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. Cheektowaga, New York is house to many state attributed 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 joined with the program. In Cheektowaga, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When choosing a phlebotomy training school, it’s important to be thorough and knowledgeable. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not all of them provide the critical training and hands-on components needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs do not offer 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 essential factors to consider when researching a program is its approval status and adherence to industry guidelines. Program accreditation is formal recognition 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 proper education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare best practices.
After finishing a phlebotomy training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often confused. 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 updated 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 up to date with the latest industry standards, advancements, and compliance measures. Most certifying agencies provide well-defined 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 your 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 extremely common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of successful completion of a phlebotomy training school and is required to take the national certification exam for individuals who have no experience in the field.
To officially get certified, a phlebotomist must have their knowledge put to the test by a third-party authorizing agency, like NPS. Once certified, a phlebotomist must renew their certification once 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 include 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 develop their skills.
There are a variety of certification agencies that phlebotomists can choose to become certified with, but selecting the right one can make a big difference in your career.
Earning phlebotomy certification not only shows your expertise and commitment to high standards, but also creates opportunities for ongoing professional development. By regularly engaging in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, phlebotomists can sharpen their expertise, 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 standout applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $200.00 and includes a comprehensive study guide, unlimited 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 check whether your certifying agency provides free resources or if there are additional costs for advanced resources.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT).
Once you have registered to take the competency exam, utilize a broad selection of prep tools to maximize your readiness. Many certification 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 developing a study schedule that incorporates consistent study sessions, targeted practice in trouble spots, and regular use of complete practice exams to mirror the real test environment. This approach will help build your confidence and ensure you’re thoroughly prepared for exam day.
In addition, practice exams are extremely useful for simulating the real test environment and pinpointing areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer endless practice exams, while others require payment for practice attempts.
After you have passed the final exam, your credentials are quickly inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your national certification is made available 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 start your medical career in Cheektowaga, New York. The field of phlebotomy is an excellent entry point into the medical workforce, 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 the growth of healthcare services, a growing elderly population, and a rise in lab testing. This rising demand supports a steady job market, making phlebotomy a reliable 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 differ depending on region and experience. With increasing prospects and a brief 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 be required to renew their CPT Certification after two years. A phlebotomist should begin the process at least 30 days prior to the week their credentials expires. This will allow the phlebotomist sufficient time to attend their continuing education hours and submit their renewal assessment. You will not have 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 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 reinstatement options. The process typically involves finishing any outstanding continuing education requirements, sending in a renewal application, and paying a reinstatement fee. It’s important to confirm with your certifying body for specific guidelines and timeframes to restore your active status.
Click to learn more about Renewing You CPT Certification.
A Certified Phlebotomy Instructor (CPI) is a highly intelligent phlebotomist with over 5 years of experience in the field. Phlebotomy Instructors can work 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 Cheektowaga, New York 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 finalize the entire process online. If you would like to speak 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.
