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Medical Assistants Phlebotomy Certification

How Many Levels Are There for a Phlebotomy Certification?

phlebotomy certification

If you’re curious about how many levels there are to a Phlebotomy Certification, we’ve got just the information you need. In this article, we’ll take a brief look at the different levels, what qualification each level requires, and what qualification at each level entails in terms of practice.

The Three Levels of Phlebotomy Certification

Every state has it’s own rules of procedure when it comes to phlebotomy, as there isn’t a curriculum or accreditation that has been nationally adopted. In most states, people aren’t required to undergo training for different levels of phlebotomy practice.

While you would need to get re-certified if you’re moving your practice between states, for people who have been engaged in the field in recent history, the process is usually fairly simple and straightforward, and requires only the submission of documents for the most part. The exceptions are Louisiana, California, Washington, and Nevada, all four require state-specific licenses for potential practitioners.

Among the three, we’ll be taking a closer look at California, as California is the only state to impose its level of regulations upon the Phlebotomy Certification process. First off, candidates are limited in terms of what counts as valid experience, with time spent working in a blood bank or within the field of veterinary medicine not counting towards your certification. Secondly, the certification process is broken down into three levels, and candidates who are certified at a certain level are only authorized to offer care at that level. The three levels are as follows:

  • Limited Phlebotomy Certification (LPT)
  • Certified Phlebotomy Certification (CPT I)
  • Certified Phlebotomy Certification (CPT II)

Let’s take an in-depth look at the three levels and the differences between them

Limited Phlebotomy Certification (LPT)

LPT Candidates must have completed 20 hours of basic classes in Phlebotomy with one of the many schools approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Following this, you must also successfully complete a certain number of skin puncture blood collections to qualify as an LPT.

LPTs are only allowed to do skin punctures

Certified Phlebotomy Certification (CPT I)

Along with all requirements of LPT training, candidates must also complete 20 hours of advanced classes at a CDPH approved school or training institute. Candidates must also successfully complete a certain number of venipunctures on actual patients, as well as a written exam.

CPT I certified individuals may only conduct skin punctures and venipunctures.

Certified Phlebotomy Certification (CPT II)

CPT II candidates must complete 20 further hours of advanced classes. They must also demonstrate proof of CPT I certification, as well as a minimum of 1,040 hours of onsite medical experience. In addition, candidates must complete 20 arterial punctures while under supervision from a senior medical professional.

CPT II certified individuals may conduct skin punctures, venipunctures and arterial punctures.

If you’d like to know more about how to become a certified phlebotomist in California, please contact the NAPTP, or visit our website.

Phlebotomy Certification with More than Levels

Drawing blood is crucial to a person’s overall health and as a certified phlebotomist you are helping people seek answers to their well-being through their blood work. From determining blood type to identifying risks for diseases and conditions as well as side effects from treatments, it all starts with the skill and service of a phlebotomist.

The levels of phlebotomy are determined by experience, but did you know you can add to your skill set with different tiers offered within phlebotomy? For example, you can also get certified as an Electrocardiogram Technician, or become a Cardio-phlebotomist both of which provide ample career opportunities in cardiovascular studies. Hospitals are seeking graduates to advance in dialysis clinics, cath labs, plasma centers, cardiology departments and so much more.

Medical assistants with a phlebotomy certification are in high demand, and now more than ever having an IV and vaccine certification that ride the coat tails of phlebotomy are proving to be in need all over the world.

Phlebotomy Career Training has all these courses and certifications available to students across the nation. A program specialist can help determine your course of action. What journey will you embark on? Medical billing and codingpharmacy technicianmedical assistant? Find your path at PCT so that you can count on a career that is in demand as well as contribute to the world of medical health.