So, you’re thinking about a career as a phlebotomist?

Well, that’s awesome!

You are in good company. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the phlebotomist workforce is currently made up of 122,700 people in the United States.

And don’t worry, there is plenty of room for you to find a steady job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 30,100 new phlebotomist jobs are expected in the next few years.

Let us cover the initial steps on this exciting career path together so you can get a better understanding of what you’re getting into.

We are talking here about your career for possibly the next 10 years, at the very least, and even the rest of your life. That is exciting and nerve-racking at the same time.

Let’s get to it then.

How do you become a Certified Phlebotomy Technician?

Phlebotomists typically enter the occupation with a postsecondary non-degree award from a phlebotomy program. Almost all employers look for phlebotomists who have earned professional certification.

For more information, read How to Become a Phlebotomist.

What type of schooling does a phlebotomist need?

Phlebotomists typically enter the occupation with a postsecondary non-degree award from a phlebotomy program. Programs are available from community colleges, vocational schools, or technical schools. These programs usually take less than 1 year to complete and lead to a certificate. Certification programs involve classroom sessions and laboratory work, and they include instruction in anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.

Some phlebotomists enter the occupation with a high school diploma and are trained to be a phlebotomist on the job. No matter what their education level is, phlebotomists also receive specific instructions on how to identify, label, and track blood samples.

What are the types of certifications and requirements needed to become a certified phlebotomy technician?

Almost all employers prefer to hire phlebotomists who have earned professional certification.

Several organizations offer certifications for phlebotomists. The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), National Healthcareer Association (NHA), the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), the National Phlebotomy Association, and the American Medical Technologists (AMT) offer Phlebotomy Technician certifications.

Candidates for certification typically need some classroom education, as well as some clinical experience. Certification testing usually includes a written exam and may consist of practical components, such as drawing blood. Requirements vary by certifying organization. California, Louisiana, Nevada, and Washington require their phlebotomists to be certified.

How long does it take to become a phlebotomist?

Phlebotomists typically enter the occupation with a postsecondary non-degree award from a phlebotomy program. Programs are available from community colleges, vocational schools, or technical schools. These programs usually take less than 1 year to complete and lead to a certificate. Certification programs involve classroom sessions and laboratory work, and they include instruction in anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.

How much does it cost to become a phlebotomist?

The NHA Phlebotomy Technician Certification (CPT) Exam costs $117.00 to take.

What is the Phlebotomy Technician Certification (CPT) Test?

The Phlebotomy Technician Certification (CPT) exam is a test for people who want to become a phlebotomist and can demonstrate they have the skills required to do their job.

Almost all employers prefer to hire phlebotomists who have earned professional certification.

Phlebotomists typically do the following:

  • Draw blood from patients and blood donors
  • Talk with patients and donors to help them feel less nervous about having their blood drawn
  • Verify a patient’s or donor’s identity to ensure proper labeling of the blood
  • Label the drawn blood for testing or processing
  • Enter patient information into a database
  • Assemble and maintain medical instruments such as needles, test tubes, and blood vials
  • Keep work areas clean and sanitary

Candidates for certification typically need some classroom education, as well as some clinical experience. Certification testing usually includes a written exam and may include practical components, such as drawing blood. Requirements vary by certifying organization. California, Louisiana, Nevada, and Washington require their phlebotomists to be certified.

How many questions are on the CPT exam?

The NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam contains 100 scored items and 20 pretest items.

What are the categories on the CPT exam?

  • Safety and compliance
  • Patient preparation
  • Routine blood collections
  • Special collections
  • Processing

How long does the CPT exam typically last?

You get 2 hours to complete the exam.

What is the passing grade needed for CPT exam?

The scaled passing score is 390/500.

How many times can you take the CPT exam?

You can take the exam twice in a row. If you haven’t passed after the second attempt, you will have to wait 30 days before you’re eligible to retake the exam. If you don’t pass after the third attempt, you will have to wait 12 months before you’re eligible to retake the exam again. After your fourth attempt, you will have to wait 12 months between each additional attempt.

You will need to pay a fee for each exam retry.