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. Near North Side, Illinois is home to many state qualified phlebotomy training programs that will prepare students for a Phlebotomy Technician career. A phlebotomy training program is generally between 40-80 in class hours and 20-40 clinical hours that will take place of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute associated with the program. In Near North Side, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When selecting a phlebotomy training course, it’s important to be methodical and informed. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not each of them provide the essential training and hands-on components needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs fail to provide clinical hours, which are required for gaining real-world experience drawing blood in a professional lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the minimum requirements for national certification — even if you graduate from the course.
One of the most essential factors to consider when researching a program is its accreditation and adherence to professional standards. Program accreditation is an official endorsement 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 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 confused. This document does not make you “certified”. It simply verifies that you’ve finished training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with no prior experience.
To officially become 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 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 up to date with the latest professional practices, advancements, and compliance measures. 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 successful completion of a phlebotomy training program, you will earn a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you ‘Certified’. This is a entirely common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of your completion of a phlebotomy training school and is required to attempt the national certification examination for individuals with no experience in the field.
To officially get certified, a phlebotomist must have their competency put to the test by a third-party credentialing agency, like NPS. Once certified, a phlebotomist must renew 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 include 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 refine 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.
Obtaining phlebotomy certification not only proves your competency and commitment to high standards, but also opens doors to ongoing professional development. By regularly engaging in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, phlebotomists can strengthen their knowledge, expand their professional network, and prepare themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers prefer 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 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 100% online through the NPS learning management system, and is mobile friendly, allowing you to prepare with flexibility and from the convenience of home. Be sure to explore whether your certifying agency provides free resources or if there are additional costs for premium materials.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT).
Once you have registered to sit for the certification exam, take advantage of a wide range of study resources to enhance your readiness. Many credentialing agencies offer resources such as detailed 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 developing a study schedule that incorporates regular studying, 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 thoroughly prepared for exam day.
In addition, mock exams are invaluable for simulating the real test environment and spotting areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer repeated practice exams, while others up sell practice attempts.
After you have passed the certification exam, your credentials are hastily inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your national certification is stored 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 Near North Side, Illinois. The field of phlebotomy is an excellent gateway into the medical industry, commonly pursued by aspiring nurses, nurse aides, medical assistants, and medical laboratory technicians. Certified phlebotomists are in strong demand across the healthcare industry due to increased access to healthcare, a growing elderly population, and a rise in lab testing. This rising demand helps ensure a steady job market, making phlebotomy a stable and worthwhile career choice.
Phlebotomists typically are scheduled for a standard 40-hour week and earn an average annual salary of approximately $31,000, though wages can vary depending on region and experience. With increasing prospects and a relatively short 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 after two years. A phlebotomist should start the process at least 30 days prior to the week their certification expires. This will allow the phlebotomist acceptable time to review their continuing education hours and attempt their renewal assessment. You will not need to go register to a school 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 certification for the next 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 completing any outstanding continuing education requirements, sending in a renewal application, and covering 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 bright phlebotomist with more than 5 years of experience in the field. Phlebotomy Instructors can teach for or own their own school. They’re needed for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the guidance provided by their curriculum. Every class in Near North Side, Illinois 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 finalize 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.
