A NCCT phlebotomy technician is trained to withdraw blood for transfusions, donations, medical testing, or research. The blood is collected primarily through venipunctures. Patients may have a fear of blood and needles, making it difficult to get the necessary sample. It is a phlebotomist’s job to create a trusting environment and inspire confidence in patients through skillful, reliable, and safe practices. Demand for skilled phlebotomists is huge – the market projects a 25% growth rate through 2026.
The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) is the credentialing organization responsible for testing and certifying professional healthcare roles. After training from an accredited program is completed, an exam is administered and must be passed to become a certified phlebotomy technician (CPT). With such a rapid growth rate, employers seek technicians that received training from an accredited program and are certified by the national accrediting agency. Receiving certification ensures prospective employers that you are equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in your medical field.
What is the National Center for Competency Testing?
The National Center for Competency Testing is an independent credentialing agency that tests healthcare professionals and provides certification for several healthcare roles. Credentials are valid for five years and can be maintained as active or inactive. The organization is meticulous in its exam design, guaranteeing that each certification is credible not only to employers but also to the public. The National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT) certification, administered by the NCCT, is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.
NCPT Eligibility
There are three routes that you can follow to be eligible for the NCPT exam. Although all routes of eligibility are similar, requirements for eligibility differ depending on whether you are a current or former student, have full-time work experience, or were military trained.
Current and Former Students
If you are currently a student enrolled in, or a student who graduated from, an accredited program, to be eligible for certification you must:
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Submit a copy of your diploma from the program
- Submit a certification critical skill competency form
- Pay a $90 exam fee
Work Experience
If you have at least one year of verified full-time experience as a Phlebotomist within the past 5 years, to be eligible for certification you must:
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Have one year (or 2,080 hours) of full-time employment as a Phlebotomy Technician under licensed supervision within the past 5 years
- Submit a copy of your high school diploma/ED and the certification qualification experience form that is completed by your employer
- Pay a $90 exam fee
Military Experience
If you received technical CPT training during military service within the past 5 years, to be eligible you must:
- Be a high school graduate or have a GED
- Submit a copy of a SMART transcript or DD214
- Complete the certification critical skill competency form
- Pay a $90 exam fee
What to Expect from a Training Program
Enrolling in a CPT training program is the first step towards starting a rewarding career in medicine. In general, students will learn about a range of topics, including CPR, anatomy and physiology, lab safety and blood sampling procedures.
PhlebotomyU offers affordable training and credentialing programs, with classes available for weekday and weekend sessions. The CPT1 full course takes 5 weeks to complete and includes:
- 20 hours of basic didactic training
- 20 hours of advanced didactic training
- 40-60 hours of hands-on in-class training
- The National certification exam
- 40-120 externship hours
The advanced CPT1 license course is made for students who have a minimum of 1,040 hours of work experience as a phlebotomist and want to get a CPT1 license. The course involves the 20 hours of advanced didactic training and is also available for weekday and weekend sessions. Regardless of the course, all students have to pass the National exam to be able to obtain a CPT1 license. Other prerequisites include:
- A signed letter of experience
- High school diploma, transcript, or ED
- Background check and drug screen
- Immunizations
- BLS certification
- Updated resume
CPT-1 Program Costs
Tuition for this program is $2,900 and it covers the costs of training, course materials, lab supplies, background checks, drug screen, the National exam, and the clinical externships. Additionally, financing options are available through PhlebotomyU’s student loan program. There are three financing plans in the loan program and an up-front registration and origination fee is required. To be eligible, the Student Loan Program Questionnaire needs to be completed. If approved, then you must pass a credit check and have all the prerequisites. Discounted payment options are also available for students who sign up as a group or through employers.
The start of your career as a phlebotomist is only a few weeks away. Training at PhlebotomyU prepares you for your career and guarantees potential employers that you are equipped for the job. PhlebotomyU is dedicated to enhancing your career, meeting healthcare providers’ needs, and improving patient care. Courses are created to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to work in various healthcare facilities, including hospitals, labs, blood banks, and private practices.
Since its establishment in 1986, PhlebotomyU has worked to provide excellent continuing education to healthcare professionals. The institution is certified to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). It also offers additional classes in venipuncture and drawing blood. Besides providing high-quality education, PhlebotomyU provides students other valuable tools, including career services and externships with affiliated healthcare facilities.
