Welcome to 'How to Become a Phlebotomist in Arkansas', your ultimate guide to navigating the exciting and rewarding field of phlebotomy in the Natural State. Whether you're just starting your career journey or looking to switch to a profession that's in high demand, this blog will equip you with all the essential information. Let's roll up our sleeves and dive right in!

What is Phlebotomy?

Phlebotomy is the practice of drawing blood from patients for medical testing, transfusion, or research purposes. Phlebotomists are responsible for collecting blood samples, labeling them correctly, and ensuring the safety and comfort of patients during the process.

Where does a Phlebotomist work?

Phlebotomists workplaces include hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices, blood banks, and diagnostic laboratories. They may also work in mobile blood collection units, such as those that visit schools, businesses, or community events. The job for phlebotomists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations!

How to Become a Phlebotomist in Arkansas? What are the requirements to become a Phlebotomist in Arkansas?

To become a Phlebotomist in Arkansas, here are some of the general steps you need to follow:

• Meet general requirements: Some of the usual requirements for enrollment to a phlebotomy class are a High school diploma or GED, a clean background check, updated proof of immunization, and a physical and health exam. Phlebotomy schools in Arkansas are typically accepting applicants over the age of 18. To be sure not to overlook any requirements, make sure to contact your chosen school for an updated list!

• Finish an approved training program: One must first complete an accredited phlebotomy training program before being able to work as a phlebotomist. Phlebotomy programs typically take 4-8 weeks. The training program should also be approved by the Arkansas State Board of Health.

• Pass the certification exam: Passing the national certification exam is not mandatory in Arkansas, but it will be an important and helpful credential to secure employment as a Phlebotomy technician!

Once certified, you can search for job opportunities in hospitals, clinics, or laboratories to start earning a competitive salary!

Where can I find Phlebotomy classes in Arkansas?

Dreambound, the largest platform for students to find and compare vocational training programs, can help you locate Phlebotomy classes near you in Arkansas. Dreambound offers a wide selection of Phlebotomy training programs from accredited schools and institutions across the state. With Dreambound, you are sure to find trusted schools and get the quality education that you deserve!

How do I get my Phlebotomy certification in Arkansas?

To obtain your certification, vast options of certifying agencies are available for candidates to choose from. One trusted organization is the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT), which is the second oldest certifying agency of Phlebotomy. Based on their website as of June 2024, the Phlebotomy technician exam fee for ASPT is $65 while the membership fee is $35. Phlebotomy online exams are available for $135.00

Another option is the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). NHA is the largest allied health certification agency in the United States and has awarded over 1 million nationally recognized certifications. The Phlebotomy exam for NHA costs $125.00 as of June 2024 based on their website.

The application for the exam is usually online. Before applying for a Phlebotomy certification exam, always check the requirements of the organization. Some to watch out for are eligibility requirements and work experience they require. Make sure to check out the handbooks and information packets of your organization and be aware of important details like how the exam will be administered, exam results, and more!

Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded your Phlebotomy certification. You may verify your credentials through the organization where you took your exam. Other certifying agencies are American Medical Technologist, American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), American Certification Agency (ACA), and National Phlebotomy Association (NPA).

Exploring a Career in Phlebotomy Outside Arkansas

For those inspired to become a Phlebotomist but living in a different state, achieving your ambition is still very much a possibility. You could explore becoming a Phlebotomist in Connecticut, Idaho, New Jersey, Tennessee, or West Virginia. And if you're not near any of these, Dreambound is here to assist by offering an easy way to find and compare Phlebotomy classes by entering your zip code. With the right mindset and resources like Dreambound, starting a healthcare career is possible from any place.

How do I get a job as a Phlebotomist? How can I renew my Phlebotomy license?

With your Phlebotomy certification, you can apply for entry-level Phlebotomy positions at hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and other healthcare facilities. You can also check out government websites like Arkansas Joblink to find legit job ads. Many employers prefer to hire Phlebotomists with certification, as it demonstrates their knowledge and skills.

Make sure that you maintain the validity of your certificate to ensure a marketable status within the workforce. Renewal of your certification is available through your organization. This usually requires continuing education credits, for example, NHA requires 10 CE credits while in ASPT they require 6. The period of expiration for your license, the fees, and reinstatement rules may also differ depending on your organization.

Career Paths and Opportunities after Becoming a Phlebotomist

As a Phlebotomist, you can explore various career paths, such as working in a hospital, clinic, or diagnostic laboratory. You may also have the opportunity to advance your career by becoming a Phlebotomy supervisor, educator, or even a medical laboratory technician.

Other phlebotomists venture to further education and healthcare roles, too! Being a phlebotomist opens a lot of opportunities and comparing it to other medical professions is a way to see other possible careers on the horizon. If this is something that appeals to you, here are some helpful guides that you can check out!

• Patient Care Technician vs Phlebotomist
• Phlebotomist vs Medical Assistant
• EKG vs Phlebotomist

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the two types of phlebotomy?

Phlebotomy, or drawing blood, has two main types. The first is therapeutic, which helps treat conditions like excessive iron or too many red blood cells. The second is diagnostic, used to check for issues like low iron levels or problems with blood clotting.

What state makes the most to be a phlebotomist?

The top-paying state for Phlebotomists is California! According to the BLS as of May 2023, phlebotomists have a mean hourly rate of $25.18 which can lead to a mean annual income of $52,370! Others might even earn more due to more experience, additional credentials, and more!

How long does it take to become a phlebotomist in Arkansas?

Phlebotomy classes usually last 2 weeks to a few months, depending on your type of class. Online or self-paced classes are longer in a sense since the online materials are available for the student to access for a longer time.

How much does it cost to be a phlebotomist in the USA?

Phlebotomy classes can cost around $600 to $2,000 plus. This is a more affordable option compared to other healthcare classes. The inclusion of tuition may vary for each school, make sure to talk to your admission officer or school director for specifics.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Phlebotomist in Arkansas can be a rewarding and in-demand career path. With the right training, certification, and job search strategies, you can start your journey toward a fulfilling career in the healthcare industry.

Wondering if there's more? Perhaps these other articles will be more helpful if this one isn't exactly what you're after:

• CNA Training in Arkansas
• EKG Training in Arkansas
• Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Training in Arkansas
• Medical Billing and Coding Training in Arkansas
• ACNA Training in Arkansas