You passed your NHA CPT exam.
Here's exactly what to do in the next 7 days to start your career as a phlebotomist.
Confirm your credential — and check whether your state requires a license
Passing the exam makes you a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) — log into your NHA account to confirm your certification shows as active. Unlike most states, four states — California, Louisiana, Nevada, and Washington— require you to hold a separate state phlebotomy license on top of national certification before you can legally draw blood there. If you're in one of those four, check your state board's exact process before applying anywhere; everywhere else, national certification is generally what employers look for.
Tip:Add “CPT” directly after your name on your resume and LinkedIn headline — recruiters and lab managers filter for it specifically, and it signals you're credentialed before they read a word further.
Find your first job
Phlebotomists work in hospitals, independent and reference labs (like Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp), physician offices, blood donation centers, and mobile/at-home draw services. Reference labs and blood donation centers often hire in the highest volume and are usually the fastest way in; hospital roles typically pay more but may want some experience first.
General job boards
Indeed and LinkedIn list the largest volume of phlebotomist openings — filter for “CPT” or “certified” to skip listings for uncertified trainee roles.
Reference lab career pages
Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp are the two largest employers of phlebotomists nationally and hire continuously — check “careers” on each company's site for openings near you.
Blood donation centers
The American Red Cross and regional blood centers hire phlebotomists specifically for donor collections — often a faster path in for new grads than hospital roles.
Hospital system career pages
Hospital lab departments typically pay more than reference labs and often prefer certified technicians — search “[your hospital system] careers phlebotomist.”
Pro tip: Apply broadly in your first search — hospitals, reference labs, blood donation centers, and physician offices all hire CPTs, and hospital or specialty settings often pay more once you have experience.
What to have ready before your first shift
Most employers require all of these before you can start:
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Background check and licensure requirements vary by state and employer — confirm what your specific state board and employer require before your start date.
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Non-Slip Shoes
Required at most hospitals and labs. Comfort matters on long, mostly-standing shifts.
Compression Socks
Most phlebotomists swear by these after a full day of standing draws.
Nurse Watch with Second Hand
Useful for timing tourniquet application (under 1 minute) and other timed procedures.
Nursing Scrubs
You need at least 2 sets before your first shift.
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What to expect your first week
Stay sharp on the job
New CPTs who keep reviewing order-of-draw, safety protocols, and patient prep perform better in their first 90 days. Our practice questions are still here whenever you want a refresher.
Back to Practice Tests →