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. Kansas City, Kansas is home to many state attributed phlebotomy training programs that will prepare students for a Phlebotomy Technician career. A phlebotomy training program is generally a total 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 allied with the program. In Kansas City, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When evaluating a phlebotomy training school, it’s important to be thorough and knowledgeable. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not each of them provide the necessary training and practical experience opportunities needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs fail to provide clinical hours, which are critical for gaining real-world 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 industry guidelines. Accreditation is a quality assurance granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of education, hands-on training, and educational rigor. In phlebotomy, attending an approved training program ensures that you receive comprehensive education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare best practices.
After finishing 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 confirms 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 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 mandatory 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, procedures, and regulations. Most certifying agencies provide straightforward 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 completion of a phlebotomy training course, you will have 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 attempt the national certification test for individuals who have no experience in the field.
To get certified, a phlebotomist must have their knowledge put to the test by a third-party credentialing agency, like NPS. Once certified, a phlebotomist must maintain 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 expand and develop 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 shows your skills and commitment to high standards, but also supports ongoing professional development. By regularly participating in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, phlebotomists can enhance their knowledge, expand their professional network, and prepare themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers require 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, repeated 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 on your schedule and from the comfort of home. Be sure to explore whether your certifying agency provides included study tools or if there are additional costs for advanced resources.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT).
Once you have registered for the competency exam, take advantage of a broad selection of prep tools 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 closely align with the exam’s content outline and focus on both core concepts and practical skills.
Consider creating a study schedule that incorporates regular studying, 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 thoroughly prepared for exam day.
In addition, practice exams are invaluable for mirroring the real test environment and spotting areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer unlimited practice exams, while others charge extra for practice attempts.
After you have passed the final exam, your credentials are inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your national 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 start your medical career in Kansas City, Kansas. The field of phlebotomy is a great 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 expanded healthcare services, a rise in senior patients, and more frequent diagnostic tests. This rising demand helps ensure a positive employment outlook, making phlebotomy a stable and attractive career choice.
Phlebotomists typically perform a standard 40-hour week and earn an average annual salary of approximately $31,000, though wages can differ depending on geography and experience. With growing opportunities and a relatively short training period, phlebotomy is a smart 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 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 enough time to complete their continuing education hours and attempt their renewal assessment. You will not have 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 next 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 a path to reinstatement. The process typically involves finishing any outstanding continuing education requirements, submitting a renewal application, and covering a reinstatement fee. It’s important to confirm with your certifying body for specific steps and cutoff dates to restore your active status.
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A Certified Phlebotomy Instructor (CPI) is a highly adept phlebotomist with greater than 5 years of experience in the field. Phlebotomy Instructors can teach 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 Kansas City, Kansas 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 complete 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.
