Phlebotomy Training Schools near Decatur AR 72722

Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Decatur Arkansas

Decatur AR phlebotomist taking blood samplePicking the ideal phlebotomy technician school near Decatur AR is an essential initial step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It may seem like a challenging task to investigate and compare each of the training options that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s vital that you perform your due diligence to ensure that you receive a quality education. In fact, a large number of prospective students begin the process by looking at two of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another factor you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online schools later in this article. What’s important to remember is that there is much more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than locating the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables such as accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and should be part of your selection process also. Toward that end, we will supply a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are reviewing to help you select the ideal one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our discussion about online training.

Phlebotomy Tech Job Description

Decatur AR phlebotomist testing blood sampleA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their main responsibility, there is actually far more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to confirm that the instruments being employed are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork needs to be properly completed in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab screening procedure. The phlebotomist then delivers 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 Decatur AR phlebotomists actually work in laboratories and are accountable for making sure that samples are analyzed correctly under the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough duties, they can be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, transport and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomy Techs Work?

The easiest answer is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are numerous and varied, such as Decatur AR medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood banks. They can be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, based on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a specific type of patient. For example, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would solely be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing blood from a wide variety of patients and would work with different patients every day.

Phlebotomist Training, Certification and Licensing

Decatur AR phlebotomist holding blood sampleThere are essentially two types of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Decatur AR, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program generally takes less than a year to complete and provides a general education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at community and junior colleges, they normally take two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a four year program furnish a more expansive foundation in lab sciences. Once you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, many employers look for certification before hiring technicians. Some of the principal certifying agencies include:

  • National Phlebotomy Association
  • National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
  • American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
  • American Medical Technologists (AMT)

There are a few states that do call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, such as Nevada and California. California and a handful of other states even require licensing. So it’s important that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only furnishes a superior education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification exams that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomist Classes

attending phlebotomy training online in Decatur ARTo begin with, let’s resolve one possible mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A significant component of the course of study will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Decatur AR healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Many courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-practical part of the training may be accessed online, it can be a more convenient option for some students. As an added benefit, a number of online programs are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some expenditures, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened as well. Just verify that the online phlebotomist college you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can obtain a quality education with this method of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomy Schools

Since you now have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to initiate your due diligence process. You might have already decided on the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Arkansas college is important in addition to the tuition expense. Possibly you have decided to enroll in an online phlebotomy school. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the procedure for choosing a school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you need to ask about all of the Decatur AR colleges you are considering before making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Your State? As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states require certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomist program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Arkansas or the state where you will be working and readies you for all exams you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomy program and school you choose should be accredited by a respected regional or national accrediting organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited program in addition to an assurance of a quality education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not qualify to take a certification examination offered by any of the earlier listed certifying organizations. Also, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges in Decatur AR. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited college can make you more desirable to future employers in the job market.

What is the Program’s Reputation? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are those that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s important to check out the reputations of all colleges you are looking at. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can even contact a few Decatur AR local hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can offer any insights. As a closing thought, you can check with the Arkansas school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been submitted or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Adequate Training Included? First, contact the Arkansas regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Decatur AR phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums may indicate that the program is not expansive enough to furnish adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Ask the Arkansas schools you are looking at if they have an internship program in partnership with regional healthcare facilities. They are the optimal means to obtain hands-on clinical training often not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can help students establish contacts within the local Decatur AR health care community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Getting your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Inquire if the programs you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation along with a substantial network of professional contacts within the Decatur AR health care community.

Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s crucial to make sure that the final program you pick provides classes at times that will accommodate your hectic schedule. This is particularly true if you choose to continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Decatur AR, make sure they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option also. And if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up procedure is in case you need to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Phlebotomy Tech?

When prepping to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's advantageous to consider questions you could be asked. One of the things that recruiters often ask Phlebotomist prospects is "What drove you to choose Phlebotomy as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what attributes and skills you have that make you good at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to Phlebotomy, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you should organize several strategies about how you want to address them. Given that there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the talents you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Tech and the best choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but take down a few concepts and anecdotes that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Find the Ideal Phlebotomy School near Decatur AR

Making sure that you select the right phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this fulfilling medical care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a superior school. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs are offered in a wide range of educational institutes, such as community or junior colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide array of programs in medical care and health sciences. Training program offerings may vary slightly from state to state as every state has its own prerequisites when it comes to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to thoroughly screen and compare each college before making your final decision. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can pick the best program for you. And with the proper education, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Decatur AR.

Learn About Decatur Arkansas

Decatur, Arkansas

Decatur is a city, in Benton County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 1,699 at the 2010 census.[3] It is part of the Fayetteville–Springdale–Rogers, AR-MO Metropolitan Statistical Area. This town is named after war hero Stephen Decatur, Jr.

Decatur is located in western Benton County at 36°20′15″N 94°27′24″W / 36.33750°N 94.45667°W / 36.33750; -94.45667 (36.337541, -94.456721).[4]Arkansas Highway 59 passes through the city, leading north 6 miles (10 km) to Gravette and 13 miles (21 km) to the Missouri border, and south 13 miles (21 km) to Siloam Springs. Arkansas Highway 102 leads east 16 miles (26 km) to Bentonville and west 10 miles (16 km) to the Oklahoma border.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Decatur has a total area of 4.5 square miles (11.7 km2), of which 4.4 square miles (11.5 km2) is land and 0.039 square miles (0.1 km2), or 1.21%, is water.[3]

As of the 2010 census Decatur had a population of 1,699. The racial and ethnic makeup of the population was 62.4% non-Hispanic white, 0.5% non-Hispanic black, 4.3% Native American, 0.9% Asian, 5.2% from two or more races and 28.4% Hispanic or Latino.[8]

 

 

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