The occupational outlook for phlebotomy technicians is strong. The number of jobs available for phlebotomists is expected to grow by 10% through 2031, a faster-than-average rate, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Phlebotomists draw and process blood samples in medical and laboratory facilities. They may work in private practice settings, hospitals, research labs, blood donation centers, or other locations.
If you want to enter this field, phlebotomy technician certification will help you get a job and advance in your career. We cover the benefits of and requirements for phlebotomy certification.
Phlebotomy Technician Certification
Certification is important because, as a phlebotomist, you are collecting and processing blood samples, and it’s vital that this job is performed correctly. Being certified by the National Association of Phlebotomy Technician Professionals (NAPTP) will help you:
- Qualify for phlebotomy jobs
- Solidify your skills in collecting and processing blood samples
- Help you learn how to put patients at ease
- Review your knowledge
- Advance your career
Phlebotomy technician certification can help you get better at what you do and show hiring teams that you have the level of competence they’re looking for.
Phlebotomy Certification Requirements
Professional certification opens more doors. If you are in a geographical region or a healthcare field where competition for phlebotomy jobs is high, you will benefit from going into your interviews already certified.
What are the requirements for getting certified as a phlebotomist? Certification is granted when a candidate successfully passes the NAPTP exam with a score of 85% or higher.
To register for the exam, you must:
- Have a minimum of 65 live blood draws conducted within a two-year time frame
- OR have a minimum of 30 live blood draws AND also be a recent graduate of a professional phlebotomy program, which you’ve taken within the past 6 months
- AND fully read and agree to NAPTP’s scope of practice and code of ethics
If you meet the above requirements, you can sign up to take the NAPTP phlebotomy technician certification test.
It is highly recommended that you take a self-paced review course beforehand to help you prepare for and successfully pass this exam.
Phlebotomy Certification Benefits
Once you are certified, you’ll benefit in many ways. Having your certification will put you ahead of the competition when you are interviewing. It will also give hiring managers a greater sense of confidence knowing that they are interviewing a job candidate who is skilled and knowledgeable at the level they expect.
Additional benefits of attaining phlebotomy technician certification include:
- Professionalism: Organizations hiring phlebotomists will see you as a true professional and give you preference over other job candidates.
- Visibility: When you receive your certification, you will obtain an affixed seal and a hand-sewn patch to wear on your lab coat.
- Knowledge: Preparing for your exam refreshes your knowledge and helps improve your skills as a phlebotomist.
- Pay: Certified phlebotomists have an easier time entering the field and typically are offered higher salaries.
In every sense, phlebotomy certification puts you ahead of your non-certified peers, creating a path towards career advancement with higher pay.
Preparing for the NAPTP Exam
We’ve created a self-paced course designed to help you prepare for the NAPTP exam and improve your chances of a successful test-taking outcome. Learn how this online preparation course, which you can take at your own pace, can help you attain your phlebotomy technician certification.