Phlebotomist Requirements in Arkansas
Most phlebotomists have a post secondary non-degree award from a phlebotomy program. It is also possible to become a phlebotomist with a high school diploma or equivalent and receive on the job training from an employer.
Education and Training
Phlebotomy programs are available at community colleges, vocational schools, or technical schools. These programs are typically one year or less and include both classroom and laboratory instruction. Students will learn about human anatomy, needle techniques, the different tools used, and the safe handling of human fluids.
Phlebotomy programs are offered at the following schools in Arkansas: Phillips Community College, Black River Technical College, Arkansas State University – Newport, Arkansas State University – Mountain, Arkansas Northeastern College, North Arkansas College, Bossier Parish Community College, Southeast Arkansas College, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences AHEC Southwest, National Park Community College, South Arkansas Community College, and Petra Allied Health.
Certification
Certification is not required by the state of Arkansas, but may be required by employers. Job prospects and salary are best for those who have attained a professional certification and most employers now require it. Professional certifications are offered through the National Center for Competency Testing, the American Society for Clinical Pathology, and the American Medical Technologists. Most of these certifications require either some form of education or work experience and the completion of an exam. To retain the certification, additional training and continuing education is required and may be offered through employers.
Phlebotomist Salary in Arkansas
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an annual median wage for phlebotomists in Arkansas of $25,180 (the median wage is the wage at which half the workers make more than that amount and half make less). The annual salary range in Arkansas is from $17,000 to $34,500.
Blood analysis is an essential function is hospitals and medical laboratories and demand for phlebotomists will remain high. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is forecasting above average job growth for phlebotomists nationwide from 2012 to 2022.
Job Duties
Phlebotomists draw blood from patients for the purposes of tests, transfusions, donations, or research. This includes explaining procedures to patients, verifying patients’ identities, labeling the blood, assembling and maintaining any medical instruments used, disposing of blood or other bio hazard fluids in accordance with laws, and transporting specimens. A phlebotomist is also required to enter patient, specimen, insurance, and billing information into a computer. They could also be required to provide assistance to patients who have adverse reactions after their blood is drawn. They work mainly in hospitals, doctor’s offices, medical laboratories, and blood donation centers. Most phlebotomists work full time and those that work in hospitals may be expected to work nights, weekends, and/or holidays.
Phlebotomosts use blood bank refrigerators, blood collection needles, tubes, medical software, and spreadsheet and word processing software. Phlebotomy is a service oriented occupation so employees should have good people skills, be good listeners, and be good at conveying information to others. It is important to be detail oriented, have excellent vision, and have good hand-eye coordination.