Top 10 Patient Care Technician Certifications

Certifications for a patient care technician are important in the job market for a number of reasons. First, certifications demonstrate to potential employers that the individual has achieved a certain level of knowledge and skills related to their chosen profession. This is particularly important in the healthcare field, where accuracy and attention to detail are essential. Additionally, having certifications can make an individual more competitive when applying for jobs as they demonstrate commitment to their profession and prove they have taken the time to learn the necessary skills. Finally, certifications can be used as evidence of continuing education in order to meet requirements for licensing or other professional development opportunities.

The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for Patient Care Technicians and explain how they can help advance their careers.

What are Patient Care Technician Certifications?

Patient care technician certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skill in providing patient care. This certification is offered by organizations such as the National Healthcare Association, National Center for Competency Testing, and American Medical Technologists. It requires individuals to pass an exam and demonstrate their knowledge in areas such as patient assessment, medical terminology, infection control, documentation, and communication.

Having a patient care technician certification can help individuals stand out among other job applicants in the healthcare field. It can also demonstrate proficiency in the skills required to provide quality care to patients. Additionally, having this certification can lead to higher pay and better career opportunities as employers recognize the importance of having certified personnel on staff. Certified technicians may also be eligible for additional certifications or specializations that could increase their earning potential even more. Finally, having a patient care technician certification is beneficial because it helps ensure safe and effective patient care by demonstrating that the individual has met rigorous standards of knowledge and skill.

Pro Tip: Make sure you research and understand the requirements for patient care technician certification before beginning your certification process. Different certifying organizations may have different eligibility criteria, such as minimum educational requirements or experience in the field. Knowing what these criteria are can help you plan and prepare for successful certification.

Related: What does a Patient Care Technician do?

Top 10 Patient Care Technician Certifications

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

1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic care and assistance to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. CNAs typically work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

To become a CNA, you must complete an approved training program and pass a competency evaluation. The length of the training program varies from state to state but generally takes between 4-12 weeks. During this time, you will learn about the basics of patient care such as taking vital signs, providing personal hygiene care, helping with activities of daily living, and assisting with medical treatments.

In order to get certified as a CNA, you must pass both a written and practical exam administered by your state’s Board of Nursing. The cost for the exam varies from state to state but typically ranges from $50-$200. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification which is valid for two years. You will then need to renew your certification every two years in order to remain active in the field.

2. Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT)

A Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) is a professional who provides direct patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse or other healthcare provider. The CPCT works in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and physician offices. The CPCT is responsible for providing basic patient care such as taking vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs), providing comfort measures, and helping with medical treatments.

In order to become certified as a CPCT, individuals must complete an approved program and pass the National Healthcare Association's Certified Patient Care Technician Exam. Most programs take between six months and one year to complete. Programs may be offered through community colleges or technical schools.

The cost of the certification exam varies depending on where it is taken; however, it typically costs between $100 and $200. Additionally, there may be fees associated with the program itself that must be paid before taking the exam.

3. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is a healthcare professional who has completed an accredited medical assisting program and passed a certification exam. The CMA is responsible for performing administrative and clinical duties to support the work of physicians and other health care providers. This may include taking patient histories, preparing patients for examinations, collecting laboratory specimens, performing basic laboratory tests, administering medications, sterilizing instruments and equipment, scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, and providing patient education.

It typically takes nine months to two years to complete a CMA program depending on the type of program chosen. Most programs require students to complete courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, medical law and ethics, clinical procedures, office procedures and computer applications. Upon completion of the program students must pass an examination administered by either the American Association of Medical Assistants or the National Healthcareer Association in order to receive their certification.

The cost of becoming a CMA varies depending on the type of program chosen. Some programs may be offered at no cost while others may require tuition fees ranging from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars. In addition to tuition fees there may also be additional costs associated with purchasing textbooks or other materials required for the coursework.

4. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is a medical professional who assists physicians and other healthcare providers in providing patient care. CCMAs are responsible for taking vital signs, performing basic laboratory tests, preparing examination rooms, and performing administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and billing.

It typically takes between six months to two years of study to become a CCMA. To become certified, individuals must complete an accredited medical assistant program and pass the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, clinical procedures, pharmacology, patient safety and education, and legal issues.

The cost of becoming a CCMA varies depending on the specific program chosen. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $2,000 to $3,000 for most programs. In addition to tuition fees, students may also be required to purchase textbooks or other materials for their studies.

Once certified, CCMAs must maintain their certification by completing continuing education credits every two years. The NHA offers several online courses that can be used towards recertification requirements.

5. Certified EKG Technician (CET)

A Certified EKG Technician (CET) is someone who has been trained to operate and maintain electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment, as well as to interpret the results of an EKG test. The CET is responsible for preparing patients for the procedure, connecting them to the machine, and ensuring that all readings are accurate.

The certification process typically takes about two months, depending on how quickly you can complete the required coursework and pass the exam. To become certified, you must complete a training program at an accredited institution or through a recognized online program. Once you have completed your training, you will need to take and pass an exam administered by a nationally recognized certifying body such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The cost of getting certified varies depending on where you get your training. Some programs may offer discounts or scholarships if you meet certain criteria. Generally speaking, expect to pay anywhere from $500-$1,000 for the entire certification process.

Once certified, CETs can work in hospitals and other medical facilities where they are responsible for setting up and operating EKG machines and interpreting the results of EKG tests. They may also be asked to provide patient education about cardiovascular health topics or assist with other patient care activities.

6. Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)

Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) is a certification that is awarded to individuals who have completed an accredited phlebotomy training program and passed a national exam. The CPT credential is recognized by employers in the healthcare industry as an indication of the individual’s knowledge and skill in the field of phlebotomy.

The length of time it takes to become certified varies depending on the type of program you choose. Most programs range from a few weeks to several months, but some can take up to a year or more.

The process for becoming certified involves completing an accredited phlebotomy training program, passing a national exam, and meeting any other requirements set forth by your state or employer. After you have met all of these requirements, you will receive your certification.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the type of program you choose. Generally speaking, most programs cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more, depending on the length and intensity of the coursework. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the certification exam.

7. Certified Dialysis Technician (CDT)

A Certified Dialysis Technician (CDT) is a healthcare professional who has completed specialized training and passed an exam to become certified in the safe operation of dialysis machines. Dialysis technicians are responsible for operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting dialysis equipment and providing patient care before, during, and after dialysis treatments.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the necessary training and education required to become a CDT. The first step is to enroll in a program accredited by either the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing & Technology (BONENT) or the National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO). These programs can be found at local community colleges or through online courses. Once enrolled, students must complete coursework that covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, infection control, patient safety, and dialysis machine maintenance.

After completing the required coursework, students must pass an exam administered by BONENT or NNCO in order to become certified. The cost of the certification exam varies depending on which organization administers it; however, it usually costs around $200-$300.

Once certified as a CDT, individuals must renew their certification every two years by completing continuing education credits and passing another certification exam.

8. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is a healthcare professional who is trained to respond to medical emergencies. EMTs are certified by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) and can provide basic life support, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillation (AED), airway management, and other emergency medical care.

It typically takes about six months to become an EMT. This includes completing an accredited EMT program, passing the NREMT exam, and obtaining state certification. The length of time may vary depending on the program you choose and your individual circumstances.

To get started in becoming an EMT, you must first complete a training course from an accredited institution. These courses include classroom instruction as well as hands-on experience in a clinical setting. After completing the course, you must pass the NREMT exam in order to be certified as an EMT. Once you have passed the exam, you will need to apply for state certification in order to practice as an EMT.

The cost of becoming an EMT varies depending on the program you choose and your location. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 for tuition and fees for a basic course. Additional costs may include textbooks, uniforms, supplies, and licensing fees.

9. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification is a certification that allows individuals to learn how to perform life-saving techniques on someone who has suffered cardiac arrest. It is a certification that must be renewed every two years in order to remain valid.

The CPR certification process typically takes about 4-6 hours and consists of both classroom instruction and hands-on training. During the class, students will learn about basic life support, airway management, chest compressions, rescue breathing, and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). The hands-on portion of the course requires students to practice these skills on mannequins or other simulated patients.

In order to get CPR certified, individuals must find an accredited provider who offers a course that meets their needs. There are many organizations that offer CPR courses such as the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, National Safety Council, and more.

The cost of CPR certification varies depending on the provider and type of course taken. Generally speaking, most courses range from $50-$100 USD per person. Some providers may also offer discounts for groups or those who have already completed certain prerequisites.

10. Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification is a course designed to teach healthcare professionals advanced skills in the management of cardiac arrest, stroke and other life-threatening medical emergencies. This certification is required for many healthcare professionals, such as physicians, nurses, paramedics and respiratory therapists.

The ACLS course typically takes two days to complete and consists of lectures, videos, skill demonstrations and testing. The course covers topics such as basic life support (BLS), airway management, pharmacology, electrical therapies and resuscitation techniques. Participants must pass a written exam at the end of the course in order to receive their certification.

In order to get ACLS certified, individuals must first find an approved provider or instructor who offers the course. These providers are usually hospitals or medical schools that offer the training for a fee. The cost of the training varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $200-$400.

After completing the course and passing the written exam, participants will receive an ACLS card which serves as proof of their certification. This card must be renewed every two years in order to remain valid.

Do You Really Need a Patient Care Technician Certificate?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individual’s goals and aspirations. If a person wishes to gain entry-level employment in the field of patient care, then having a Patient Care Technician (PCT) Certificate would be beneficial. Having a PCT Certificate demonstrates a certain level of knowledge and experience that can help an individual stand out from other applicants. It also shows potential employers that the individual has taken initiative to learn more about this field and is committed to providing quality patient care.

However, if a person is simply looking for work in the healthcare industry and has no intention of seeking further education or specialising in patient care, then obtaining a PCT Certificate may not be necessary. In this case, having other credentials such as certifications related to medical assisting or nursing may suffice.

Ultimately, it is up to the individual's preference as to whether or not they want to pursue a PCT Certificate. If someone decides that obtaining one will benefit them in their career goals, then doing so could certainly open up more job opportunities within the field of patient care.

Related: Patient Care Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Patient Care Technician Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Patient Care Technician?

A: To become a Patient Care Technician, you will typically need to have a high school diploma or GED and complete a state-approved Patient Care Technician certification program.

2. Is there an exam required to become certified as a Patient Care Technician?

A: Yes, most states require applicants for PCT certification to pass either the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) exam or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Medical Assistant Certification exam.

3. How long does it take to complete a PCT certification program?

A: The length of time it takes to complete a PCT certification program varies depending on the type of program and your particular learning style, but most programs take between six months and one year to finish.

4. Where can I find information about PCT certification requirements in my state?

A: You should contact your local healthcare facility or visit the website of the appropriate licensing board in your state for more information on PCT certification requirements in your area.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my PCT certification?

A: Yes, most states require that you complete at least 10 hours of continuing education each year in order to maintain your PCT certification.