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 school. Manhattan, Kansas is home to many state endorsed 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 outside of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute joined with the program. In Manhattan, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When choosing a phlebotomy training program, it’s important to be thorough and well-prepared. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not all of them provide the essential training and practical experience opportunities needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs lack clinical hours, which are required for gaining practical experience drawing blood in a real 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 important factors to consider when evaluating a program is its recognized standing and adherence to quality benchmarks. Program 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 approved training program ensures that you receive appropriate 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 no prior experience.
To become 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 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 regulations, techniques, and regulations. 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 gainful completion of a phlebotomy training course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you ‘Certified’. This is a very common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of your successful completion of a phlebotomy training course and is required to take the national certification exam 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 certification agency, like NPS. Once certified, a phlebotomist must renew their certification 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 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 advance their skills.
There are many certification agencies that phlebotomists can choose to become certified with, but selecting the right one can make a big difference in your career.
Pursuing phlebotomy certification not only proves your competency and commitment to quality care, but also supports ongoing professional development. By regularly engaging 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 strong 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 at your own pace and from the ease of home. Be sure to explore whether your certifying agency provides complimentary materials or if there are separate charges for premium materials.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT).
Once you have registered to take the certification exam, utilize a wide range 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 evaluating prep tools, look for materials that match the exam’s content outline and focus on both theoretical knowledge 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 well prepared for exam day.
In addition, practice exams are extremely useful for replicating the real test environment and identifying 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 certification exam, your credentials are inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your credentials is downloadable in your account. Your digital copy, side by side 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 Manhattan, Kansas. Phlebotomy is a great gateway 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 increased access to healthcare, a growing elderly population, and a rise in lab testing. This rising demand contributes to a strong job outlook, making phlebotomy a stable and worthwhile 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 location and experience. With expanding job openings and a relatively short training period, phlebotomy is a great 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 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 permit the phlebotomist ample time to review their continuing education hours and attempt their renewal assessment. You will not need to go back 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 certification for the new 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 becomes inactive, many certifying agencies offer reinstatement options. The process typically involves finishing any outstanding continuing education requirements, filing a renewal application, and covering a reinstatement fee. It’s important to confirm 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 capable phlebotomist with more 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 Manhattan, Kansas 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 like to talk 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.
