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 complete a training course. Roanoke, Virginia is house 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 of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute allied with the program. In Roanoke, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When selecting a phlebotomy training program, it’s important to be careful and informed. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not all of them provide the essential training and clinical resources needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs lack 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 eligibility requirements for national certification — even if you graduate from the course.
One of the most essential factors to consider when comparing a program is its approval status and adherence to professional standards. 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 appropriate education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare best practices.
After completing 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 proves that you’ve finished 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 establish 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 current with the latest industry standards, advancements, and compliance measures. Most certifying agencies provide well-defined guidelines on the amount and type of continuing education hours required, making it easy 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 successful 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 unquestionably common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of your completion of a phlebotomy training program and is required to register for the national certification exam for individuals possessing no experience in the field.
To get certified, a phlebotomist must have their skills put to the test by a third-party authorizing 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 cover 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 maintain and develop their skills.
There are several certification agencies that phlebotomists can choose to become certified with, but selecting the right one can make a big difference in your career.
Earning phlebotomy certification not only demonstrates 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, build their professional network, and prepare themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers require certified candidates, making certification an valuable 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 entirely online through the NPS learning management system, and is mobile friendly, allowing you to prepare on your schedule and from the comfort of home. Be sure to explore whether your certifying agency provides free resources or if there are extra fees for premium materials.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT).
Once you have registered to take the competency exam, make use of a broad selection of exam preparation materials to maximize your readiness. Many certifying agencies offer resources such as thorough study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When evaluating prep tools, look for materials that closely align with the exam’s content outline and focus on both core concepts and practical skills.
Consider creating a study schedule that incorporates regular studying, targeted practice in challenging topics, and regular use of full-length practice exams to simulate the real test environment. This approach will help boost your confidence and ensure you’re thoroughly prepared for exam day.
In addition, sample tests are extremely useful for mirroring the real test environment and pinpointing 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 certification exam, your credentials are hurriedly inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your credentials is available in your account. Your digital copy, paired 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 start your medical career in Roanoke, Virginia. Training in phlebotomy is a great gateway into the medical industry, 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 the growth of healthcare services, a rise in senior patients, and a rise in lab testing. This rising demand supports a positive employment outlook, making phlebotomy a reliable 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 fluctuate depending on location and experience. With growing opportunities and a brief 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 be required 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 plenty time to review their continuing education hours and take their renewal assessment. You will not have 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 credentials for the next 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 expires, many certifying agencies offer ways to restore your certification. The process typically involves finishing any outstanding continuing education requirements, filing a renewal application, and paying a reinstatement fee. It’s important to consult your certifying body for specific procedures and cutoff dates 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 over 5 years of experience in the field. Phlebotomy Instructors can work for or own their own school. They’re responsible for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the instruction provided by their curriculum. Every class in Roanoke, Virginia 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 finalize 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.
