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 enroll in a training course. Columbia, Missouri is home to many state qualified 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 united with the program. In Columbia, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When selecting a phlebotomy training program, it’s important to be methodical and informed. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not each of them provide the necessary training and hands-on components needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs fail to provide clinical hours, which are vital for gaining real-world experience drawing blood in a clinical lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the required 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 recognized standing 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 approved training program ensures that you receive proper education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare industry standards.
After completing a phlebotomy training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often misunderstood. This document does not make you a certified phlebotomist. 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 establish national standards, develops the certification exams, and maintains a registry of certified professionals.
Certification must be renewed every two years, and completing continuing education is a mandatory 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 industry standards, advancements, and compliance measures. Most certifying agencies provide clear guidelines on the total 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 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 totally common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of successful completion of a phlebotomy training class and is required to attempt the national certification test for individuals who have no experience in the field.
To 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 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 include 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 expand and advance their skills.
There are a variety of certification agencies that phlebotomists can choose to become certified with, but selecting the best one can significantly impact your career.
Pursuing phlebotomy certification not only demonstrates your skills and commitment to professional excellence, but also supports ongoing professional development. By regularly completing 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 require certified candidates, making certification an essential step toward becoming a competitive applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $200.00 and includes a full 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 convenience of home. Be sure to check whether your certifying agency provides complimentary materials 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 certification exam, utilize a wide range of exam preparation materials to maximize 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 reflect the exam’s content outline and focus on both core concepts and practical skills.
Consider developing a study schedule that incorporates consistent study sessions, targeted practice in weaker areas, and regular use of simulated practice exams to replicate the real test environment. This approach will help increase your confidence and ensure you’re well prepared for exam day.
In addition, practice exams are invaluable for mirroring the real test environment and pinpointing areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer endless practice exams, while others up sell practice attempts.
After you have passed the final exam, your credentials are immediately inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your credentials 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 Columbia, Missouri. The field of phlebotomy is a great starting point into the medical workforce, 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 the growth of healthcare services, a rise in senior patients, and more frequent diagnostic tests. This rising demand helps ensure a positive employment outlook, making phlebotomy a secure and attractive 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 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 day their credentials expires. This will allow the phlebotomist plenty time to review their continuing education hours and submit their renewal assessment. You will not have to go back to a training program 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 next 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 fulfilling any outstanding continuing education requirements, submitting a renewal application, and paying a reinstatement fee. It’s important to consult your certifying body for specific procedures and deadlines to restore your active status.
Click to learn more about Renewing You CPT Certification.
A Certified Phlebotomy Instructor (CPI) is a highly talented phlebotomist with over 5 years of experience in the field. Phlebotomy Instructors can instruct 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 Columbia, Missouri 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 speak with someone about 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.
