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 complete a training class. Athens, Georgia​ is house to many state recognized phlebotomy training programs that will prepare students for a Phlebotomy Technician career. A phlebotomy training program is generally about 40-80 in class hours and 20-40 clinical hours that will take place of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute united with the program. In Athens​, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When evaluating a phlebotomy training program, it’s important to be methodical and knowledgeable. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not each of them provide the necessary training and clinical resources needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs lack clinical hours, which are fundamental for gaining real-world experience drawing blood in a professional lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the required requirements for national certification — even if you complete the course.
One of the most important factors to consider when comparing a program is its approval status and adherence to industry guidelines. Program accreditation is an official endorsement granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of education, hands-on training, and educational rigor. In phlebotomy, attending an approved training program ensures that you receive comprehensive 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 confirms that you’ve finished training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with limited experience.
To get certified, students must pass an exam from a recognized agency such as National Performance Specialists (NPS). NPS helps establish national standards, develops the certification exams, and maintains a registry of certified professionals.
Certification must be renewed every two years, and completing continuing education is a core requirement for renewal if the a certification holder does not wish to take an additional exam. This ensures that certified phlebotomists remain up to date with the latest professional practices, procedures, and compliance measures. Most certifying agencies provide well-defined guidelines on the amount and type of continuing education hours required, making it straightforward 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 your successful completion of a phlebotomy training class, you will earn 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 your successful completion of a phlebotomy training program and is required to take the national certification exam for individuals who’ve acquired no experience in the field.
To become certified, a phlebotomist must have their competency put to the test by a third-party credentialing agency, like NPS. Once certified, a phlebotomist must maintain their certification each two years by completing Continuing Education. Continuing education can come in multiple formats, 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 associations 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 positively influence your career.
Earning phlebotomy certification not only shows your competency and commitment to high standards, but also opens doors to ongoing professional development. By regularly participating in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, phlebotomists can strengthen their capabilities, grow their professional network, and set themselves up for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers prefer certified candidates, making certification an essential step toward becoming a strong applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $200.00 and includes a full study guide, repeated practice exams, three final certification exam attempts, a professional resume revision, and job placement assistance. The entire process can be completed fully online through the NPS learning management system, and is mobile friendly, allowing you to prepare with flexibility and from the ease of home. Be sure to verify whether your certifying agency provides included study tools or if there are separate charges for premium materials.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT).
Once you have registered to sit for the credentialing exam, make use of a wide range of prep tools to maximize your readiness. Many certifying agencies offer resources such as thorough study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When selecting prep tools, look for materials that closely align with the exam’s content outline and focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Consider developing a study schedule that incorporates daily review, targeted practice in challenging topics, and regular use of simulated practice exams to mirror the real test environment. This approach will help build your confidence and ensure you’re well prepared for exam day.
In addition, sample tests are extremely useful for simulating the real test environment and identifying areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer endless practice exams, while others charge extra for practice attempts.
After you have passed the certification exam, your credentials are hurriedly inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your national certification is downloadable in your account. Your digital copy, paired with 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 begin your medical career in Athens, Georgia. Phlebotomy is a solid starting point into the medical field, commonly pursued by aspiring nurses, nurse aides, medical assistants, and medical laboratory technicians. Certified phlebotomists are in great demand across the healthcare industry due to increased access to healthcare, a growing elderly population, and a rise in lab testing. This rising demand contributes to a strong job outlook, making phlebotomy a reliable and appealing career choice.
Phlebotomists typically are scheduled for a standard 40-hour week and earn an average annual salary of approximately $31,000, though wages can fluctuate depending on region and experience. With expanding job openings and a relatively short 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 have to renew their CPT Certification after two years. A phlebotomist should start the process at least 30 days prior to the day their certification expires. This will permit the phlebotomist sufficient time to attend their continuing education hours and take their renewal assessment. You will not need to go back to a school 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 credentials for the new two year period is $200.00. Renewing ensures your employer that you are dedicated to updating your knowledge in the phlebotomy field.
If your certification expires, many certifying agencies offer a path to reinstatement. The process typically involves fulfilling any outstanding continuing education requirements, submitting a renewal application, and covering a reinstatement fee. It’s important to consult your certifying body for specific guidelines and deadlines to restore your active status.
Click to learn more about Renewing You CPT Certification.
A Certified Phlebotomy Instructor (CPI) is a highly bright phlebotomist with greater than 5 years of experience in the field. Phlebotomy Instructors can teach for or own their own school. They’re needed for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the instruction provided by their curriculum. Every class in Athens, Georgia should provide students with 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 like to request to talk with someone regarding 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.
