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 attend a training program. Hammond, Georgia is house 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 after completion of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute joined with the program. In Hammond, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When choosing a phlebotomy training school, it’s important to be thorough and well-prepared. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not each of them provide the necessary training and clinical resources needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs do not offer clinical hours, which are required for gaining hands-on experience drawing blood in a clinical lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the eligibility requirements for national certification — even if you finish the course.
One of the most important factors to consider when evaluating a program is its recognized standing and adherence to professional standards. Program accreditation is formal recognition 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 proper education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare quality expectations.
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 zero experience.
To become 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 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 industry standards, techniques, and regulations. Most certifying agencies provide clear guidelines on the amount 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 gainful completion of a phlebotomy training course, you will get 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 who have no experience in the field.
To officially get certified, a phlebotomist must have their competency put to the test by a third-party authorizing agency, like NPS. Once certified, a phlebotomist must maintain their certification once every two years by completing Continuing Education. Continuing education can come in multiple formats, 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 associations and certification agencies provide regularly updated continuing education resources to help phlebotomists maintain and advance 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.
Pursuing 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 strengthen their knowledge, expand 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 strong 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 entirely 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 separate charges for advanced resources.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT).
Once you have registered to sit for the credentialing exam, make use of a wide range of exam preparation materials to enhance your readiness. Many credentialing agencies offer resources such as thorough study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When choosing prep tools, look for materials that match 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 fully prepared for exam day.
In addition, practice exams are highly beneficial for simulating the real test environment and pinpointing areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer endless practice exams, while others charge extra for practice attempts.
After you have passed the certification exam, your credentials are quickly inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your certification is 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 start your medical career in Hammond, Georgia. 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 the growth of healthcare services, a growing elderly population, and increased diagnostic testing. This rising demand contributes to a steady job market, making phlebotomy a secure and appealing career choice.
Phlebotomists typically work a standard 40-hour week and earn an average annual salary of approximately $31,000, though wages can differ depending on region and experience. With expanding job openings and a fast-track 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 start the process at least 30 days prior to the day their credentials expires. This will allow the phlebotomist plenty time to review their continuing education hours and attempt their renewal assessment. You will not have to go back 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 expires, many certifying agencies offer reinstatement options. The process typically involves completing any outstanding continuing education requirements, filing a renewal application, and covering a reinstatement fee. It’s important to consult your certifying body for specific guidelines and deadlines 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 greater than 5 years of experience in the field. Phlebotomy Instructors can instruct for or own their own school. They’re needed for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the instruction provided by their curriculum. Every class in Hammond, Georgia 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 undergo 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.
