Top 10 Nurse Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for nurse technicians in the job market because they provide proof of competency and knowledge to employers. They also demonstrate that a nurse technician is up-to-date on the latest medical technologies, procedures, and standards of care. In addition, certifications can help a nurse technician stand out from other candidates by demonstrating that he or she has taken the initiative to acquire additional skills and training. Finally, certifications may open up opportunities for advancement within an organization.

This article reviews some of the most beneficial certifications for Nurse Technicians and explains how they can help to further a nurse technician's career.

What are Nurse Technician Certifications?

Nurse technician certification is a credential that recognizes the knowledge and skills of nursing technicians working in the healthcare industry. Certified nurse technicians have demonstrated mastery of the principles and practices of patient care, as well as other skills required to provide quality care. Nurse technician certification can help nurses by providing them with an additional level of recognition, which may lead to increased job opportunities or promotions. Additionally, having a certification shows potential employers that the nurse has taken the extra step to demonstrate their expertise in the field. Furthermore, certified nurse technicians are more likely to stay up-to-date on best practices and understand changes in healthcare regulations. This allows them to provide superior patient care and better meet their patients’ needs. Finally, certified nurse technicians may be better equipped to handle emergency situations due to their advanced training and experience.

Pro Tip: Nurse technicians should consider obtaining certification in their specialty area to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the profession. Certification can also open doors for career advancement and higher salaries.

Related: What does a Nurse Technician do?

Top 10 Nurse Technician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Nurse Technicians today.

1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. CNAs are responsible for providing basic patient care such as bathing, dressing, and feeding; taking vital signs; recording medical histories; assisting with ambulation; and helping with activities of daily living.

It typically takes about four to twelve weeks to complete the CNA training program. The length of time depends on the state requirements and the type of program you choose. Most programs require students to complete at least 75 hours of classroom instruction and clinical practice.

To become a CNA, you must first complete an approved CNA training program that meets your state's requirements. After completing the program, you will need to pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam in order to be certified as a CNA.

The cost of becoming a CNA varies depending on where you live and which school or program you choose. Generally, most programs cost between $500-$1,000 for tuition and fees. In addition to tuition costs, there may also be additional fees for books and supplies.

2. Certified Medication Aide (CMA)

Certified Medication Aide (CMA) is a professional who has been trained and certified to administer medications in long-term care facilities. This certification is required in many states for those who wish to work as a medication aide in nursing homes, assisted living centers, and other long-term care settings. The CMA must be able to accurately read prescriptions, understand the effects of medications on the body, and safely administer them to patients.

It typically takes between 6-12 weeks of training to become a Certified Medication Aide. Training may include classroom instruction, clinical experience, and/or online courses. After completing the training program, applicants must pass a state-approved exam before they can become certified.

To get certified as a CMA, you must first complete an approved training program. You will then need to pass the state-approved exam before you can receive your certification. Once you have completed these steps, you will need to submit an application for certification with your state's board of nursing or health department.

The cost of becoming a Certified Medication Aide varies depending on the state and type of training program chosen. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1,000 or more for tuition and fees associated with the program. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam such as registration fees and study materials.

3. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of medical assistants who have completed a comprehensive training program in clinical procedures. This certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

To become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, you must complete an accredited medical assistant program and pass the NHA's CCMA exam. The program typically takes between nine months to one year to complete. It includes courses such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, laboratory procedures, patient care techniques, and administrative duties.

The cost of the CCMA exam varies depending on which testing center you choose. Generally speaking, it costs around $125 to take the exam. You can also purchase study materials from the NHA for an additional fee.

Once you have passed the CCMA exam, you will receive a certificate and be listed in the NHA's directory of certified medical assistants. This certification is valid for two years; after that time period has expired, you will need to retake the exam in order to maintain your certification status.

4. Certified Dialysis Technician (CDT)

A Certified Dialysis Technician (CDT) is a healthcare professional who has been certified to provide dialysis treatments to patients with chronic kidney disease. The CDT is responsible for the preparation, operation, and monitoring of dialysis machines and equipment. They must also be knowledgeable in the administration of medications and other treatments related to dialysis care.

To become a Certified Dialysis Technician, one must complete an accredited program in dialysis technology and pass a certification exam administered by the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing & Technology (BONENT). The program typically takes 12-18 months to complete, depending on the institution offering it.

The cost of obtaining a CDT certification varies depending on the institution offering the program. Most programs range from $3,000-$10,000 for tuition, books, and fees. Additionally, there is an exam fee of $200 for taking the BONENT certification exam.

5. Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT)

Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) is a certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality patient care in a variety of settings. The certification is offered through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as having a high school diploma or equivalent, being at least 18 years old, and completing an approved training program. Once these requirements are met, applicants can take the CPCT exam.

The CPCT exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. To pass the exam, applicants must score at least 70%.

The cost of taking the CPCT exam varies depending on location and whether you are taking it online or in person. Generally, you can expect to pay around $150 for the online version and $200 for the in-person version.

6. Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)

A Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) is a healthcare professional who has been trained and certified to draw blood from patients. This certification is awarded by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). It requires successful completion of an accredited program, passing a national exam, and meeting continuing education requirements.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the training program required for certification. The program consists of classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical experience. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take the national exam administered by AMT.

To become certified as a CPT, you must first complete an accredited training program. These programs can be found at local community colleges or technical schools. You must also pass the national exam administered by AMT and meet any continuing education requirements set by your state or employer.

The cost of becoming certified as a CPT varies depending on where you take your training program and what type of exam you take. Generally speaking, it will cost between $500-$1000 to become certified as a CPT.

7. Certified Electrocardiography Technician (CET)

Certified Electrocardiography Technician (CET) is a certification program offered by the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT). This certification program provides an opportunity for individuals to become certified in electrocardiography (ECG), which is the study of electrical activity in the heart. It is used to diagnose and monitor cardiac conditions.

To become a Certified Electrocardiography Technician, candidates must complete a minimum of 10 hours of training in ECG technology, pass an exam administered by ASPT, and hold current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS). The training typically takes around two weeks to complete and can be done online or through a traditional classroom setting. The cost of the training varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $500-$1000. After completing the training and passing the exam, individuals will receive their CET certification.

Once certified as an Electrocardiography Technician, individuals can work in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and other healthcare settings performing ECG tests on patients. They may also provide patient education on cardiac health and lifestyle changes that could improve overall health outcomes.

8. Certified EKG Technician (CET)

A Certified EKG Technician (CET) is a healthcare professional who specializes in the analysis and interpretation of electrocardiograms (EKGs). An EKG is a non-invasive procedure that records the electrical activity of the heart. The technician places electrodes on the patient’s chest, arms, and legs to measure the electrical impulses of the heart. The technician then interprets these signals to diagnose any abnormalities or irregularities in the patient’s cardiac rhythm.

To become a Certified EKG Technician, one must complete an accredited training program. These programs typically require between 40 and 60 hours of classroom instruction as well as hands-on experience with EKG equipment. Upon completion of training, students must pass an exam offered by either the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians or Cardiovascular Credentialing International.

The cost for certification varies depending on the institution offering training, but it generally ranges from $400-$700. It usually takes about six months to complete all requirements for certification.

9. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of an occupational therapist to provide services to individuals with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities. The COTA helps people develop, recover, and maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.

To become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, you must first complete an Associate’s degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited college or university. This typically takes two years of full-time study. After completing your degree, you will need to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam and obtain a license from your state's licensing board.

The cost of obtaining your COTA certification depends on several factors such as tuition costs at the school you attend, any fees associated with taking the NBCOT exam, and any additional fees required by your state's licensing board. In general, the total cost can range anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on these factors.

10. Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA).

A Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA) is a healthcare professional who provides personal care and assistance to individuals in their own homes. CHHAs are trained to provide basic medical care, such as taking vital signs, monitoring medications, and providing assistance with activities of daily living. They may also assist with light housekeeping tasks, meal preparation, and transportation services.

It typically takes between three to six months to become a Certified Home Health Aide. The process includes completing an approved training program and passing the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC) exam. Training programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, hospitals, or through private home health agencies.

The cost of becoming a Certified Home Health Aide varies depending on the training program chosen. Most programs range from $500-$1,000. In addition to tuition fees, students may be required to purchase textbooks or other materials needed for the course.

Once certified, CHHAs must continue their education by completing continuing education courses every two years in order to maintain their certification status.

Do You Really Need a Nurse Technician Certificate?

The short answer is: it depends. Nurse technicians play an important role in the healthcare system, and having a certificate can help you stand out from the competition. If you are looking for a job or promotion in the medical field, then a nurse technician certificate can be beneficial. A certificate will show potential employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to do the job.

However, if you are already working as a nurse technician and just want to stay up-to-date on current trends and best practices, then a certificate may not be necessary. You can find many online courses that cover topics related to nursing technology without having to spend money on an official certification program. These courses may be sufficient for your needs and provide enough knowledge and credentials to stay competitive in the field.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a nurse technician certificate depends on your career goals and where you are in your professional journey. If you think that having a certificate could benefit your career prospects, then it may be worth investing in one. However, if you’re looking for more general information or simply want to stay informed about new developments in the field, then taking online courses might be sufficient for now.

Related: Nurse Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Nurse Technician Certifications

1. How do I become a Certified Nurse Technician?

Answer: To become a Certified Nurse Technician, you must complete an accredited nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). After passing the exam, you must apply to your state’s Board of Nursing for certification.

2. What is the cost of becoming a Certified Nurse Technician?

Answer: The cost of becoming a Certified Nurse Technician varies by state and can range from $100 to $300 or more.

3. What type of knowledge and skills are required to become a Certified Nurse Technician?

Answer: To successfully become a Certified Nurse Technician, you should have knowledge and skills in basic patient care, medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nutrition and other related topics.

4. How long does it take to obtain certification as a Nurse Technician?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to obtain certification as a Nurse Technician depends on how quickly you complete your education program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or more.

5. Is there continuing education required for maintaining my certification as a Nurse Technician?

Answer: Yes, most states require that you complete continuing education credits in order to maintain your certification as a Nurse Technician. The number of credits required will vary by state but typically ranges from 10-30 hours per year depending on the requirements in your particular state.