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 class. Tuscaloosa, Alabama​ is home 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 after completion of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute allied with the program. In Tuscaloosa​, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When selecting a phlebotomy training course, it’s important to be methodical and well-prepared. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not every one of them provide the vital training and clinical resources needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs fail to provide clinical hours, which are fundamental for gaining real-world experience drawing blood in a professional lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the eligibility requirements for national certification — even if you finish the course.
One of the most important factors to consider when researching a program is its accreditation 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 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 finished 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 maintained 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 regulations, techniques, and regulations. Most certifying agencies provide straightforward guidelines on the number 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 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 completely common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of successful completion of a phlebotomy training school and is required to register for the national certification examination for individuals who have 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 each 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 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 enhance and refine 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.
Pursuing phlebotomy certification not only demonstrates your expertise and commitment to professional excellence, but also supports ongoing professional development. By regularly participating in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, phlebotomists can sharpen their capabilities, expand their professional network, and set themselves up for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers prefer 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 comprehensive 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 check whether your certifying agency provides included study tools or if there are extra fees for advanced resources.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT).
Once you have registered to sit for the credentialing exam, take advantage of a variety of exam preparation materials to maximize your readiness. Many certifying agencies offer resources such as detailed 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 academic material and practical skills.
Consider creating a study schedule that incorporates daily review, targeted practice in trouble spots, and regular use of full-length practice exams to mirror the real test environment. This approach will help increase your confidence and ensure you’re well prepared for exam day.
In addition, practice exams are extremely useful for mirroring the real test environment and identifying areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer endless practice exams, while others require payment for practice attempts.
After you have passed the certification exam, your credentials are quickly inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your national certification 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 Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Phlebotomy is a solid entry point into the medical industry, 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 the growth of healthcare services, a growing elderly population, and more frequent diagnostic tests. This rising demand supports a strong job outlook, making phlebotomy a secure and attractive career choice.
Phlebotomists typically perform 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 growing opportunities and a fast-track training period, phlebotomy is a great 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 have to renew their CPT Certification every two years. A phlebotomist should start the process at least 30 days prior to the week their credentials expires. This will permit the phlebotomist sufficient 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.
The renewal process can be completed entirely 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 expires, many certifying agencies offer a path to reinstatement. 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 deadlines 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 work for or own their own school. They’re needed for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the guidance provided by their curriculum. Every class in Tuscaloosa, Alabama 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 complete 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.
