Thinking about starting a career as a phlebotomist? If you’re looking for a career that can make a real difference in people’s lives, phlebotomy is a great option. We’ve put together a big list of some Arkansas’ best-accredited phlebotomy schools. You’ll also find helpful information on what you can expect during training and what it’s like once you start working.
Phlebotomists are responsible for drawing blood from patients for testing or donation. This is a highly technical skill that requires good hand-eye coordination. Technicians draw blood from a vein (venipuncture) or the skin (dermal puncture). Once a sample is collected, it must be labeled and transported to the lab.
They are also trained to collect nonblood samples such as urine. Some phlebotomists are transfusion specialists who collect blood for transfusions. Another role is for phlebotomists to remove a prescribed amount of blood for patients with polycythemia, a condition where the body overproduces red blood cells. Good qualities for a phlebotomist to have are empathy and compassion, people skills, organization skills, the ability to handle stress, and professional integrity.
When choosing a school, it is essential to consider what is important to you. Some factors to consider include cost, location, program length, and available specializations. If you are looking for a phlebotomy program in Arkansas, you can browse the list of schools to find the best program near you. If you want to learn more, visit the school’s website.
It typically takes anywhere from a few months to a year to complete your training. After completing the necessary coursework, you will need to pass a certification exam. This can be done through organizations such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or the National Healthcare Association (NHA).
Be 18 years or older
Have a high school diploma or equivalent
Pass a criminal background check
Complete an accredited phlebotomy program
Be immunized for Hepatitis B and other blood-borne pathogens.
Your phlebotomy training will include both classroom instruction and clinical experience. You will learn how to draw blood from patients, maintain patient records, and prepare specimens for laboratory analysis.
What to expect from phlebotomy classes
Phlebotomy certification programs are typically shorter than other healthcare training. During training, you will learn about the different types of blood draws, how to handle specimen tubes, and how to troubleshoot common issues. Upon completion of your program, you will be eligible to take the certification exam. Courses cover:
Phlebotomy procedures
Blood specimen handling
Patient identification
Specimen collection
HIPAA and OSHA regulations
Safety precautions
Professional issues
Histology
Microchemistry and more
The coursework for a phlebotomy certification class in Arkansas will teach you theory as well as practical skills. You’ll learn the technical and scientific side of training. This fully prepares you to perform phlebotomy and deal with patients. In addition to learning how to draw blood properly, you’ll also learn how to label and store blood specimens.
Where can I work as a phlebotomist in Arkansas?
Phlebotomists can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, doctor’s offices, and blood banks. They typically work with patients, doctors, and nurses. Phlebotomists perform a valuable service and play an important role in the healthcare industry. They often work long hours, but the work is rewarding and fulfilling. In research labs, phlebotomists may work with scientists to collect blood samples for experiments.
In order to be successful in this field, phlebotomists need to possess people skills. They must be able to make patients feel comfortable and at ease and also be knowledgeable about how to handle specimens properly.
Phlebotomy jobs in Arkansas
Phlebotomists can work in many different environments, but the most common are hospitals and laboratories, which make up 71% of all phlebotomy jobs. Nationwide, the BLS predicts 10% growth in phlebotomy jobs over the next decade.
Phlebotomists typically work in clinics and hospitals, but other opportunities are available. Some phlebotomists work in research laboratories, for example, in ambulances with EMTs, or for blood donation centers. There are also opportunities to work remotely, for example, conducting blood tests for a pharmaceutical company.
Hospitals
Geriatric care centers
Pediatric hospitals
Doctor’s offices
Blood banks
Laboratories
Where Phlebotomists Work: % of Jobs
Hospitals: 36%
Laboratories: 35%
Other ambulatory healthcare services: 14%
Physician offices: 8%
Outpatient care centers: 1%
Phlebotomist career path
Because phlebotomy is such an important part of the medical field, it can be a great way to open up doors to other opportunities in healthcare. Many phlebotomists start their careers as assistants to more experienced professionals. With experience and certification, they can become supervisors or managers of laboratories or other medical facilities. Some phlebotomists may also become researchers, working on new treatments and therapies.
Registered Nurse
Research Scientists
Medical Assistants
Supervisors
Traveling Nurse
How much does a phlebotomist get paid in Arkansas?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the hourly wage for a phlebotomist is $16.42 per hour and that the average annual wage is $34,150. However, it is important to note that many factors can affect this wage, such as location and experience.
The demand for phlebotomists is high, and career growth is estimated to grow by 10% in the next decade. In 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported there were around 130,000 in the US. Phlebotomy is a necessary medical procedure that helps to diagnose and treat patients.
The average pay for phlebotomists varies quite a bit within Arkansas as well.
Metro Area
Phlebotomists Employed
Avg. Hourly Wage
Avg. Annual Wage
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO
200
$ 17.36
$ 36,110
Fort Smith, AR-OK
100
$ 15.61
$ 32,460
Jonesboro, AR
70
$ 16.39
$ 34,090
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
390
$ 16.88
$ 35,110
Memphis, TN-MS-AR
520
$ 17.98
$ 37,400
Texarkana, TX-AR
90
$ 14.78
$ 30,740
Useful links
If you’re interested in learning more about starting an exciting career as a phlebotomist, check out the links below.
