Phlebotomy Certification Portland, Maine
Phlebotomy Technicians play a key role in the medical field.
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 condition. Here we will outline the entire process of becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT).
Phlebotomy Technician Training
The first step to your career as a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) is to complete a training course. Portland, Maine is home to many state approved 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 separate of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute united with the program. In Portland, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
Questions For Programs in Portland
Ask the following questions:
- Is the phlebotomy training program approved by the state?
- How many hours is the phlebotomy training program?
- Where are the clinical hours of the program completed?
- Does the phlebotomy training program include the certification exam?
- What agency do students take the exam with?
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.
The general requirements to attend a phlebotomy training program include the following:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Over The Age Of 18
- Clean Background Check (No Felonies)
- Negative Hepatitis Test
- Negative TB Test
- Immunization Records
Upon your completion of a phlebotomy training school, you will get 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 successful completion of a phlebotomy training program and is required to take the national certification test for individuals with no experience in the field.
Getting Certified In Phlebotomy In Portland, Maine
There are many certification agencies that phlebotomist can choose to become certified with. The cost to become NPS Certified is $200.00 and includes your full study guide, unlimited practice exams, one final certification exam attempts and a professional resume revision. The entire process can be completed online in the NPS learning management system.
The prerequisites to take the certification exam with most agencies include the following:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Completion of a Phlebotomy Training Program OR 1 Year of On-The-Job Experience in the Past 3 Years
- 30 Successful Blood Draws
- 10 Successful Capillary Sticks
Preparing to take the Certification Exam
Once you have registered to take the competency exam, you should prepare by reviewing related materials provided to you by the credentialing agency. Every agency has related materials based on their certification exams. Be sure to study each day for at least one hour until you feel confident in your knowledge. Taking practice exams can greatly grow your chances of passing the official exam. NPS provides full breakdown materials, unlimited practice exams and one chance to take the final certification exam.
After you have passed the final exam, your credentials are inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your credentials is provided in your account. Your digital copy, along with your NPS transcripts, should be downloaded and printed for use as proof of certification.
Starting Your Medical Career in Phlebotomy
Phlebotomy job duties include:
- Evaluating a patient and explaining procedures
- Verify patients identity
- Drawing blood
- Point of care testing
- Preparing blood or other specimens for testing
- Maintaining your area and equipment
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.
Renewing Your Certification
Certified Phlebotomy Technicians will be required to renew their CPT Certification every two years. A phlebotomist should begin the process at least 30 days prior to the day their credentials expires. This will allow the phlebotomist enough time to attend their continuing education hours and take their renewal assessment. You will not need to go register to a training program or attend a class to renew your certification.
Click to learn more about Renewing You CPT Certification.
Certified Phlebotomy Instructor In Portland, Maine
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 like to talk with someone regarding the process, contact us today.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Instructor (CPI).
Get your CPT Certification with NPS Today!
When you choose to become NPS Certified, we are here to help you along your journey.