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 choose a training class. Aurora, Illinois is home to many state approved 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 separate of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute associated with the program. In Aurora, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When evaluating a phlebotomy training course, it’s important to be methodical and well-prepared. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not each of them provide the critical training and clinical resources needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs lack clinical hours, which are critical for gaining hands-on experience drawing blood in a professional 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 crucial factors to consider when researching a program is its recognized standing and adherence to professional standards. Program accreditation is a quality assurance granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of education, hands-on training, and educational rigor. In phlebotomy, attending an accredited training program ensures that you receive comprehensive education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare industry standards.
After finishing a phlebotomy training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often misunderstood. This document does not make you “certified”. It simply verifies that you’ve finished training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with no prior experience.
To become certified, students must pass an exam from a recognized agency such as National Performance Specialists (NPS). NPS helps set 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 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 regulations, techniques, and regulations. Most certifying agencies provide clear guidelines on the total 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 successful completion of a phlebotomy training school, you will get a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you ‘Certified’. This is a very common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of your successful completion of a phlebotomy training class and is required to sit for the national certification test 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 take many forms, such as on-the-job workshops, online courses, webinars, or specialized training modules. These programs often cover 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 expand and refine their skills.
There are a variety of 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 proves your competency and commitment to professional excellence, but also creates opportunities for 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 important step toward becoming a standout applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $200.00 and includes an all-inclusive study guide, endless 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 comfort of home. Be sure to explore whether your certifying agency provides included study tools or if there are separate charges for upgraded content.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT).
Once you have registered for the competency exam, make use of a broad selection of prep tools to enhance your readiness. Many certifying agencies offer resources such as detailed study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When choosing prep tools, look for materials that match the exam’s content outline and focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Consider creating a study schedule that incorporates consistent study sessions, targeted practice in challenging topics, and regular use of full-length practice exams to simulate the real test environment. This approach will help build your confidence and ensure you’re fully prepared for exam day.
In addition, sample tests are invaluable for replicating the real test environment and spotting areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer unlimited practice exams, while others require payment for practice attempts.
After you have passed the certification exam, your credentials are hastily inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your official certification is stored 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 Aurora, Illinois. The field of 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 strong demand across the healthcare industry due to increased access to healthcare, a growing elderly population, and more frequent diagnostic tests. This rising demand helps ensure a strong job outlook, making phlebotomy a secure 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 geography and experience. With expanding job openings and a fast-track training period, phlebotomy is a smart way to begin a meaningful 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 need to renew their CPT Certification every two years. A phlebotomist should start the process at least 30 days prior to the day their credentials expires. This will permit the phlebotomist sufficient time to complete their continuing education hours and submit their renewal assessment. You will not have 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 credentials 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 expires, many certifying agencies offer a path to reinstatement. The process typically involves finishing any outstanding continuing education requirements, submitting a renewal application, and processing a reinstatement fee. It’s important to consult your certifying body for specific procedures and cutoff dates 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 work for or own their own school. They’re needed for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the information provided by their curriculum. Every class in Aurora, Illinois should tell their students with the instructors background and credentials.
If a phlebotomist meets the requirements and wishes to become a Certified Phlebotomy Instructor (CPI) they can complete the entire process online. If you would like 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.
