Chicago is one of the busiest cities in Ameria. It also has some of the most impressive hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Because of the vast population of the city, the medical industry there is booming. People from all over the country come to the ‘windy city’ to seek different types of medical treatment. But, everyday citizens of Chicago, Illinois are what makes the medical field tick.
As you might imagine, there is a great need for a variety of medical staff in the city. As a result, there are plenty of opportunities for phlebotomy training courses in Chicago. Some training programs go to hospitals, while others work with specific schools and colleges in the area.
Because of its population of 2.7 million residents in the city itself, finding one of these training programs is relatively easy. And, starting your career as a phlebotomist in Chicago can be incredibly rewarding. Not only can finding a job be easier than in smaller areas, but the work is consistent. In fact, many people who go through phlebotomy training in Chicago end up making a lifelong career out of it. That’s how the medical field in this booming metropolis works, thanks to the abundance of people needing attention.
If you’re unsure where to get started, but are interested in the world of medicine, phlebotomy is a great place to start. Here, you’ll get some insight as to what to expect from phlebotomy training. We’ll also share some of the top-rated accredited facilities in Chicago for phlebotomy training. That way, you can dive into a quality training program as soon as possible. You’ll then be one step closer to a rewarding career in the phlebotomy field, working with different people every day.
Top-Rated Phlebotomy Training Courses in Chicago
Because of the number of quality medical facilities in the area, there are plenty of great phlebotomy training options. Whether you’ve been thinking about starting a career as a phlebotomist for awhile, or are new to the idea, there is no shortage of great programs in the city. The following is a list of accredited programs in Chicago for phlebotomists. Any one of them can start you on a great path toward a rewarding career.
City Colleges of Chicago
City Colleges encompasses several campuses around the city. They offer one of the best phlebotomy programs in the entire state. You can start here immediately with no prior experience. Only transcripts and basic information about yourself are needed. Plus, because they have several locations, it doesn’t matter where you live in the city or suburbs. There is likely a location that is convenient for you.
Illinois Valley Community College
With a rich history that covers many different careers and studies, Illinois Valley Community College is a great place to get phlebotomy training. It’s open to all ages and backgrounds, and again, doesn’t require any prior schooling to sign up for phlebotomy training. Plus, if you’re looking for additional education, you can find it all in one place. Starting a career in medicine here can open the door for great opportunities.
Midwestern Career College
As you might expect, this local school focuses on the careers of its students. The phlebotomy program here runs for four months. That’s a lot less time than the standard average, though it doesn’t include the time for certification. However, if you want to get your phlebotomy training done quickly, this can be a great opportunity. It will get you through the proper coursework, and into the field with certification in less than six months.
There are plenty of additional colleges and facilities that offer phlebotomy training courses in Illinois. Do your research, and decide what works best for you. Take location, cost, and time into consideration. That way, you’ll feel comfortable and confident wherever you end up.
Other Opportunities for Training
As we touched on earlier, sometimes hospitals and clinics will offer training programs in phlebotomy. This can be a great way to get your foot in the door. Medical facilities that offer phlebotomy training courses will often hire, or give preference to those who use their programs. You may even get started directly in the field sooner.
Hospitals and clinics typically offer internships. That means, you may be able to work under a licensed phlebotomist, and ‘shadow’ them as you work to complete your training. You’ll become experienced in a hospital environment, and you’ll learn how to carry yourself. You’ll also likely get more experience with lab work.
There is certainly no shortage of phlebotomy training courses in Chicago. Whether you decide to go to an accredited college or facility, or train in a hospital, you’ll find quality programs. Be sure to know the specifics of the program you choose and make sure they are accredited. This will make it easier to find a job, in the long run. It’s also a good idea to decide up front if you want to become certified or not. Consider the ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ of each location you might be considering before you make a final choice.
What to Expect from Phlebotomy Training in Illinois
Most phlebotomy training courses throughout the country are fairly similar. Some, however, will focus on specifics to a particular location. This is true if you’re training in a hospital and are seeking employment with them at a later date. However, there are several basic training procedures you’ll go through in your 6-8 month course.
Phlebotomy training in Chicago can typically be split up into two parts. These include a classroom-style setting and a more hands-on approach. Within the classroom materials, students will learn the basics of what it takes to be a phlebotomist.
Learning About the Body
The classroom sessions will focus mainly on the scientific aspect of phlebotomy. You’ll learn about the various systems of the body, including respiratory, circulatory, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems.
You’ll also learn basic medical terminology, and how the blood you’ll be drawing on a day to day basis works for us. Learning about the importance of blood cells will be a huge focus on the classroom training portion of phlebotomy.
Learning About Procedures
Along with learning the parts of the body and how they work, you’ll also have to learn the medical side of things. While hospitals and clinics are all different, basic rules apply everywhere. You’ll learn how to collect and report data, safety procedures, how to prevent errors in the lab, and how to communicate with your fellow employees.
Procedures will also cover dealing with patients every day. All walks of life need blood drawn for different reasons. So, being able to work with a wide variety of different people is important for a phlebotomist.
A Hands-On Approach to Training
Throughout your training course, you’ll also have to take a hands-on approach. This means getting out into the field and doing some work. To pass most phlebotomy courses, you have to have a specific number of successful venipunctures under your belt. This is simply the act of drawing blood. Most classroom training courses will allow you to do venipuncture on fellow students, etc.
The adage that ‘practice makes perfect’ really applies here, which is why most training courses require quite a few successful venipunctures. Practicing on a real person also gives you a chance to work on your interaction skills. You’ll learn how to make a patient feel comfortable, and put them at ease while you do your job.
Certification After Training
Many states require phlebotomy certification for a student to become a licensed phlebotomist or start a career in the field. As of right now, Illinois is not one of those states. You do not need to be certified to be a phlebotomist in Chicago. However, those circumstances may change as more and more states begin to require it.
Additionally, going for additional certification after training (which can last about 4-8 weeks) can be a great benefit for you. It shows that you are dedicated to the profession. It will also likely allow you to ‘stand out’ among others in a very competitive job field. So, don’t be afraid to seek out additional training for certification after you complete your initial coursework.
The Rewards of Phlebotomy Training
Once you finish your phlebotomy training in Chicago, you’ll be setting yourself up for an incredibly rewarding career. Many nurses and even doctors start out as phlebotomists. But, even if you don’t wish to advance in the medical field, many people make lifelong careers out of phlebotomy. You can move up in what you do to more supervisory positions, or work directly with patients every day.
Whatever you decide, and however you choose to advance your career, it starts with proper training. Chicago is a great place to get some of the best phlebotomy training in the country. Here’s some advice on funding a phlebotomy course.
