Picking a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program near Salem Arkansas
Enrolling in the right phlebotomy training near Salem AR is a critical initial step toward a gratifying profession as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging task to investigate and compare each of the training options that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s necessary that you complete your due diligence to make sure that you get a superior education. In fact, a large number of prospective students begin their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another factor you may consider is whether to attend online classes or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online schools later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is much more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than finding the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors including accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and must be part of your decision process too. To assist in that effort, 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 then resume our conversation about online training.
Phlebotomist Career Description
A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. Although that is their main task, there is in fact so much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist has to check that the tools being used are sterile and single use only. Following the collection, the sample must be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork has to be accurately filled out to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory testing process. The phlebotomist then delivers the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it can be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some Salem AR phlebotomists in fact work in labs and are responsible for ensuring that samples are tested properly utilizing the strictest quality control procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient responsibilities, they may be called upon to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.
Where do Phlebotomists Practice?
The most basic answer is wherever patients are treated. Their work environments are numerous and varied, including Salem AR medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or blood banks. They may be assigned to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or toddlers to senior citizens. Some phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in collecting samples from a particular kind of patient. For example, those working in a nursing home or assisted living facility would exclusively be drawing blood from elderly patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be drawing blood from mothers and newborns solely. On the other hand, phlebotomy technicians practicing in a general hospital environment would be drawing samples from a wide variety of patients and would work with different patients each day.
Phlebotomy Training, Certification and Licensing
There are basically 2 types of programs that provide phlebotomy training in Salem AR, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program normally takes under a year to complete and offers a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not exclusively a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they normally require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program provide a more comprehensive background in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will no doubt want to become certified. While not mandated in the majority of states, a number of employers require certification prior to employing technicians. A few of the principal certifying organizations include:
- National Phlebotomy Association
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
- American Medical Technologists (AMT)
There are some states that do require certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, such as California and Nevada. California and a handful of additional states even require licensing. So it’s essential that you select a phlebotomist training program that not only supplies a premium education, but also readies you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.
Phlebotomy Online Certificates and Degrees
First, let’s resolve one likely misconception. You can’t obtain all of your phlebotomy training online. A good component of the course of study will be practical training and it will be carried out either in an approved Salem AR healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. A large number of courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-practical component of the training can be attended online, it might be a more practical alternative for some students. As an added benefit, many online schools are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. And some expenses, such as those for textbooks or commuting, may be reduced as well. Just confirm that the online phlebotomy college you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can receive a superior education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to study at home, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the best choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Phlebotomy Schools
Now that you have a basic understanding about what is involved in becoming a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already picked the type of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Arkansas college is significant as well as the tuition expense. Maybe you have opted to enroll in an online phlebotomy college. All of these decisions are a critical part of the process for selecting a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when arriving at your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about each of the Salem AR colleges you are looking at prior to making your ultimate decision.
Is the Phlebotomy Program State Specific? As mentioned previously, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Some states call for certification, while a few others mandate licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum amount of practical training completed before practicing as a phlebotomist. Consequently, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s very important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Arkansas or the state where you will be working and readies you for all examinations you may be required to take.
Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomist school and program you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting organization, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited program aside from an assurance of a quality education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not qualify to take a certification examination offered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited programs in Salem AR. Last, graduating from an accredited college can make you more attractive to potential employers in the job market.
What is the College’s Reputation? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomist schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. 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 graduates as part of their job assistance program. You can screen internet school reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. You can also check with some Salem AR local clinics or hospitals that you may have an interest in working for and find out if they can offer any recommendations. As a final 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 Adequate Training Included? To begin with, check with the Arkansas regulator or the state regulator where you will be practicing to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both classroom and practical. At a minimum, any Salem AR phlebotomist program that you are looking at should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of clinical training. Anything below these minimums might indicate that the program is not comprehensive enough to provide adequate training.
Are Internships Included? Ask the Arkansas schools you are reviewing if they have an internship program in partnership with local health care facilities. They are the optimal means to obtain hands-on clinical training typically not obtainable on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Salem AR medical community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Finding your first phlebotomist job will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Ask if the schools you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a college has a high rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it’s an indication that the program has both a good reputation as well as an extensive network of professional contacts within the Salem AR medical community.
Are Classes Available as Needed? And last, it’s critical to make sure that the final college you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your active lifestyle. This is especially important if you choose to still work while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Salem AR, make sure they are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, verify it is an option as well. Even if you have decided to study online, with the clinical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is should you have to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.
Why Did You Decide to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?
When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomist position, it's advantageous to review questions you might be asked. Among the questions that interviewers frequently ask Phlebotomist applicants is "What compelled you to select Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for becoming Phlebotomist, but additionally what characteristics and talents you possess that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to Phlebotomy, as well as a certain number of routine interview questions, so you should prepare several approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Given that there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you along with the talents you have that make you an exceptional Phlebotomist and the leading candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down some ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.Choose the Right Phlebotomist School near Salem AR
Making sure that you choose the most suitable phlebotomist training is an essential first step toward your success in this gratifying health care career position. As we have discussed in this article, there are several factors that contribute toward the selection of a quality school. Phlebotomist training programs are available in a number of academic institutes, including junior or community colleges, trade schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive range of courses in medical care and health sciences. Program offerings may vary slightly from state to state as every state has its own requirements when it comes to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must diligently screen and compare each program before making your final decision. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the best school for you. And with the proper training, you can realize your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Salem AR.
Learn About Salem Arkansas
Salem, Saline County, Arkansas
Salem is a census-designated place (CDP) in Saline County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 2,607 at the 2010 census.[3] It is part of the Little Rock–North Little Rock–Conway Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Salem is located at 34°37′46″N 92°33′42″W / 34.62944°N 92.56167°W / 34.62944; -92.56167 (34.629565, -92.561668).[4]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.2 square miles (8.4 km²), of which, 3.2 square miles (8.2 km²) of it is land and 0.05 square miles (0.1 km²) of it (1.52%) is water.
As of the census[6] of 2000, there were 2,789 people, 1,069 households, and 857 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 815.3 people per square mile (314.9/km²). There were 1,096 housing units at an average density of 320.4 per square mile (123.7/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 98.03% White, 0.32% Black or African American, 0.47% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 0.36% from other races, and 0.65% from two or more races. 1.08% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
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