Find Phlebotomy Training Near Me in Lynden WA 98264

Selecting a Phlebotomy Technician School near Lynden Washington

Lynden WA phlebotomist taking blood sampleEnrolling in the ideal phlebotomist school near Lynden WA is an essential initial step toward a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult task to investigate and compare all of the training options that are available to you. However it’s vital that you do your due diligence to make sure that you get a quality education. In reality, a large number of prospective students begin their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional factor you might consider is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll review more about online schools later in this article. What you need to keep in mind is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomist training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as reputation and accreditation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your selection process also. Toward that end, we will furnish a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomist schools you are assessing to help you pick the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our conversation about online training.

Phlebotomy Tech Work Summary

Lynden WA phlebotomist holding blood sampleA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their main task, there is in fact far more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to verify that the instruments being employed are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample has to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork needs to be properly completed to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory screening procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it may be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of phlebotomists actually work in Lynden WA area laboratories and are in charge of making sure that samples are tested properly using the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they can be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

Lynden WA diagnostic lab blood analysisThe most basic response is wherever patients are treated. Their work places are numerous and varied, including Lynden WA medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from babies or toddlers to seniors. Some phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood samples from a certain kind of patient. For instance, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from newborns and mothers exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital environment would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would work with new patients each day.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Licensing and Certification

Lynden WA phlebotomy lab There are basically two types of programs that offer phlebotomist training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to finish and offers a basic education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will include training to become a phlebotomist. Available at Lynden WA community and junior colleges, they usually require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as available and as a 4 year program offer a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to be certified. While not required in the majority of states, a number of Lynden WA employers require certification prior to hiring technicians. Some 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 several states that do require certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, including California and Nevada. California and a few additional states even require licensing. So it’s important that you choose a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a premium education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Training

attending phlebotomy training classes online in Lynden WAFirst, let’s dispel one possible mistaken belief. You can’t get all of your phlebotomist training online. A good part of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an approved healthcare facility or an on-campus lab. A large number of courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-practical component of the training may be accessed online, it could be a more practical alternative for many Lynden WA students. As an additional benefit, some online classes are less expensive than their traditional counterparts. And some expenditures, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just confirm that the online phlebotomy school you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive clinical and online training, you can receive a quality education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomist Programs

Since you now have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already selected the kind of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the campus is important in addition to the cost of tuition. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomist online school. Each of these decisions are an important component of the process for choosing a program or school. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Following are a few questions that you should ask about each of the Lynden WA programs you are reviewing before making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As previously mentioned, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while some others require licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s very important to select a phlebotomist program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Washington or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for any examinations you may be required to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you select should be accredited by a reputable national or regional accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are several advantages to graduating from an accredited program aside from a guarantee of a superior education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges. Finally, graduating from an accredited college can make you more desirable to future employers in the Lynden WA job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In numerous states there is little or no regulation of phlebotomy colleges, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s important to investigate the reputations of all colleges you are considering. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they refer their students as part of their job placement program. You can screen internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even talk to some Lynden WA clinics or hospitals that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the Washington school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Enough Training Provided? To begin with, check with the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any phlebotomist program that you are looking at should provide at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything less than these minimums may signify that the Lynden WA training program is not expansive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out from the programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with Lynden WA medical facilities. They are the optimal means to obtain hands-on clinical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop relationships within the local Lynden health care community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Available? Getting your first phlebotomist 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 percentage is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation along with a large network of professional contacts within the Lynden WA healthcare community.

Are Classes Conveniently Scheduled? And last, it’s critical to verify that the final college you pick offers classes at times that are compatible with your hectic lifestyle. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Lynden WA, check that they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option as well. 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 policy is in case you need to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

Considering Phlebotomy Training near Lynden WA?

Lynden, Washington

Lynden is the second largest city in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. Located within the Metropolitan Area of Bellingham, WA Named and established in 1874 near the site of the Nooksack Indian village Squahalish (Nooksack: Sqwehálich), the city of Lynden began as a pioneer settlement headed by Holden and Phoebe Judson.

Lynden is approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) south of the Canada–US border, with Lynden-Aldergrove operation and port of entry hours between 8:00 a.m. and midnight. It is also located about 15 miles (24 km) north of Bellingham, and about 95 miles (153 km) north of Seattle. The population of Lynden is about 12,902 according to the United States Census Bureau. Residents of Lynden are known as "Lyndenites". Lynden is also home to the Northwest Washington Fair.

Lynden was begun in 1871 and established in 1874 by Holden and Phoebe Judson near the site of the Nooksack Indian village Squahalish (Nooksack: Sqwehálich). It was named by Phoebe Judson after the riverside town in Hohenlinden, a poem by Thomas Campbell, stating:

The city lies in a broad valley along the winding path of the Nooksack River, which empties into nearby Bellingham Bay. The surrounding area is filled with dairy, raspberry, strawberry, and blueberry farms. Even though not founded by them, the region saw significant Dutch immigration in the early and mid 1900s, spurring the growth of dairies. Today, Lynden pays homage to some of its Dutch heritage through locations such as buildings on Front Street, where some businesses have been made-over with a Dutch theme, complete with a windmill. Along that street, you'll find the Lynden Dutch Bakery, Dutch Mother's Restaurant, and numerous local businesses. Some local supermarkets contain Dutch food sections, but Dutch is spoken by very few of the city's residents today. In the last two decades, the population has nearly doubled in size, with Dutch being more predominate than other ethnic ancestry.(see 2010 census figures).

The location could not be found.

Enroll in the Ideal Phlebotomist School near Lynden WA

Making certain that you choose the right phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this gratifying health care career position. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that contribute toward the selection of a premium program. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are found in a number of educational institutes, including community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive assortment of courses in medical care and health sciences. Course options can vary somewhat across the country as each state has its own requirements when it concerns phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must thoroughly research and compare each school prior to making your ultimate choice. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the ideal school for you. And with the appropriate training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Lynden WA.

Other Cool Cities in Washington

  • Find Phlebotomy Training Near Me in Oakesdale WA 99158
  • Find Phlebotomy Training Near Me in Union WA 98592
  • Find Phlebotomy Training Near Me in Orondo WA 98843
  • Find Phlebotomy Training Near Me in Ellensburg WA 98926
  • Find Phlebotomy Training Near Me in Richland WA 99352
  • Find Phlebotomy Training Near Me in Hay WA 99136
  • Find Phlebotomy Training Near Me in Kelso WA 98626
  • Find Phlebotomy Training Near Me in Lakewood WA 98439
  • Find Phlebotomy Training Near Me in Riverside WA 98849
  • Find Phlebotomy Training Near Me in Easton WA 98925
  •  

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 21

    Sea Mar Everson Medical Clinic
    2 Reviews
    Medical Centers
    Phone:
    6884 Hannegan Rd, Everson, WA 98247

    Quest Diagnostics
    3 Reviews
    Laboratory Testing
    Phone:
    4545 Cordata Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98226

    PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center
    24 Reviews
    Hospitals, Medical Centers, Emergency Rooms
    Phone:
    2901 Squalicum Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98225

    Quest Diagnostics
    4 Reviews
    Laboratory Testing
    Phone:
    1902 Squalicum Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98225

    Care Medical Group
    19 Reviews
    Sports Medicine, Urgent Care, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    4280 Meridian St, Bellingham, WA 98226

    PeaceHealth Medical Group Cordata Main
    7 Reviews
    Family Practice
    Phone:
    4545 Cordata Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98226

    Mission Hills Medical Clinic
    4 Reviews
    Walk-in Clinics
    Phone:
    32471 Lougheed Hwy, Suite 107, Mission, BC V2V 0C8, Canada

    Mt. Baker Imaging
    6 Reviews
    Diagnostic Imaging
    Phone:
    4029 Northwest Ave, Ste 202, Bellingham, WA 98226

    Walk-In Health Clinic
    16 Reviews
    Medical Centers, Family Practice, Urgent Care
    Phone:
    2220 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

    Douglas James M Jr MD
    1 Reviews
    Cardiologists
    Phone:
    2979 Squalicum Pkwy, Ste 201, Bellingham, WA 98225