Becoming a certified phlebotomy technician, or CPT, can offer several distinct career advantages to the practicing phlebotomist. However, the steps to becoming a certified phlebotomy technician are not always clear. In this article, we’ll take a brief look at the process as well as what it can mean for your career as a phlebotomist.
Becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician
The first step in gaining your CPT accreditation is completing an accredited phlebotomy training course. Generally, these courses are offered through technical and vocational schools as well as some colleges. They are also available as online programs at many institutions. To search for online phlebotomy training, you might want to search our Online Degree Listings. The programs will generally consist of both lectures and clinical curriculum and will prepare the candidate for all aspects of the role as a practicing phlebotomy technician.
Second, after completing your phlebotomy training, you will need to locate a job opening. There are several ways of finding a position in your area and you may want to start by seeking out various private labs, blood banks, and hospitals in your area to begin your search. You may also want to use our Phlebotomy Jobs page, which will allow you to search all available openings in your area. You’ll need to have acquired a minimum of at least six months working as a phlebotomy technician and accumulate a documented number of skin punctures and venipunctures to be able to apply for recognition as a certified phlebotomy technician.
Last, you will need to actually apply to sit for the exam with a certifying agency such as the American Society for Phlebotomy Technicians. After applying, you will be notified that you have been approved to sit for the exam. At this point, you will be required to schedule your examination at a testing center in your area. After you successfully complete the exam and receive a passing score, you will receive notification from the agency within generally six to eight weeks that you have been granted certified phlebotomy technician status.
What Does It Mean to Become a Certified Phlebotomy Technician?
The biggest benefit to gaining your certified phlebotomy technician status is the number of job opportunities that will open up for you. Many employers will only hire candidates who have achieved this designation and as such, you will have many additional employment opportunities as well as chances for advancement. It can also increase the average salary which you can receive. The certified phlebotomy technician is often eligible for pay raises that are not offered to individuals working in the field without this designation.