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 school. Delray Beach, Florida 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 united with the program. In Delray Beach, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When selecting a phlebotomy training program, it’s important to be careful and knowledgeable. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not 100% 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 fundamental for gaining practical experience drawing blood in a clinical 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 crucial factors to consider when comparing a program is its recognized standing and adherence to quality benchmarks. Program accreditation is a quality assurance 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 comprehensive education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare industry standards.
After graduating from 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 proves that you’ve finished training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with no prior experience.
To get 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 up to date with the latest professional practices, techniques, and regulations. Most certifying agencies provide straightforward guidelines on the number 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 earn a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you ‘Certified’. This is a entirely common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of successful completion of a phlebotomy training class and is required to sit for the national certification test for individuals who have no experience in the field.
To 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 renew their certification each two years by completing Continuing Education. Continuing education can be completed in several ways, 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 credentialing bodies and certification agencies provide regularly updated continuing education resources to help phlebotomists maintain and advance their skills.
There are many certification agencies that phlebotomists can choose to become certified with, but selecting the best one can make a big difference in your career.
Obtaining phlebotomy certification not only demonstrates your expertise and commitment to quality care, but also supports ongoing professional development. By regularly completing continuing education and professional growth opportunities, phlebotomists can enhance their expertise, expand their professional network, and prepare themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers look for certified candidates, making certification an important step toward becoming a standout 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 fully 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 included study tools or if there are additional costs for premium materials.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT).
Once you have registered to sit for the competency exam, take advantage of a wide range of exam preparation materials to enhance your readiness. Many credentialing agencies offer resources such as detailed 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 theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Consider creating 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, sample tests are highly beneficial for mirroring the real test environment and spotting 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 rapidly inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your certification is stored 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 Delray Beach, Florida. Training in phlebotomy is a great entry point 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, an aging population, and a rise in lab testing. This rising demand supports a strong job outlook, making phlebotomy a reliable and appealing career choice.
Phlebotomists typically perform 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 expanding job openings and a brief training period, phlebotomy is a efficient way to begin a rewarding 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 after two years. A phlebotomist should start the process at least 30 days prior to the week their credentials expires. This will permit the phlebotomist satisfactory time to review their continuing education hours and take 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 from start to finish 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 becomes inactive, many certifying agencies offer a path to reinstatement. The process typically involves fulfilling any outstanding continuing education requirements, filing a renewal application, and processing a reinstatement fee. It’s important to consult your certifying body for specific steps and deadlines to restore your active status.
Click to learn more about Renewing You CPT Certification.
A Certified Phlebotomy Instructor (CPI) is a highly skilled phlebotomist with over 5 years of experience in the field. Phlebotomy Instructors can teach 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 Delray Beach, Florida 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 complete the entire process online. If you would prefer 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.
