Choosing a Phlebotomy School near Harrison Arkansas
Choosing the right phlebotomy school near Harrison AR is an essential initial step toward a rewarding career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult task to evaluate and compare each of the school options that are available to you. However it’s important that you complete your due diligence to ensure that you receive a superior education. In fact, many potential students begin the process by considering 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. Another option you may look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll discuss a bit more about online classes later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is a lot more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other factors including accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your selection process too. To assist in that effort, we will furnish a list of questions that you need to ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you pick the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our discussion about online classes.
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Phlebotomy Tech Work Summary
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their principal duty, there is actually much more to their job description. Before drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist must check that the tools being employed are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample has to be properly labeled with the patient’s data. Next, paperwork must be properly filled out in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab testing process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an in-house lab or to an outside lab facility where it can be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of Harrison AR phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are responsible for making certain that samples are tested correctly under the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they may be required to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.
Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?
The quickest answer is wherever there are patients. Their workplaces are numerous and varied, such as Harrison AR medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be assigned to collect blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. A number of phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting samples from a particular type of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be collecting blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital setting would be drawing samples from a wide range of patients and would collect samples from different patients on a daily basis.
Phlebotomist Training, Licensing and Certification
There are basically 2 types of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Harrison AR, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to complete and furnishes a general education as well as the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomist. Offered at community and junior colleges, they normally take two years to finish. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a four year program provide a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will no doubt want to be certified. Although not required in most states, most employers look for certification prior to hiring technicians. A few of the primary 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 California and Nevada. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a premium education, but also prepares you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.
Online Phlebotomist Schools
First, let’s resolve one possible misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomist training online. A good part of the curriculum will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Harrison AR healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. A large number of courses also require completion of an internship in order to graduate. But since the non-practical portion of the training may be accessed online, it may be a more convenient option for some students. As an added benefit, many online schools are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. And some costs, for instance those for textbooks or commuting, may be minimized also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist program you choose is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a superior education with this approach to learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the best choice for you.
Points to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges
Now that you have a basic idea about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You might have already selected the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Arkansas college is important in addition to the tuition expense. Maybe you have decided to enroll in an phlebotomy online school. All of these decisions are an important component of the procedure for selecting a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided a few questions that you should ask about all of the Harrison AR schools you are considering before making your final selection.
Is the Phlebotomy Program Specific to Your State? As mentioned previously, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Some states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Each has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you may need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomy program that meets the state specific requirements for Arkansas or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for all examinations you may be required to take.
Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you select should be accredited by a highly regarded regional or national accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many advantages to graduating from an accredited program aside from an assurance of a premium education. To begin with, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to take a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in getting loans or financial assistance, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited schools in Harrison AR. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.
What is the Program’s Reputation? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So in addition to accreditation, it’s essential to check out the reputations of any colleges you are reviewing. You can begin by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their students as part of their job assistance program. You can research online school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can also contact some Harrison AR local hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and see if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the Arkansas school licensing authority and ask if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in total compliance.
Is Sufficient Training Provided? To begin with, contact the Arkansas regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any Harrison AR phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to provide adequate training.
Are Internships Included? Find out from the Arkansas programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with regional healthcare facilities. They are the optimal way to get hands-on practical training frequently not obtainable on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Harrison AR health care community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Available? Getting your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Find out if the colleges you are considering offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the school has both an excellent reputation as well as an extensive network of professional contacts within the Harrison AR medical community.
Are Class Times Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s important to confirm that the final program you select offers classes at times that are compatible with your busy lifestyle. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Harrison AR, make certain they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option as well. 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 protocol is in case you need to miss any classes because of emergencies or illness.
Why Did You Choose to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?
When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomist job, it's a good idea to consider questions you might be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers typically ask Phlebotomy Technician prospects is "What made you choose Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomy Tech, but also what characteristics and skills you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to Phlebotomy, as well as a certain number of standard interview questions, so you need to prepare a number of strategies about how you would like to address them. Considering there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the talents you possess that make you an excellent Phlebotomist and the ideal choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down a few concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.Enroll in the Right Phlebotomist College near Harrison AR
Making certain that you select the right phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding healthcare field. As we have discussed in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a quality program. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are offered in a wide range of educational institutions, including junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive array of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Course offerings can differ slightly across the country as every state has its own requirements when it comes to phlebotomist training, licensing and certification. The most critical point is that you need to diligently research and compare each school prior to making your final selection. By addressing the questions that we have presented, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can select the best college for you. And with the proper training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Harrison AR.
Learn About Harrison Arkansas
Harrison, Arkansas
Harrison is a city in Boone County, Arkansas, United States. It is the county seat. It named after General Marcus LaRue Harrison, a surveyor that laid out the city along Crooked Creek at Stifler Springs.[4] According to 2012 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city was 13,163,[5] up from 12,943 at the 2010 census.[6]
Harrison is the principal city of the Harrison Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Boone and Newton counties.
Native Americans were the first inhabitants of the area, the first probably being cliff dwellers who lived in caves in the bluffs along the rivers. In later times, the Osage, a branch of the Sioux, was the main tribe in the Ozarks, and one of their larger villages is thought to have been to the east of the present site of Harrison. The Shawnee, Quapaw, and Caddo people were also familiar to the area.
The Cherokee arrived around 1816 and did not get along with the Osage. This hostility erupted into a full-scale war in the Ozark Mountains. By the 1830s both tribes were removed to Indian Territory. It is possible that the first white men to visit the area were some forty followers of Hernando de Soto and that they camped at a Native village on the White River at the mouth of Bear Creek. It is more likely that the discoverers were French hunters or trappers who followed the course of the White River. [7]
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