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 course. Mission, Texas is home to many state attributed 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 united with the program. In Mission, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When evaluating a phlebotomy training school, it’s important to be careful and knowledgeable. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not 100% of them provide the critical training and hands-on components needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs do not offer clinical hours, which are critical 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 graduate from the course.
One of the most important factors to consider when researching a program is its recognized standing and adherence to quality benchmarks. 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 accredited 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 confused. This document does not make you “certified”. It simply confirms that you’ve completed training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with limited 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 updated 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 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 class, you will get a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you ‘Certified’. This is a extremely common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of your successful completion of a phlebotomy training school and is required to sit for the national certification examination for individuals who’ve acquired no experience in the field.
To 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 each 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 cover the latest best practices, safety protocols, and technological advancements in phlebotomy. Many professional credentialing bodies and certification agencies provide regularly updated continuing education resources to help phlebotomists expand and refine their skills.
There are several certification agencies that phlebotomists can choose to become certified with, but selecting the most recognized one can positively influence your career.
Pursuing phlebotomy certification not only shows your competency and commitment to high standards, but also supports ongoing professional development. By regularly completing continuing education and professional growth opportunities, phlebotomists can sharpen their expertise, build 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 an all-inclusive 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 with flexibility and from the ease of home. Be sure to explore 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 for the credentialing exam, make use of a variety of prep tools to boost your readiness. Many credentialing agencies offer resources such as detailed 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 following a study schedule that incorporates consistent study sessions, targeted practice in weaker areas, and regular use of simulated 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, mock exams are extremely useful for replicating 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 final exam, your credentials are hastily inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your certification is provided 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 Mission, Texas. Training in phlebotomy is an excellent entry point into the medical field, 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 rise in senior patients, and more frequent diagnostic tests. This rising demand helps ensure a positive employment 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 vary depending on geography and experience. With growing opportunities and a relatively short training period, phlebotomy is a smart 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 have to renew their CPT Certification every two years. A phlebotomist should start the process at least 30 days prior to the week their certification expires. This will permit the phlebotomist acceptable time to complete their continuing education hours and take 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 entirely online in the NPS learning management system. The cost to renew your credentials 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 completing 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 procedures 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 more than 5 years of experience in the field. Phlebotomy Instructors can instruct 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 Mission, Texas should provide 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 undergo the entire process online. If you would prefer 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.
