What does NCPT mean in CERTIFICATIONS & DIPLOMAS

Potential NCPTs typically need to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent and pass an accredited phlebotomy training program provided by either their employer or through a local college or university. Additionally, some states may require completion of an approved apprenticeship program beyond the training program before one can become certified.

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA), National Credentialing Agency (NCA), American Medical Technologists (AMT), and American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) all offer certification for NCPTs. All four certifying bodies include curriculum requirements and written exams that must be passed in order to receive certification.

An NCPT's certification is typically valid for two years after passing the written exam with an approved certifying body. After two years, recertification will be necessary to maintain active certification status. Recertification must include continuing education credits that demonstrate relevancy in the career field and at least one successful passage of the written examination every five years with an approved certifying body.

An NCPT performs a variety of duties including preparing specimens for analysis, labeling specimens accurately, maintaining supplies needed for collection such as needles, syringes, tubes, etc., verifying patient information prior to specimen collection, collecting patient specimens using proper techniques according to established safety protocols, disposing of materials used for specimen collection according to safety regulations set forth by their health care provider organization/employer, troubleshooting equipment related issues or accidents during specimen collection processes, documenting all activities related to specimen collection accurately.

Employers are expected to provide adequate resources such as supplies needed for specimen collection as well as on-the-job instruction on proper techniques associated with specimen collection prior to allowing any unsupervised work activity involving direct contact with patients' bodily fluids; additionally employers should provide adequate supervision enabling them to monitor their employee's accuracy and safety compliance while performing assigned tasks within their job description throughout the duration of employment; employers should also ensure that their employees complete required continuing educational credits during time frame associated with recertification requirements.