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 class. Enid, Oklahoma 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 separate of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute associated with the program. In Enid, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When choosing a phlebotomy training course, it’s important to be careful and informed. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not 100% of them provide the vital training and hands-on components needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs fail to provide clinical hours, which are vital for gaining practical 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 comparing a program is its recognized standing and adherence to industry guidelines. Accreditation is a quality assurance 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 proper 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 confused. This document does not make you nationally certified. It simply confirms that you’ve finished 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 renewed 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 in compliance with the latest professional practices, advancements, and regulations. Most certifying agencies provide clear guidelines on the number 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 successful completion of a phlebotomy training program, you will get 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 with 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 organizations and certification agencies provide regularly updated continuing education resources to help phlebotomists enhance and refine their skills.
There are several certification agencies that phlebotomists can choose to become certified with, but selecting the best one can significantly impact your career.
Obtaining phlebotomy certification not only proves your competency and commitment to professional excellence, but also creates opportunities for ongoing professional development. By regularly engaging in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, phlebotomists can sharpen their knowledge, expand their professional network, and set themselves up for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers look for 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 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 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 explore whether your certifying agency provides free resources 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 take the competency exam, take advantage of a wide range of study resources to enhance your readiness. Many certification agencies offer resources such as detailed study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When choosing prep tools, look for materials that closely align with the exam’s content outline and focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Consider creating a study schedule that incorporates regular studying, targeted practice in trouble spots, and regular use of complete practice exams to simulate the real test environment. This approach will help build your confidence and ensure you’re well prepared for exam day.
In addition, mock exams are invaluable for simulating the real test environment and identifying 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 certification exam, your credentials are rapidly inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your official certification is available 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 Enid, Oklahoma. Training in phlebotomy is a great gateway into the medical workforce, 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 growing elderly population, and a rise in lab testing. This rising demand supports a positive employment outlook, making phlebotomy a secure 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 vary depending on region and experience. With increasing prospects 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 need to renew their CPT Certification after two years. A phlebotomist should start the process at least 30 days prior to the day their certification expires. This will allow the phlebotomist plenty time to attend their continuing education hours and attempt their renewal assessment. You will not need 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 certification for the following two year 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, submitting a renewal application, and paying 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 talented phlebotomist with more than 5 years of experience in the field. Phlebotomy Instructors can work for or own their own school. They’re needed for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the guidance provided by their curriculum. Every class in Enid, Oklahoma 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 undergo the entire process online. If you would prefer 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.
