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. Wesley Chapel, Florida is house to many state approved 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 after completion of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute associated with the program. In Wesley Chapel, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When evaluating a phlebotomy training school, it’s important to be thorough and well-prepared. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not all of them provide the necessary training and hands-on components needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs do not offer clinical hours, which are critical for gaining practical 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 researching a program is its approval status and adherence to industry guidelines. Accreditation is an official endorsement granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of education, 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 quality expectations.
After graduating from 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 limited 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 renewed 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 up to date with the latest regulations, procedures, and regulations. Most certifying agencies provide clear guidelines on the total 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 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 your successful completion of a phlebotomy training course and is required to register for the national certification exam 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 update 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 organizations and certification agencies provide regularly updated continuing education resources to help phlebotomists maintain and refine their skills.
There are a variety of 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 opens doors to ongoing professional development. By regularly engaging in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, phlebotomists can strengthen 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 strong 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 100% 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 free resources or if there are separate charges for premium materials.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT).
Once you have registered to take the credentialing exam, utilize a variety of study resources to boost 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 reflect the exam’s content outline and focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Consider following a study schedule that incorporates daily review, targeted practice in weaker areas, and regular use of complete practice exams to simulate 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 extremely useful for replicating the real test environment and spotting 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 rapidly inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your national 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 Wesley Chapel, Florida. 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 increased access to healthcare, a rise in senior patients, and a rise in lab testing. This rising demand helps ensure a steady job market, 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 vary depending on geography and experience. With growing opportunities and a relatively short 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 every two years. A phlebotomist should start the process at least 30 days prior to the week their credentials expires. This will allow the phlebotomist enough time to review their continuing education hours and take their renewal assessment. You will not have to go back 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 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 finishing any outstanding continuing education requirements, sending in 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 greater than 5 years of experience in the field. Phlebotomy Instructors can teach 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 Wesley Chapel, Florida 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 finalize the entire process online. If you would like to request to speak 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.
