Phlebotomy Training Schools near Little Rock AR 72201

Choosing a Phlebotomist Training Program near Little Rock Arkansas

Little Rock AR phlebotomist taking blood samplePicking the ideal phlebotomy school near Little Rock AR is an important initial step toward a fulfilling profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a difficult task to analyze and compare all of the school options that are available to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you perform your due diligence to make sure that you receive a quality education. In fact, most potential students begin their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. An additional option you might look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. We’ll talk more about online schools later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is a lot more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other variables including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and should be part of your decision process as well. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you select the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our discussion about online classes.

Phlebotomy Tech Career Summary

Little Rock AR phlebotomist testing blood sampleA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their primary function, there is in fact much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist must confirm that the tools being employed are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample needs to be accurately labeled with the patient’s data. Afterward, paperwork has to be correctly completed to be able to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory testing process. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Some Little Rock AR phlebotomists in fact work in laboratories and are responsible for ensuring that samples are analyzed properly under the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they can be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The most basic answer is wherever they treat patients. Their work places are many and diverse, including Little Rock AR hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or blood centers. They can be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of of every age, from infants or young children to seniors. A number of phlebotomy techs, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing samples from a certain type of patient. For instance, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be collecting blood from older patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns solely. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide variety of patients and would work with different patients on a daily basis.

Phlebotomy Technician Training, Licensing and Certification

Little Rock AR phlebotomist holding blood sampleThere are essentially two types of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Little Rock AR, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program typically takes under a year to finish and offers a general education together with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest method to becoming a phlebotomy tech. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it’s not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will provide training on becoming a phlebotomist. Available at junior and community colleges, they typically require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are not as accessible and as a 4 year program furnish a more expansive background in lab sciences. After you have completed your training, you will probably want to be certified. Although not required in the majority of states, a number of employers require certification before employing 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 prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, like California and Nevada. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only furnishes a superior education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Classes

attending phlebotomy training online in Little Rock ARTo start with, let’s dispel one possible misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A good portion of the course of study will be practical training and it will be performed either in an approved Little Rock AR healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-clinical component of the training may be accessed online, it might be a more practical option for many students. As an additional benefit, many online schools are more affordable than their on-campus competitors. And some costs, for instance those for commuting or textbooks, may be minimized also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomy program you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can receive a quality education with this approach to learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal option for you.

Questions to Ask Phlebotomist Schools

Now that you have a general idea about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it’s time to begin your due diligence process. You may have already selected the kind of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a degree or a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the Arkansas school is important as well as the cost of tuition. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomy college. Each of these decisions are an important component of the process for selecting a program or school. But they are not the sole considerations when making your decision. Below we have provided several questions that you need to ask about all of the Little Rock AR colleges you are looking at prior to making your final selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of practical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomy tech. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomist program that fulfills 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 School Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you choose should be accredited by a respected regional or national accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited school in addition to an assurance of a quality education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to take a certification exam offered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are typically unavailable for non-accredited schools in Little Rock AR. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s imperative to check the reputations of any schools you are considering. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they place their graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen online school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. You can even check with several Little Rock AR area hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and find out if they can offer any insights. As a closing thought, you can contact the Arkansas school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been submitted or if the colleges are in total compliance.

Is Ample Training Included? To begin with, check with 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 Little Rock AR phlebotomy program that you are reviewing should furnish no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to offer sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Find out from the Arkansas programs you are reviewing if they have an internship program in collaboration with area medical facilities. They are the optimal means to obtain hands-on clinical training typically not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can help students develop contacts within the local Little Rock AR healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Landing your first phlebotomy position will be much easier with the help of a job placement program. Inquire if the colleges you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, meaning they place most 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 Little Rock AR health care community.

Are Classes Available as Needed? And last, it’s crucial to confirm that the ultimate program you pick offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Little Rock AR, make sure they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure it is an option also. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And ask what the make-up protocol is in case you need to miss any classes as a result of emergencies or illness.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Phlebotomist?

When getting ready to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's advantageous to review questions you may be asked. One of the questions that interviewers typically ask Phlebotomist applicants is "What compelled you to select Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not merely the personal reasons you might have for becoming Phlebotomist, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to Phlebotomy, along with a certain number of general interview questions, so you should organize some strategies about how you want to address them. Given that there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the strengths you have that make you an excellent Phlebotomy Tech and the ideal candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but write down a few concepts and talking points that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Choose the Right Phlebotomy Course near Little Rock AR

Making sure that you choose the most suitable phlebotomy training is an important first step toward your success in this rewarding health care field. As we have covered in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a premium college. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are found in a variety of educational institutes, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide an extensive range of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Course options can differ slightly from state to state as each state has its own prerequisites when it pertains to phlebotomy training, licensing and certification. The most important point is that you must diligently evaluate and compare each school before making your final decision. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can pick the ideal program for you. And with the appropriate education, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Little Rock AR.

Learn About Little Rock Arkansas

Little Rock, Arkansas

Little Rock is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Arkansas. It is also the county seat of Pulaski County. It was incorporated on November 7, 1831, on the south bank of the Arkansas River close to the state's geographic center. The city derives its name from a rock formation along the river, named "la petite roche" by the French explorer Jean-Baptiste Bénard de la Harpe in the 1720s. The capital of the Arkansas Territory was moved to Little Rock from Arkansas Post in 1821. The city's population was 193,524 at the 2010 census. The six-county Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is ranked 75th in terms of population in the United States with 724,385 residents according to the 2013 estimate by the United States Census Bureau.[2][4]

Little Rock is a cultural, economic, government, and transportation center within Arkansas and the South. Several cultural institutions are in Little Rock, such as the Arkansas Arts Center, the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, in addition to the hiking, boating, and other outdoor recreational opportunities. Little Rock's history is available through history museums, historic districts or neighborhoods like the Quapaw Quarter, and historic sites such as Little Rock Central High School. The city is the headquarters of Dillard's, Windstream Communications, Acxiom, Stephens Inc., University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Heifer International, the Clinton Foundation, and the Rose Law Firm. Other large corporations, such as Dassault Falcon Jet and LM Wind Power have large operations in the city. State government is a large employer, with many offices being in downtown Little Rock. Two Interstate highways, Interstate 30 and Interstate 40, meet in Little Rock, with the Port of Little Rock serving as a shipping hub.

Little Rock derives its name from a small rock formation on the south bank of the Arkansas River called "le petit rocher" (French: "the little rock"). The "little rock" was used by early river traffic as a landmark and became a well-known river crossing. The "little rock" is across the river from "big rock," a large bluff at the edge of the river, which was once used as a rock quarry.[5]

Archeological artifacts provide evidence of Native Americans inhabiting Central Arkansas for thousands of years before Europeans arrived. The early inhabitants may have been the Folsom people, Bluff Dwellers, and Mississippian culture peoples who built earthwork mounds recorded in 1541 by Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto. Historical tribes of the area were the Caddo, Quapaw, Osage, Choctaw, and Cherokee.

 

 

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