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 program. Stratfield, Connecticut is house 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 of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute united with the program. In Stratfield, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When evaluating a phlebotomy training course, it’s important to be careful and well-prepared. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not each of them provide the critical training and practical experience opportunities needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs fail to provide clinical hours, which are fundamental for gaining hands-on experience drawing blood in a real lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the minimum requirements for national certification — even if you complete the course.
One of the most important factors to consider when evaluating 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 industry standards.
After graduating from a phlebotomy training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often confused. This document does not make you nationally certified. It simply proves that you’ve completed training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with zero experience.
To officially 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 renewed every two years, and completing continuing education is a core 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, techniques, and compliance measures. Most certifying agencies provide straightforward guidelines on the total 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 school, you will have a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you ‘Certified’. This is a enormously common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of successful completion of a phlebotomy training program and is required to sit for the national certification examination for individuals who’ve acquired no experience in the field.
To officially 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 maintain their certification each 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 enhance and advance their skills.
There are many certification agencies that phlebotomists can choose to become certified with, but selecting the right one can make a big difference in your career.
Obtaining phlebotomy certification not only proves your skills and commitment to high standards, but also creates opportunities for ongoing professional development. By regularly completing continuing education and professional growth opportunities, phlebotomists can strengthen 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 valuable 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, endless 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 ease of home. Be sure to check whether your certifying agency provides complimentary materials or if there are extra fees for upgraded content.
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 thorough 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 academic material and practical skills.
Consider developing a study schedule that incorporates daily review, targeted practice in challenging topics, and regular use of simulated 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, sample tests are highly beneficial for replicating the real test environment and pinpointing areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer unlimited practice exams, while others charge extra for practice attempts.
After you have passed the certification exam, your credentials are immediately inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your official certification is made available 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 Stratfield, Connecticut. Training in phlebotomy is a great gateway 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 expanded healthcare services, a growing elderly population, and increased diagnostic testing. This rising demand supports a steady job market, making phlebotomy a reliable and worthwhile career choice.
Phlebotomists typically perform a standard 40-hour week and earn an average annual salary of approximately $31,000, though wages can vary depending on location and experience. With growing opportunities 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 need to renew their CPT Certification after two years. A phlebotomist should start the process at least 30 days prior to the week their credentials expires. This will allow the phlebotomist satisfactory time to attend 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 credentials for the following two year time period 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 ways to restore your certification. The process typically involves fulfilling any outstanding continuing education requirements, filing a renewal application, and covering a reinstatement fee. It’s important to consult your certifying body for specific steps and timeframes to restore your active status.
Click to learn more about Renewing You CPT Certification.
A Certified Phlebotomy Instructor (CPI) is a highly skilled phlebotomist with over 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 information provided by their curriculum. Every class in Stratfield, Connecticut should tell their 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 complete 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).
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.
