ABOUT:
The Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)® certification from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) establishes a professional standard for phlebotomists. This certification demonstrates proficiency in blood collection and sample handling, essential for careers in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and blood donation centers.
CERTIFICATION BODY:
The CPT® certification is administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA®), a respected credentialing body that upholds high standards in healthcare certification.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
Upon completing the CPT® certification program, participants will be able to:
- Perform venipunctures and capillary punctures proficiently.
- Adhere to safety and compliance standards in blood collection.
- Handle and process blood samples accurately.
- Utilize industry best practices and standards in phlebotomy.
- Demonstrate professional competence in both routine and special blood collection procedures.
EXAM INFORMATION:
- Format: The CPT® exam comprises 100 multiple-choice questions with a 2-hour time limit.
- Content: The exam covers safety and compliance, patient preparation, routine and special blood collection, sample processing, and general phlebotomy knowledge.
- Scoring: The passing scaled score is 390 out of a range from 200 to 500.
RE CERTIFICATION:
To maintain the CPT® certification, candidates must:
- Complete 10 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years.
- If certification lapses, reinstatement requires 15 CE credits.
Curriculum
- 6 Sections
- 18 Lessons
- 40 Hours
Expand all sectionsCollapse all sections
- SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE:3
- 1.0Workplace Safety Standards: Understand and adhere to OSHA guidelines and infection control practices to ensure a safe working environment.
- 1.1Operational Protocols: Follow protocols for handling hazardous materials, using personal protective equipment (PPE), and managing potential exposure incidents.
- 1.2Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations governing blood collection and laboratory practices.
- PATIENT PREPARATION:3
- 2.0Patient Consent: Obtain informed consent from patients before performing blood collection procedures, including explaining the purpose and potential risks.
- 2.1Patient Identification: Accurately verify patient identity using multiple identifiers (e.g., name, date of birth) to prevent errors in specimen collection and processing.
- 2.2Patient Positioning: Properly position patients to ensure comfort and facilitate successful blood collection, including dealing with patients who are difficult to access.
- ROUTINE BLOOD COLLECTION:3
- 3.0Techniques: Master techniques for venipuncture, including selecting appropriate veins, using tourniquets, and ensuring minimal discomfort.
- 3.1Equipment: Identify and use various blood collection equipment, such as needles, vacutainers, and collection tubes, and understand their specific applications.
- 3.2Venipuncture Procedures: Perform venipuncture with precision, including the proper insertion and withdrawal techniques to minimize complications.
- SPECIAL COLLECTION:3
- 4.0Cultures: Learn procedures for collecting blood cultures to detect infections, including the use of aseptic techniques and appropriate containers.
- 4.1Smears: Perform blood smears for microscopic examination, ensuring proper preparation and staining techniques.
- 4.2Non-Blood Specimens: Collect and handle non-blood specimens such as urine or stool samples, following specific protocols for each type.
- PROCESSING:3
- 5.0Sample Storage: Understand methods for storing blood samples to preserve their integrity, including temperature control and proper container usage.
- 5.1Specimen Integrity: Ensure that specimens are handled and transported in a manner that maintains their quality and accuracy of test results.
- 5.2Result Distribution: Learn how to accurately label and distribute samples to the appropriate laboratory departments for analysis.
- GENERAL KNOWLEDGE:3
- 6.0Medical Terminology: Familiarize yourself with key medical terms related to blood collection, anatomy, and laboratory procedures.
- 6.1Blood Components: Understand the different components of blood (e.g., red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets) and their significance in various tests.
- 6.2Documentation Practices: Accurately document blood collection procedures, patient information, and any relevant observations to ensure proper record-keeping and compliance.
Requirements
- Completion of a relevant training program or course.
- One year of work experience in a phlebotomy or related field.
- Relevant military training.
- Previous certification by another accredited agency.
Target audiences
- Healthcare professionals seeking certification in blood collection.
- Individuals with prior experience in healthcare or phlebotomy.
- Those looking to enhance their credentials and career prospects in the medical field.