Phlebotomy Technicians play a key role in the medical field. Their main responsibility is to collect samples of a patient’s blood or other bodily fluids for the purpose of lab test to determine varying health conditions. Here we will outline the entire process of becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT).
The first step to your career as a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) is to enroll in a training class. Ann Arbor, Michigan is house to many state approved phlebotomy training programs that will prepare students for a Phlebotomy Technician career. A phlebotomy training program is generally between 40-80 in class hours and 20-40 clinical hours that will take place separate of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute allied with the program. In Ann Arbor, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When evaluating a phlebotomy training course, it’s important to be methodical and informed. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not each of them provide the essential training and clinical resources needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs do not offer clinical hours, which are critical for gaining practical experience drawing blood in a clinical lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the minimum requirements for national certification — even if you graduate from the course.
One of the most essential factors to consider when evaluating a program is its approval status and adherence to industry guidelines. Accreditation is a quality assurance granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of curriculum, hands-on training, and educational rigor. In phlebotomy, attending an approved training program ensures that you receive proper education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare best practices.
After graduating from a phlebotomy training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often misunderstood. This document does not make you nationally certified. It simply proves that you’ve completed training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with limited experience.
To officially become certified, students must pass an exam from a recognized agency such as National Performance Specialists (NPS). NPS helps define national standards, develops the certification exams, and maintains a registry of certified professionals.
Certification must be maintained every two years, and completing continuing education is a key requirement for renewal if the a certification holder does not wish to take an additional exam. This ensures that certified phlebotomists remain current with the latest industry standards, advancements, and regulations. Most certifying agencies provide well-defined guidelines on the amount and type of continuing education hours required, making it easy for professionals to maintain their credentials.
If you are planning to attend a phlebotomy training program and would like an NPS adviser to double check that the program is legit, contact us today.
Upon successful completion of a phlebotomy training course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you ‘Certified’. This is a entirely common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of successful completion of a phlebotomy training program and is required to sit for the national certification test for individuals with no experience in the field.
To officially get certified, a phlebotomist must have their skills put to the test by a third-party certification agency, like NPS. Once certified, a phlebotomist must update their certification each two years by completing Continuing Education. Continuing education can take many forms, such as on-the-job workshops, online courses, webinars, or specialized training modules. These programs often focus on the latest best practices, safety protocols, and technological advancements in phlebotomy. Many professional organizations and certification agencies provide regularly updated continuing education resources to help phlebotomists enhance and advance their skills.
There are several certification agencies that phlebotomists can choose to become certified with, but selecting the right one can significantly impact your career.
Obtaining phlebotomy certification not only demonstrates your expertise and commitment to quality care, but also supports ongoing professional development. By regularly engaging in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, phlebotomists can sharpen their expertise, build their professional network, and prepare themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers prefer certified candidates, making certification an valuable step toward becoming a competitive applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $200.00 and includes an all-inclusive study guide, unlimited practice exams, three final certification exam attempts, a professional resume revision, and job placement assistance. The entire process can be completed 100% online through the NPS learning management system, and is mobile friendly, allowing you to prepare on your schedule and from the convenience of home. Be sure to check whether your certifying agency provides free resources or if there are additional costs for premium materials.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT).
Once you have registered to sit for the credentialing exam, take advantage of a wide range of study resources to enhance your readiness. Many certification agencies offer resources such as thorough study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When choosing prep tools, look for materials that closely align with the exam’s content outline and focus on both academic material and practical skills.
Consider creating a study schedule that incorporates daily review, targeted practice in challenging topics, and regular use of simulated practice exams to simulate the real test environment. This approach will help boost your confidence and ensure you’re well prepared for exam day.
In addition, sample tests are extremely useful for replicating the real test environment and pinpointing areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer repeated practice exams, while others require payment for practice attempts.
After you have passed the final exam, your credentials are hastily inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your official certification is available in your account. Your digital copy, side by side your NPS transcripts, should be downloaded and printed for use as proof of certification.
Now that you’re a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), you’re ready to start your medical career in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Phlebotomy is a solid gateway into the medical workforce, commonly pursued by aspiring nurses, nurse aides, medical assistants, and medical laboratory technicians. Certified phlebotomists are in strong demand across the healthcare industry due to the growth of healthcare services, an aging population, and a rise in lab testing. This rising demand supports a steady job market, making phlebotomy a reliable and worthwhile career choice.
Phlebotomists typically perform a standard 40-hour week and earn an average annual salary of approximately $31,000, though wages can vary depending on location and experience. With growing opportunities and a brief training period, phlebotomy is a great way to begin a fulfilling healthcare career.
NPS works with multiple staffing agencies to help our members find a career in the phlebotomy field. Click here for more information on job placement assistance by NPS.
Certified Phlebotomy Technicians will be required to renew their CPT Certification every two years. A phlebotomist should begin the process at least 30 days prior to the day their credentials expires. This will permit the phlebotomist enough time to review their continuing education hours and attempt their renewal assessment. You will not need to go register to a phlebotomy course or attend a class to renew your certification.
The renewal process can be completed from start to finish online in the NPS learning management system. The cost to renew your certification for the next two year is $200.00. Renewing ensures your employer that you are dedicated to updating your knowledge in the phlebotomy field.
If your certification lapses, many certifying agencies offer a path to reinstatement. The process typically involves fulfilling any outstanding continuing education requirements, sending in a renewal application, and processing a reinstatement fee. It’s important to confirm with your certifying body for specific steps and deadlines to restore your active status.
Click to learn more about Renewing You CPT Certification.
A Certified Phlebotomy Instructor (CPI) is a highly skilled phlebotomist with over 5 years of experience in the field. Phlebotomy Instructors can teach for or own their own school. They’re responsible for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the instruction provided by their curriculum. Every class in Ann Arbor, Michigan should tell their students details about the instructors background and credentials.
If a phlebotomist meets the requirements and wishes to become a Certified Phlebotomy Instructor (CPI) they can undergo the entire process online. If you would prefer to talk with someone about the process, contact us today.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Instructor (CPI).
National Performance Specialists is also partnered with the American Red Cross to provide job placement assistance to NPS Members and to assist the American Red Cross in recruiting quality candidates across the United States.
All NPS certification programs are proudly listed within the Certification Finder by CareerOneStop. CareerOneStop is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration and is a proud partner of the AmericanJobCenter network.
