Phlebotomist in Arkansas

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AR. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$36,870
trending_down -15.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Arkansas.

engineering
1,120

Jobs (AR)

monitoring Strong
+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments
$200

Licensing fees

schedule
Typically 3-6 months (including training and certification)

Time to complete

route How to become a phlebotomist in Arkansas

To become a Phlebotomist in Arkansas, a state license is not required. However, most employers strongly prefer or require national certification from an accredited organization such as the NHA, ASCP, AMT, AECA, or NCCT. Aspiring phlebotomists typically need a high school diploma or GED and must complete a state-approved phlebotomy training program, which usually includes both classroom instruction and clinical hours. Certification generally requires passing a national exam and renewing every two years, often with continuing education.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $30,310
25th percentile $33,990
50th (median) $36,870
75th percentile $39,220
90th (experienced) $43,580

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Arkansas. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Arkansas requirements

Licensing bodyNo state licensing body; national certification is preferred by employers.
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED and completion of a state-approved phlebotomy training program (typically 8-16 weeks, including classroom and clinical hours).
ExamNational certification exams (e.g., NHA CPT, ASCP PBT, AMT, AECA CPTS, NCCT NCPT) ($200)
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesMost employers require or strongly prefer candidates to have a national certification from an accredited organization. Minimum age of 18 is generally required for training programs and certification. Background checks, drug screenings, and immunizations are often required for training programs and clinical placements.

Source: No state licensing body; national certification is preferred by employers.

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+5.6%
Faster than average
Annual openings
18,400
Nationwide per year
Total employment
139,700
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.28/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
  • check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a phlebotomist in Arkansas? expand_more
Arkansas requires phlebotomists to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED and completion of a state-approved phlebotomy training program (typically 8-16 weeks, including classroom and clinical hours).), and pass the National certification exams (e.g., NHA CPT, ASCP PBT, AMT, AECA CPTS, NCCT NCPT).
Is a state license required for phlebotomists in Arkansas? expand_more
Arkansas does not require a state license for phlebotomists. Note: Most employers require or strongly prefer candidates to have a national certification from an accredited organization. Minimum age of 18 is generally required for training programs and certification. Background checks, drug screenings, and immunizations are often required for training programs and clinical placements.
What is the average phlebotomist salary in Arkansas? expand_more
phlebotomists in Arkansas earn a median of $36,870 annually. This trails the $43,660 national median by 16%. New phlebotomists start around $30,310; seasoned professionals can reach $43,580.
How expensive is phlebotomist licensing in Arkansas? expand_more
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($200) plus your education and training.
How many months or years does phlebotomist certification take in Arkansas? expand_more
In Arkansas, becoming a phlebotomist generally takes Typically 3-6 months (including training and certification), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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