Top 10 Patient Care Associate Certifications

Certifications are an important way for patient care associates to demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in their field. They provide potential employers with a tangible way to verify that the candidate is qualified and knowledgeable about patient care. Certifications also show that the individual has taken the time and effort to become certified, which can demonstrate a commitment to their profession. Having certifications can also help a patient care associate stand out from other applicants who may not have any additional qualifications. Finally, many employers prefer or require candidates to have certification before they will consider them for a position, so having certifications can give candidates an advantage over those who do not have them.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Patient Care Associates and explain how they can help advance a patient care associate's career.

What are Patient Care Associate Certifications?

Patient Care Associate Certification (PCA) is a professional certification program designed to help healthcare professionals provide the highest quality of care to their patients. This certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in patient care, communication, and safety. PCA certification is awarded by a variety of organizations, including the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), and National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The primary benefit of earning a PCA certification is that it demonstrates a commitment to providing exceptional patient care. A certified Patient Care Associate has the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the complexities of working in a healthcare setting and can provide safe, effective, and personalized care for each patient. Furthermore, having this certification gives employers assurance that they are hiring qualified individuals who are committed to providing quality care.

In addition to demonstrating expertise in patient care, PCA certification also demonstrates dedication to continuing education. By earning this credential, healthcare professionals show they are committed to staying up-to-date with advances in health information technology, medical terminology, and other topics related to providing safe patient care. Ultimately, obtaining PCA certification helps healthcare workers stay ahead of the curve when it comes to patient service excellence.

Pro Tip: When considering a patient care associate certification, be sure to research the requirements and expectations of the program you are interested in. Many programs require certain prerequisites such as CPR certification, first aid training, and a current healthcare provider license. Additionally, look for programs that offer hands-on experience with real patients to ensure you have the necessary skills when entering into the workforce.

Related: What does a Patient Care Associate do?

Top 10 Patient Care Associate Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Patient Care Associates today.

1. Certified Patient Care Associate (CPCA)

Certified Patient Care Associate (CPCA) is a certification program offered by the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC). It is designed to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality patient care. The CPCA certification demonstrates that an individual has achieved a level of competency in patient care.

The CPCA certification program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, infection control, and documentation. The practical exam tests an individual’s ability to perform various patient care tasks such as taking vital signs, administering medications, performing basic wound care, and providing emotional support.

The CPCA certification program typically takes between six months and one year to complete. In order to become certified, individuals must first complete an approved training program or have at least one year of experience working in home health or hospice care. After completing the required training or experience requirements, individuals must then pass both the written and practical exams in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CPCA certification varies depending on the provider offering it. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $400-$600 USD for both parts of the exam (written and practical).

2. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic care to patients in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. CNAs are responsible for helping patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting. They also provide comfort and emotional support to patients and their families.

It typically takes 4-6 weeks to become a CNA. The first step is to find an accredited program in your area that offers the necessary training. These programs usually include classroom instruction as well as clinical experience. Once you have completed the program and passed the certification exam, you will be eligible for employment as a CNA.

The cost of becoming a CNA varies depending on the program you choose. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $500-$1,000 depending on the length and type of program you select. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the certification exam or obtaining other certifications or licenses related to being a CNA.

Once certified as a CNA, you will need to maintain your certification by completing continuing education courses every two years. This ensures that CNAs stay up-to-date on best practices in patient care and safety standards.

3. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is a healthcare professional who is trained to provide basic medical care and administrative support in a variety of healthcare settings. CMAs are responsible for taking vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, administering medications, collecting specimens, and performing other clinical tasks as directed by physicians or other healthcare providers. They also provide patient education and perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, managing medical records, and billing insurance companies.

To become a CMA, you must complete an accredited medical assistant program at an approved school or college. The program typically takes between nine months to one year to complete depending on the school and the type of certification you are seeking. After completing the program, you must pass the national certification exam administered by either the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).

The cost of becoming a CMA varies depending on which certifying body you choose to take your exam from. The AAMA charges $125 for their exam while the NCCT charges $90. In addition to these fees, there may be additional costs associated with tuition for your medical assistant program and any required textbooks or materials.

4. Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA)

Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have successfully completed a home health aide training program and passed the certification exam. CHHAs provide personal care services to elderly, disabled, and chronically ill individuals in the comfort of their own homes. This can include helping with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and meal preparation; providing companionship; administering medications; and assisting with light housekeeping tasks.

The amount of time it takes to become certified as a CHHA varies depending on the state you live in. Generally speaking, most states require applicants to complete at least 75 hours of formal training from an approved home health aide program before they can take the certification exam. After completing the program, applicants must pass the exam in order to be officially certified as a CHHA.

The cost of becoming a CHHA also varies depending on the state you live in and which type of program you choose to attend. Most programs range from $500-$1000 for tuition and materials. In addition, there may be additional costs associated with taking the certification exam such as registration fees or study materials.

Overall, becoming a Certified Home Health Aide is an excellent way for individuals to gain valuable experience in providing quality care for elderly or disabled individuals in their own homes. With proper training and certification, CHHAs can help improve quality of life for those they serve while also earning competitive wages in this growing field.

5. Patient Care Technician Certification (PCTC)

Patient Care Technician Certification (PCTC) is a certification program designed to help healthcare professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in providing patient care. It is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), which is a nationally recognized organization that provides certification programs for healthcare workers.

The PCTC certification program consists of two parts: a written exam and a clinical skills assessment. The written exam covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical law and ethics, patient safety, infection control, communication skills, and more. The clinical skills assessment tests your ability to perform basic patient care tasks such as taking vital signs, administering medications, performing venipuncture, preparing sterile dressings, and more.

The PCTC certification program typically takes about three months to complete. To get certified you must first complete the online application process through the NHA website. Once your application is approved you will receive an eligibility letter with instructions on how to register for the exams. After registering for the exams you will be given access to study materials and practice tests which can help prepare you for taking the actual exams.

The cost of obtaining PCTC certification varies depending on where you take the exams and what type of study materials you use. Generally speaking it costs around $200-$300 to take both parts of the exam plus any additional fees associated with using study materials or taking practice tests.

6. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is a credentialed medical assistant who has been trained to provide clinical support services in a healthcare setting. CCMAs are qualified to perform basic administrative and clinical tasks such as taking vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, administering medications, drawing blood, and more.

It typically takes about one year of formal education or on-the-job training to become a certified clinical medical assistant. To obtain the certification, individuals must pass an exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The exam covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, infection control procedures, and patient care techniques.

The cost of becoming a certified clinical medical assistant varies depending on the institution offering the program or exam. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 - $1000 to complete the necessary coursework and take the NHA exam.

7. National Healthcareer Association Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT/A)

The National Healthcareer Association Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT/A) is a certification that validates the knowledge and skills of patient care technicians in providing quality care to patients. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the skills required to provide safe and effective patient care.

To become certified, individuals must pass an exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical law and ethics, patient safety, infection control, communication and interpersonal skills, pharmacology, nutrition, and other related topics.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the CPCT/A exam. Candidates can use a variety of study materials such as books, online courses, practice tests and study guides to help them prepare for the exam.

The cost for taking the CPCT/A exam is $105 USD. This fee includes access to the NHA’s online practice test system so candidates can get familiar with the format of the actual exam before they take it.

Once a candidate passes the CPCT/A exam they will receive a certificate from NHA that is valid for two years. To maintain certification individuals must complete 20 hours of continuing education during each two year period or retake the CPCT/A exam every two years.

8. American Association of Medical Assistants Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (AAMA-CCMA)

The American Association of Medical Assistants Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (AAMA-CCMA) is a nationally recognized certification for medical assistants. It is the only medical assistant certification accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). This certification demonstrates a medical assistant’s knowledge and skills in performing clinical duties, such as taking vital signs, preparing patients for exams, assisting with minor surgical procedures, and providing patient education.

It typically takes between six to nine months to complete the AAMA-CCMA program. To become certified, you must first complete an accredited medical assistant program and pass the AAMA-CCMA exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, clinical procedures, laboratory procedures, medical terminology, and more.

The cost of the AAMA-CCMA exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it will cost around $150 to take the exam at a testing center or online. Additionally, there may be other fees associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or study materials costs.

Once you have passed the AAMA-CCMA exam, you will receive your official certification from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). This certification is valid for five years and can be renewed by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

9. National Center for Competency Testing Patient Care Technician Certification (NCCT-PCTC)

The National Center for Competency Testing Patient Care Technician Certification (NCCT-PCTC) is a professional certification that demonstrates a patient care technician’s knowledge and skills in providing direct patient care. The certification is offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), an independent testing organization that provides certifications for allied health professionals.

In order to obtain the NCCT-PCTC certification, applicants must have completed an accredited training program or have equivalent experience in patient care. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by the NCCT, which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, infection control, and other related topics.

The cost of the NCCT-PCTC certification is $125 USD. The exam can be taken at any authorized testing center or online through the NCCT website. It typically takes around four hours to complete the exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official NCCT-PCTC certification within two weeks.

10. American Medical Technologists Registered Medical Assistant Certification (AMT-RMA).

The American Medical Technologists Registered Medical Assistant Certification (AMT-RMA) is a nationally recognized credential that verifies the knowledge and skills of medical assistants. It is a voluntary certification that demonstrates a medical assistant’s commitment to excellence in their profession.

To be eligible for the AMT-RMA certification, applicants must have completed an accredited medical assisting program and must pass an examination administered by AMT. The exam consists of 175 multiple choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, clinical procedures, pharmacology, laboratory procedures, patient care and communication.

It typically takes 3-4 months to complete the application process and take the exam. To get started, applicants should submit an online application with required supporting documentation such as transcripts or proof of completion from their accredited medical assisting program. Once approved, applicants will receive instructions on how to register for the exam which can be taken at one of AMT's testing centers located throughout the United States.

The cost for taking the AMT-RMA exam is $125 USD plus a $25 processing fee. Applicants may also choose to purchase additional study materials from AMT for an additional fee if desired. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official certification from AMT which is valid for three years before renewal is required.

Do You Really Need a Patient Care Associate Certificate?

The answer to whether or not you need a Patient Care Associate Certificate depends on the type of job you are looking for. If you are looking for a job in a hospital or other medical setting that requires a certain level of patient care, then yes, you will likely need to have this type of certification. However, if you are looking for a job in an administrative capacity, such as a receptionist or office manager in a medical office, then it is unlikely that having this type of certification would be necessary.

That said, having this type of certification can certainly help boost your resume and make you more attractive to potential employers. It demonstrates that you have taken the time to learn and understand the basics of patient care and shows that you are serious about providing quality care and services. Additionally, many employers look favorably upon applicants who have gone through the process of earning this type of certification because it demonstrates dedication and commitment to their profession.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Patient Care Associate Certificate really depends on your specific situation and the types of jobs you are applying for. If patient care is part of your job duties, then having this certificate could be beneficial in helping to secure employment.

Related: Patient Care Associate Resume Examples

FAQs About Patient Care Associate Certifications

1. What is a Patient Care Associate Certification?

Answer: A Patient Care Associate Certification is a certification program designed to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care for patients in a variety of healthcare settings.

2. What types of courses are included in a Patient Care Associate Certification program?

Answer: Courses typically include anatomy and physiology, patient assessment, medical terminology, infection control, pharmacology, patient communication and education, legal and ethical issues in healthcare, and other related topics.

3. How do I become certified as a Patient Care Associate?

Answer: To become certified as a Patient Care Associate you must complete an approved accredited certification program or training course and pass the certification exam.

4. How long is the certification valid for?

Answer: The certification is valid for two years after which you must renew your certification every two years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

5. How much does it cost to become certified as a Patient Care Associate?

Answer: Cost varies by provider but typically ranges from $200-$600 depending on the provider and length of the program.