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. Garfield, Utah is home to many state approved 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 separate of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute joined with the program. In Garfield, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When selecting a phlebotomy training course, it’s important to be careful and well-prepared. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not each of them provide the critical training and hands-on components needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs lack clinical hours, which are fundamental for gaining hands-on experience drawing blood in a professional 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 evaluating a program is its recognized standing and adherence to quality benchmarks. 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 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 verifies 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 set 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 current with the latest professional practices, advancements, and guidelines. Most certifying agencies provide well-defined guidelines on the amount 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 gainful completion of a phlebotomy training school, you will earn a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you ‘Certified’. This is a unconditionally common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of your completion of a phlebotomy training course and is required to take the national certification examination for individuals possessing no experience in the field.
To become certified, a phlebotomist must have their skills put to the test by a third-party certification agency, like NPS. Once certified, a phlebotomist must renew 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 focus on the latest best practices, safety protocols, and technological advancements in phlebotomy. Many professional associations and certification agencies provide regularly updated continuing education resources to help phlebotomists enhance and advance their skills.
There are several certification agencies that phlebotomists can choose to become certified with, but selecting the best one can positively influence your career.
Obtaining phlebotomy certification not only demonstrates your competency and commitment to quality care, but also opens doors to ongoing professional development. By regularly completing continuing education and professional growth opportunities, phlebotomists can sharpen their capabilities, grow their professional network, and set themselves up for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers look for 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 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 100% online through the NPS learning management system, and is mobile friendly, allowing you to prepare with flexibility and from the ease of home. Be sure to verify 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 to sit for the competency exam, utilize a variety of study resources to boost your readiness. Many credentialing agencies offer resources such as thorough study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When selecting 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 challenging topics, and regular use of complete practice exams to mirror 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 extremely useful for simulating the real test environment and pinpointing 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 immediately inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your official certification is made available 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 Garfield, Utah. 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 great demand across the healthcare industry due to expanded healthcare services, a growing elderly population, and increased diagnostic testing. This rising demand contributes to a strong job outlook, making phlebotomy a reliable and worthwhile 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 geography and experience. With increasing prospects 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 be required to renew their CPT Certification every two years. A phlebotomist should begin the process at least 30 days prior to the day their certification expires. This will allow the phlebotomist enough time to complete 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 credentials for the following two year 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, sending in a renewal application, and paying a reinstatement fee. It’s important to check with your certifying body for specific guidelines and timeframes to restore your active status.
Click to learn more about Renewing You CPT Certification.
A Certified Phlebotomy Instructor (CPI) is a highly gifted phlebotomist with over 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 Garfield, Utah 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 like 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.
