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 attend a training school. Brookside Estates, Indiana is house to many state qualified phlebotomy training programs that will prepare students for a Phlebotomy Technician career. A phlebotomy training program is generally a total of 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 Brookside Estates, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When evaluating a phlebotomy training school, it’s important to be methodical and well-prepared. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not 100% of them provide the critical training and hands-on components needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs fail to provide clinical hours, which are vital for gaining practical experience drawing blood in a professional lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the eligibility requirements for national certification — even if you graduate from the course.
One of the most important factors to consider when researching a program is its approval status and adherence to quality benchmarks. Accreditation is an official endorsement 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 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 nationally certified. It simply verifies that you’ve finished 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 establish 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 in compliance with the latest regulations, procedures, and guidelines. Most certifying agencies provide clear guidelines on the number 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 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 unconditionally common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of your completion of a phlebotomy training school and is required to attempt the national certification exam for individuals who have 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 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 credentialing bodies and certification agencies provide regularly updated continuing education resources to help phlebotomists enhance and advance their skills.
There are many certification agencies that phlebotomists can choose to become certified with, but selecting the right one can positively influence your career.
Pursuing phlebotomy certification not only proves your expertise and commitment to professional excellence, but also creates opportunities for ongoing professional development. By regularly completing continuing education and professional growth opportunities, phlebotomists can enhance their knowledge, grow 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, repeated 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 with flexibility and from the convenience of home. Be sure to check whether your certifying agency provides free resources or if there are extra fees for advanced resources.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT).
Once you have registered to sit for the certification exam, utilize a wide range of exam preparation materials to boost your readiness. Many credentialing agencies offer resources such as thorough study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When evaluating prep tools, look for materials that reflect the exam’s content outline and focus on both academic material and practical skills.
Consider following a study schedule that incorporates regular studying, targeted practice in trouble spots, and regular use of full-length practice exams to mirror the real test environment. This approach will help boost your confidence and ensure you’re fully prepared for exam day.
In addition, practice exams 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 up sell 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 downloadable in your account. Your digital copy, along 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 Brookside Estates, Indiana. The field of phlebotomy is a solid gateway into the medical industry, 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 expanded healthcare services, an aging population, and a rise in lab testing. This rising demand helps ensure a positive employment outlook, making phlebotomy a reliable and worthwhile 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 brief training period, phlebotomy is a great 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 be required to renew their CPT Certification after two years. A phlebotomist should begin the process at least 30 days prior to the day their credentials expires. This will permit the phlebotomist sufficient time to attend their continuing education hours and attempt their renewal assessment. You will not need to go register 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 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 becomes inactive, many certifying agencies offer ways to restore your certification. The process typically involves fulfilling 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 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 competent phlebotomist with more 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 Brookside Estates, Indiana 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 complete 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.
