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 choose a training school. El Paso, Texas is house 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 separate of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute associated with the program. In El Paso, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When choosing a phlebotomy training school, it’s important to be thorough and informed. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not each of them provide the critical training and practical experience opportunities needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs do not offer clinical hours, which are fundamental for gaining real-world experience drawing blood in a clinical 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 essential factors to consider when evaluating a program is its recognized standing and adherence to professional standards. Accreditation is an official endorsement granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of instruction, hands-on training, and educational rigor. In phlebotomy, attending an recognized training program ensures that you receive comprehensive 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 misinterpreted. 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 zero 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 core 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 regulations, techniques, and compliance measures. Most certifying agencies provide clear guidelines on the total 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 successful completion of a phlebotomy training class, you will get 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 program and is required to take the national certification test for individuals who’ve acquired no experience in the field.
To officially get certified, a phlebotomist must have their skills 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 take many forms, such as on-the-job workshops, online courses, webinars, or specialized training modules. These programs often cover 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 enhance and refine their skills.
There are a variety of certification agencies that phlebotomists can choose to become certified with, but selecting the most recognized one can significantly impact your career.
Pursuing phlebotomy certification not only proves your expertise and commitment to professional excellence, but also creates opportunities for ongoing professional development. By regularly participating in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, phlebotomists can enhance their capabilities, grow their professional network, and position themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers prefer certified candidates, making certification an important step toward becoming a competitive applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $200.00 and includes an all-inclusive study guide, endless 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 on your schedule and from the ease of home. Be sure to verify whether your certifying agency provides free resources 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 credentialing exam, utilize a broad selection of exam preparation materials to maximize your readiness. Many credentialing agencies offer resources such as detailed study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When selecting prep tools, look for materials that closely align with 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 complete practice exams to mirror the real test environment. This approach will help boost your confidence and ensure you’re fully prepared for exam day.
In addition, practice exams are invaluable for replicating the real test environment and identifying areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer unlimited 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 stored in your account. Your digital copy, and 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 El Paso, Texas. The field of 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 high demand across the healthcare industry due to increased access to healthcare, a rise in senior patients, and more frequent diagnostic tests. This rising demand supports a positive employment outlook, making phlebotomy a reliable and appealing 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 geography and experience. With growing opportunities and a relatively short training period, phlebotomy is a smart 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 have to renew their CPT Certification after two years. A phlebotomist should begin the process at least 30 days prior to the day their credentials expires. This will permit the phlebotomist plenty time to complete their continuing education hours and attempt their renewal assessment. You will not need 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 certification for the following 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 reinstatement options. The process typically involves finishing any outstanding continuing education requirements, submitting a renewal application, and paying a reinstatement fee. It’s important to confirm with your certifying body for specific procedures and timeframes 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 more than 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 guidance provided by their curriculum. Every class in El Paso, Texas should provide students with 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 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.
