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 course. Chicago, Wisconsin is house to many state endorsed 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 separate of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute associated with the program. In Chicago, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When evaluating a phlebotomy training course, it’s important to be careful and well-prepared. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not all of them provide the necessary training and practical experience opportunities needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs lack clinical hours, which are critical for gaining hands-on experience drawing blood in a real lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the eligibility requirements for national certification — even if you complete the course.
One of the most crucial factors to consider when researching a program is its accreditation and adherence to quality benchmarks. 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 recognized training program ensures that you receive appropriate education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare quality expectations.
After completing a phlebotomy training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often confused. This document does not make you a certified phlebotomist. It simply verifies 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 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 up to date with the latest regulations, advancements, 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 completion of a phlebotomy training class, you will have 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 successful completion of a phlebotomy training course and is required to register for the national certification examination 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 credentialing agency, like NPS. Once certified, a phlebotomist must renew their certification every 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 focus on 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 expand and develop their skills.
There are a variety of certification agencies that phlebotomists can choose to become certified with, but selecting the most recognized one can make a big difference in 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 engaging in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, phlebotomists can sharpen their expertise, expand their professional network, and set themselves up for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers look for certified candidates, making certification an valuable 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, 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 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 variety of study resources to maximize your readiness. Many certifying agencies offer resources such as detailed study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When selecting 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 daily review, targeted practice in trouble spots, 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 thoroughly prepared for exam day.
In addition, sample tests are invaluable for simulating the real test environment and spotting areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer repeated practice exams, while others up sell practice attempts.
After you have passed the final exam, your credentials are quickly inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your official certification is provided 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 start your medical career in Chicago, Wisconsin. Training in phlebotomy is an excellent entry point 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, a rise in senior patients, and more frequent diagnostic tests. This rising demand helps ensure a steady job market, making phlebotomy a stable and appealing 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 location and experience. With growing opportunities and a relatively short training period, phlebotomy is a efficient 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 every two years. A phlebotomist should start the process at least 30 days prior to the week their credentials expires. This will allow the phlebotomist satisfactory time to attend their continuing education hours and attempt 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 entirely online in the NPS learning management system. The cost to renew your certification for the new 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 reinstatement options. The process typically involves fulfilling any outstanding continuing education requirements, filing a renewal application, and processing a reinstatement fee. It’s important to confirm with your certifying body for specific guidelines 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 capable 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 instruction provided by their curriculum. Every class in Chicago, Wisconsin 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 finalize 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.
