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 program. Boca Raton, Florida is house to many state attributed 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 of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute associated with the program. In Boca Raton, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When selecting a phlebotomy training course, it’s important to be careful and informed. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not 100% of them provide the essential training and practical experience opportunities needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs lack clinical hours, which are required for gaining practical experience drawing blood in a real 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 formal recognition granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of curriculum, hands-on training, and educational rigor. In phlebotomy, attending an recognized 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 misinterpreted. 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 zero experience.
To 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 updated 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, advancements, and guidelines. Most certifying agencies provide clear guidelines on the amount and type of continuing education hours required, making it simple 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 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 completely common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of your completion of a phlebotomy training class and is required to attempt the national certification examination for individuals who’ve acquired no experience in the field.
To officially get certified, a phlebotomist must have their competency put to the test by a third-party certification agency, like NPS. Once certified, a phlebotomist must maintain their certification every 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 cover 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 most recognized one can significantly impact your career.
Pursuing phlebotomy certification not only shows your competency and commitment to high standards, but also supports ongoing professional development. By regularly participating in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, phlebotomists can enhance their capabilities, expand their professional network, and position themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers look for 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 a comprehensive study guide, repeated practice exams, three final certification exam attempts, a professional resume revision, and job placement assistance. The entire process can be completed entirely online through the NPS learning management system, and is mobile friendly, allowing you to prepare at your own pace and from the ease of home. Be sure to verify whether your certifying agency provides free resources or if there are extra fees for premium materials.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT).
Once you have registered for the competency exam, utilize a variety of study resources to maximize your readiness. Many certifying agencies offer resources such as comprehensive 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 theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Consider developing a study schedule that incorporates consistent study sessions, targeted practice in trouble spots, and regular use of full-length practice exams to simulate the real test environment. This approach will help increase your confidence and ensure you’re well prepared for exam day.
In addition, sample tests are invaluable for replicating the real test environment and identifying 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 final exam, your credentials are rapidly inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your certification is made available 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 Boca Raton, Florida. Training in phlebotomy is a great gateway into the medical industry, 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 expanded healthcare services, a rise in senior patients, and more frequent diagnostic tests. This rising demand contributes to a positive employment outlook, making phlebotomy a stable and attractive career choice.
Phlebotomists typically work 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 growing opportunities and a relatively short training period, phlebotomy is a efficient 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 need to renew their CPT Certification every two years. A phlebotomist should start the process at least 30 days prior to the week their certification expires. This will allow the phlebotomist sufficient time to review their continuing education hours and take their renewal assessment. You will not have to go back to a phlebotomy course or attend a class to renew your certification.
The renewal process can be completed entirely online in the NPS learning management system. The cost to renew your credentials for the following two year time period 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 finishing any outstanding continuing education requirements, submitting a renewal application, and processing a reinstatement fee. It’s important to confirm with 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 proficient phlebotomist with more than 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 information provided by their curriculum. Every class in Boca Raton, Florida should provide 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 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.
