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 attend a training school. Towson, Maryland is house to many state attributed phlebotomy training programs that will prepare students for a Phlebotomy Technician career. A phlebotomy training program is generally a total of 40-80 in class hours and 20-40 clinical hours that will take place outside of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute united with the program. In Towson, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When choosing a phlebotomy training school, it’s important to be careful and informed. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not every one of them provide the necessary training and hands-on components 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 clinical 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 recognized standing and adherence to industry guidelines. Accreditation is formal recognition granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of instruction, hands-on training, and educational rigor. In phlebotomy, attending an recognized training program ensures that you receive proper 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 misinterpreted. This document does not make you a certified phlebotomist. 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 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 key 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 industry standards, advancements, and compliance measures. Most certifying agencies provide clear guidelines on the number 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 course, 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 class and is required to take the national certification examination for individuals with 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 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 credentialing bodies and certification agencies provide regularly updated continuing education resources to help phlebotomists maintain and advance their skills.
There are several certification agencies that phlebotomists can choose to become certified with, but selecting the right one can significantly impact your career.
Pursuing phlebotomy certification not only proves your competency and commitment to high standards, but also supports ongoing professional development. By regularly engaging in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, phlebotomists can enhance their expertise, expand their professional network, and set themselves up for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers require certified candidates, making certification an important step toward becoming a strong applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $200.00 and includes a full 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 with flexibility and from the comfort of home. Be sure to explore whether your certifying agency provides free resources or if there are extra fees for advanced resources.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT).
Once you have registered for the competency exam, take advantage of a broad selection of prep tools to enhance your readiness. Many credentialing agencies offer resources such as comprehensive 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 following a study schedule that incorporates regular studying, targeted practice in weaker areas, and regular use of simulated practice exams to replicate the real test environment. This approach will help increase your confidence and ensure you’re well prepared for exam day.
In addition, mock exams are highly beneficial for mirroring the real test environment and spotting 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 final exam, your credentials are inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your 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 start your medical career in Towson, Maryland. Training in phlebotomy is a solid starting point into the medical field, 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 expanded healthcare services, a rise in senior patients, and a rise in lab testing. This rising demand supports a steady job market, making phlebotomy a stable and appealing career choice.
Phlebotomists typically perform a standard 40-hour week and earn an average annual salary of approximately $31,000, though wages can fluctuate depending on geography and experience. With growing opportunities and a brief training period, phlebotomy is a great way to begin a fulfilling 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 begin the process at least 30 days prior to the day their credentials expires. This will allow the phlebotomist ample time to review their continuing education hours and submit their renewal assessment. You will not have to go register 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 certification 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 becomes inactive, many certifying agencies offer ways to restore your certification. The process typically involves completing any outstanding continuing education requirements, submitting a renewal application, and processing a reinstatement fee. It’s important to confirm 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 skilled phlebotomist with greater than 5 years of experience in the field. Phlebotomy Instructors can instruct for or own their own school. They’re responsible for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the guidance provided by their curriculum. Every class in Towson, Maryland 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 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.
