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 program. Doral, Florida is house to many state credited phlebotomy training programs that will prepare students for a Phlebotomy Technician career. A phlebotomy training program is generally compiled of 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 Doral, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When evaluating a phlebotomy training program, it’s important to be careful and informed. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not 100% of them provide the essential training and practical experience opportunities needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs lack clinical hours, which are fundamental for gaining hands-on experience drawing blood in a real lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the minimum requirements for national certification — even if you complete the course.
One of the most important factors to consider when evaluating a program is its accreditation and adherence to industry guidelines. 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 accredited training program ensures that you receive appropriate education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare best practices.
After completing a phlebotomy training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often misinterpreted. This document does not make you a certified phlebotomist. 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 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 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 current with the latest professional practices, procedures, and compliance measures. Most certifying agencies provide straightforward 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 unquestionably common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of successful completion of a phlebotomy training class and is required to take the national certification examination for individuals possessing 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 update their certification once every 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 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 refine their skills.
There are many certification agencies that phlebotomists can choose to become certified with, but selecting the best one can positively influence your career.
Pursuing phlebotomy certification not only shows your competency and commitment to professional excellence, but also supports ongoing professional development. By regularly completing continuing education and professional growth opportunities, phlebotomists can sharpen their capabilities, build their professional network, and position themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers prefer certified candidates, making certification an essential step toward becoming a strong applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $200.00 and includes an all-inclusive study guide, unlimited 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 at your own pace and from the convenience of home. Be sure to check whether your certifying agency provides free resources or if there are extra fees for upgraded content.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT).
Once you have registered for the competency exam, utilize a wide range of study resources to maximize your readiness. Many certification agencies offer resources such as comprehensive study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When selecting prep tools, look for materials that match the exam’s content outline and focus on both academic material and practical skills.
Consider following a study schedule that incorporates consistent study sessions, targeted practice in challenging topics, 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 highly beneficial for simulating 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 available 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 Doral, Florida. Training in phlebotomy is an excellent entry point into the medical field, 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, an aging population, and a rise in lab testing. This rising demand contributes to a steady job market, making phlebotomy a secure and attractive career choice.
Phlebotomists typically are scheduled for 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 fast-track 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 every two years. A phlebotomist should begin the process at least 30 days prior to the week their credentials expires. This will permit the phlebotomist acceptable time to attend their continuing education hours and attempt their renewal assessment. You will not have to go register to a training program 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 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 ways to restore your certification. The process typically involves fulfilling any outstanding continuing education requirements, sending in a renewal application, and covering a reinstatement fee. It’s important to check with your certifying body for specific steps 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 bright phlebotomist with more than 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 instruction provided by their curriculum. Every class in Doral, Florida 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 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.
