The median pay for phlebotomists as of 2021 is $37,380 per year. Predictions are job demand will grow 22% between 2020 to 2030.
Most employers seek professionals that pass the phlebotomy certification test. To advance your career, you need a certification program that includes the study materials.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about phlebotomy programs and certifications.
What Is Phlebotomy?
Phlebotomy uses a needle to draw blood from a vein. The blood is usually sent to a laboratory for testing. Blood is sometimes drawn for therapeutic phlebotomy or for treating specific medical conditions.
Technicians usually work in diagnostic laboratories, blood donor centers, hospitals, and other medical facilities.
Benefits of Phlebotomy Certification
Phlebotomy certification allows you to perform tasks beyond basic blood draws. It shows your employer you have the qualifications to perform:
- Blood draws from patients
- Explain the blood-draw procedure to patients
- Evaluate a patient’s ability to withstand the procedure
- Perform point-of-care testing
- Prepare urine, blood, and other specimens for testing
- Verify patient or donor identity
- Maintain and clean medical equipment
States have different requirements for phlebotomists’ needs for a license or certification.
Prepare for the Certification Exam
You may prepare for the exam by purchasing the NAPTP hardcopy or PDF book to study. You may also register to take a review course.
You may want to participate in a phlebotomy program to increase your chances of passing the exam. The NAPT offers three options:
- Phlebotomy National Exam and Review Course—$459
- Immunization Certification Course and Exam—$359
- Phlebotomy Instructor Certification—$639
The third option is for those wishing to become certified instructors and includes the phlebotomy review, national exam, and instructor course.
Taking the Phlebotomy Certification Test
The National Association of Phlebotomy Technician Professionals certification exam receives recognition by the NCCT, NHA, ICE, and AMCA. It has acceptance by healthcare organizations and leading hospitals nationwide.
The online exam of about 100 questions covers:
- Assignment organization
- Clerical duties and skills
- HIPAA and OSHA regulations
- Infection control
- Legal, ethical, and professional considerations
- Obtaining blood samples
- Point-of-care and waived testing
- Problems and correction
- Professional communications
- Safety procedures and standards
- Special collections
- Specimen collection and processing
- Terminology, psychology, and anatomy
- Time management
You will have two hours to complete the exam with a score of 85% or higher.
After successfully completing the exam, you receive certification and a hand-sewn patch for your lab coat. Your certificate is available on the NAPTP website for employer verification.
Requirements
To register for the exam, you must perform a minimum of 65 live blood draws within 24 months.
You may also register within six months of graduation from a phlebotomy program after completing at least 30 live blood draws.
You must agree to the NAPTP scope of practice and code of ethics.
Phlebotomy Certificate Cost
The NAPTP exam gives you national certification as a phlebotomy technician. The cost for taking the exam is $129.00 and covers one attempt to pass the exam.
To take the exam and receive a PDF study guide, you will pay $225. This fee includes the ability to make two attempts at passing the exam and instant access to your PDF study guide.
After passing the exam, you will receive your certification number, a hard copy of the certificate, and a hand-sewn patch for your lab coat.
If you need to renew, the fee is only $99. This allows you five attempts to pass the exam, your active certification renewal in the NAPTP database; an updated hard certificate, and a hand-sewn patch.
Phlebotomy Career Training
Whether you need phlebotomy training or want to take a phlebotomy certification test, the National Association of Phlebotomy Technician Professionals is the only organization that helps technicians achieve national certification.
If you have questions about our program, call us at (877) 437-6470 or send us a message using our online form.
