a wide range of academic institutions, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive array of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Program options may differ a bit from state to state as every state has its own criteria when it comes to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly research and compare each program prior to making your ultimate decision. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the right program for you. And with the appropriate education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Shafter CA.

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