What Phlebotomy Certification is Best?
Edited by: Lance Elmore
Update March 2023
When it comes to pursuing a career as a phlebotomy technician, you have many phlebotomy certification program options to choose from! You can take courses and certification exams through a number of institutions. Training courses can take between eight weeks and two years, with the average time of completion being between four and eight months. Those courses also prepare you to take a number of different certification exams.
It can seem overwhelming to choose from all the options, but we’re here to help! We want you to make the best decision for your future, so we’ve rounded up a number of certification options to give you the resources you need to choose the right one for you.
Is Certification Necessary?
Before we jump into the details of certification, let’s answer the important question. Is it actually necessary to become certified to work as a phlebotomy technician? The answer is, it depends! Some states require certification and others do not. However, we believe it is always a good idea to become certified! Employers will see certification as a commitment to your continued education and broad skill set.
Your state or local governing agencies will have the answers you need about certification requirements where you are located! You’ll also find information about required hands-on training through those agencies or licensing boards.
What Certifications are Available?
It is crucial to evaluate the certification options before you choose one. Not all Phlebotomy Certification exams are created equal! It’s important to find a certifying body that has a rich history of medical expertise. Some of these may include:
- The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT)
- The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
- The National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- The National Phlebotomy Association (NPA)
This is by no means an exhaustive list! There are many certifications available to you upon completion of your training. Each one will have different requirements - venipunctures completed, skills achieved, hours worked, etc.
The Phlebotomy Technician Certificate (PTC-ASPT)
This certification is available after you have completed one or more items from a list of criteria. Those include either six months of full time or one year of part time work as a phlebotomy technician, proof of training, and a letter from your supervisor certifying your skill set.
The Phlebotomy Technician Certification (PBT-ASCP)
Receiving your PBT certification means having 40 hours of classroom training and 100 hours of in person practice. On top of that, you’ll need a medical degree with phlebotomy training and it may help to have experience under your belt first.
The Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT-NHA)
The CPT certification is available for you to take upon completion of a phlebotomy technician training program. It is offered in multiple levels, so you can continue to recertify through the National Healthcareer Association as your skill set grows.
The Certified Phlebotomist Technologist (CPT-NPA)
To become certified by the National Phlebotomy Association, you must have completed at least 360 hours of training, 200 of which must be practical application, plus specialized training that includes venipuncture.
These are just a few of the available options for phlebotomy technician certification!
If you’re not sure which certification to pursue, consider checking with your local governing body or agency what they recommend. You can also look at job posting sites for certifications local employers are looking for in their candidates. Having a certification will help you secure the job you’re looking for!
