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. Provo, Utah is home to many state attributed 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 after completion of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute joined with the program. In Provo, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When selecting a phlebotomy training school, it’s important to be careful and well-prepared. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not 100% of them provide the vital 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 real lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the required requirements for national certification — even if you finish the course.
One of the most essential factors to consider when researching a program is its approval status and adherence to professional standards. Accreditation is formal recognition 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 proper education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare best practices.
After graduating from a phlebotomy training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often misunderstood. This document does not make you a certified phlebotomist. 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 in compliance with the latest professional practices, procedures, and regulations. Most certifying agencies provide well-defined 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 your completion of a phlebotomy training program, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you ‘Certified’. This is a totally common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of successful completion of a phlebotomy training program and is required to register for the national certification examination for individuals possessing no experience in the field.
To officially get certified, a phlebotomist must have their knowledge put to the test by a third-party authorizing agency, like NPS. Once certified, a phlebotomist must maintain their certification every 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 associations and certification agencies provide regularly updated continuing education resources to help phlebotomists expand and develop their skills.
There are many 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 professional excellence, but also creates opportunities for ongoing professional development. By regularly completing continuing education and professional growth opportunities, phlebotomists can enhance their expertise, build their professional network, and prepare themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers require certified candidates, making certification an essential step toward becoming a standout applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $200.00 and includes an all-inclusive study guide, unlimited practice exams, three final certification exam attempts, a professional resume revision, and job placement assistance. The entire process can be completed fully online through the NPS learning management system, and is mobile friendly, allowing you to prepare at your own pace and from the convenience of home. Be sure to verify 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 to take the credentialing exam, take advantage of a broad selection of exam preparation materials to enhance your readiness. Many credentialing agencies offer resources such as detailed study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When selecting 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 full-length practice exams to simulate the real test environment. This approach will help build your confidence and ensure you’re well prepared for exam day.
In addition, mock exams are highly beneficial for replicating the real test environment and identifying areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer repeated practice exams, while others require payment for practice attempts.
After you have passed the certification exam, your credentials are rapidly inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your credentials is downloadable in your account. Your digital copy, and 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 Provo, Utah. Training in phlebotomy is a solid entry point into the medical field, 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 rise in senior patients, and increased diagnostic testing. This rising demand supports a steady job market, making phlebotomy a stable and attractive 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 differ depending on location and experience. With expanding job openings and a brief training period, phlebotomy is a great 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 start the process at least 30 days prior to the day their certification expires. This will permit the phlebotomist acceptable time to review their continuing education hours and take their renewal assessment. You will not have to go back 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 credentials 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 lapses, many certifying agencies offer a path to reinstatement. 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 guidelines and deadlines to restore your active status.
Click to learn more about Renewing You CPT Certification.
A Certified Phlebotomy Instructor (CPI) is a highly proficient 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 instruction provided by their curriculum. Every class in Provo, Utah 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 like to request 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.
