Top 11 Patient Transporter Certifications

Certifications are important for patient transporters in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in the field. They also give employers assurance that a potential employee has the skills and qualifications needed to do the job properly. Certifications also show that a patient transporter is committed to advancing their career and staying up-to-date on industry trends. Certified patient transporters are often more attractive to employers than non-certified candidates, as it demonstrates their commitment to safety and quality care. Finally, certifications can increase an individual’s earning potential by making them more competitive in the job market.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Patient Transporters and explains how they can help Patient Transporters advance their career.

What are Patient Transporter Certifications?

Patient transporter certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and experience in safely transporting patients to and from medical appointments. Patient transporters are responsible for assisting patients with mobility issues, ensuring their safety and comfort, and providing them with assistance when necessary. The certification program typically involves a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training in the proper techniques for patient transportation. Upon successfully completing the program, individuals will be able to demonstrate competency in properly handling patients and equipment, as well as understanding the legal requirements associated with patient transport.

By obtaining patient transporter certification, individuals will demonstrate their commitment to patient safety and quality of care. It also serves as a valuable resource for employers looking to hire qualified staff members who have the necessary skills to provide safe and efficient transportation services. In addition, it can help individuals stand out among other applicants by showing employers that they possess the qualifications needed to perform this important job. Finally, by obtaining certification, individuals may be eligible for higher salaries or more career advancement opportunities within the healthcare field.

Pro Tip: When considering patient transporter certification, be sure to research the various certifications available and which one is most suitable for your job role. Additionally, ensure that the certification you choose meets any required standards of your employer or local regulations. Finally, take advantage of online learning resources for patient transporter certification to gain the necessary knowledge and skills needed for success in the role.

Related: What does a Patient Transporter do?

Top 11 Patient Transporter Certifications

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

1. Certified Patient Transporter (CPT)

Certified Patient Transporter (CPT) is a certification program designed to train and certify individuals in the safe and efficient transport of patients. The CPT certification is administered by the National Association for Healthcare Transport Management (NAHCTM).

The CPT program consists of four modules: Patient Safety, Medical Terminology, Transport Equipment, and Professionalism & Ethics. Each module contains an online assessment that must be completed before receiving a certificate of completion. The entire program takes approximately 8 hours to complete.

To get certified, applicants must first register with NAHCTM and pay the registration fee. After registering, applicants can access the online course materials and assessments. Once all four modules are completed, applicants will receive their CPT certificate via email within two weeks of completing their assessments.

The cost to become a Certified Patient Transporter is $150 USD. This fee covers all four modules as well as the certificate of completion.

2. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and other long-term care facilities. CNAs help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and other personal hygiene tasks. They also help with medical tasks such as taking vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with mobility.

To become a CNA usually requires completing an approved training program. Most programs take between 4-12 weeks to complete depending on the state and type of program. Some states may require additional tests or certifications beyond the CNA certification itself.

The cost of becoming a CNA varies based on the type of program you choose. Typically, most programs range from $500-$2,000 for tuition and books. In addition to tuition costs there may be additional fees for registration or testing that are required by your state.

Once you have completed your training program and passed any required tests or certifications, you will receive your CNA certification which is valid for two years in most states. After two years you must renew your certification before it expires in order to continue working as a CNA.

3. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is a healthcare professional who provides emergency medical services to patients in need of urgent medical care. EMTs are trained to assess and manage medical emergencies, provide basic life support, and transport patients to a hospital or other medical facility.

The length of time it takes to become an EMT varies by state, but typically ranges from 6-12 months. The training includes classroom instruction, hands-on skills training, and clinical experience. Most states require that EMTs complete a certification exam before they can practice as an EMT.

To become an EMT, you must first complete the necessary education and training requirements for your state. You can find information about these requirements on your state's department of health website or by contacting your local EMS agency. After completing the required coursework, you will need to pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam in order to receive certification as an EMT.

The cost of becoming an EMT varies depending on the type of program you choose and where you live. Generally speaking, the cost of tuition for a basic EMT program ranges from $1,000-$2,000; however, some programs may be more expensive depending on their location and length of study. Additionally, there may be additional fees for books and supplies that are not included in the tuition cost.

4. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is a professional who has been trained and certified to provide administrative and clinical support to medical professionals. CMAs are responsible for taking patient histories, preparing patients for examinations, assisting physicians during exams, providing patient education, handling laboratory specimens, scheduling appointments, and managing medical records.

It typically takes between 9-12 months of study in an accredited program to become a CMA. The curriculum includes courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, medical law and ethics, pharmacology, clinical procedures such as phlebotomy and injections, and administrative tasks such as coding and billing. After completing the program requirements, students must pass a national certification exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

The cost of becoming a CMA varies depending on the institution or program chosen. Generally speaking it can range from $2,000-$7000 for tuition fees plus additional costs for books and other materials.

Once certified as a CMA you will need to maintain your certification through continuing education credits every five years. This ensures that you stay up to date on the latest developments in healthcare technology and practices.

5. Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT)

Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) is a certification for healthcare professionals who provide direct patient care in a variety of settings. CPCTs are responsible for providing basic nursing care and assisting with medical procedures, such as taking vital signs, administering medications, and providing bedside care.

The certification process requires completion of an approved training program and passing a certification exam. Training programs can range from 6 to 12 months in length depending on the type of program chosen. Programs may include classroom instruction or online coursework, clinical practice, and/or hands-on experience.

To get certified as a CPCT, you must first complete an approved training program that meets the standards set by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Once you have completed your training program, you must then pass the CPCT exam administered by NHA to become certified. The cost of the exam varies depending on which state you live in but typically ranges from $150-$200.

6. Certified Medical Transport Professional (CMTP)

Certified Medical Transport Professional (CMTP) is a certification program that provides medical professionals with the knowledge and skills to safely and effectively transport patients. The CMTP certification is offered by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) and is designed for healthcare providers who provide patient transport in any setting, including ground, air, or water.

The CMTP certification requires applicants to complete an online application and successfully pass a two-hour written exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient assessment, safety considerations, legal issues, communication, and medical terminology. Applicants must also have at least one year of experience in patient transport or related field prior to taking the exam.

The cost for the CMTP certification is $150 USD and there is an additional fee for retaking the exam if necessary. It typically takes about four weeks for applicants to receive their results after submitting their application and taking the exam.

Once certified as a CMTP, individuals will be able to demonstrate their expertise in providing safe and effective patient transport services. This can lead to increased job opportunities in the healthcare industry as well as higher salaries due to their specialized training.

7. Certified Ambulance Driver and Attendant (CADA)

Certified Ambulance Driver and Attendant (CADA) is a certification program designed to ensure that ambulance drivers and attendants have the necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities to safely transport patients in an emergency situation. The program is administered by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT). It requires successful completion of a written examination, an in-person skills evaluation, and a background check.

The CADA certification process typically takes four to six weeks from start to finish. To begin the process, applicants must complete an application form on the NAEMT website and submit it along with payment for the exam fee. Once approved, applicants will receive instructions on how to register for the written examination. After passing the written examination, applicants must complete an in-person skills evaluation with a certified instructor at an approved training facility. Finally, applicants must pass a background check before they are issued their CADA certification card.

The cost of obtaining CADA certification varies depending on where you take your courses and examinations. Generally speaking, the total cost ranges from $150-$400 USD.

8. National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) Certification

The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) Certification is a nationally recognized certification program for emergency medical technicians (EMTs). It is designed to ensure that EMTs have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality care in the pre-hospital setting. The NAEMT Certification is valid for four years and can be renewed by taking an approved continuing education course.

To get certified, applicants must first complete an approved EMT training program and pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician’s (NREMT) cognitive exam. After passing the NREMT exam, applicants must then take and pass the NAEMT practical exam. Once both exams are successfully completed, applicants will receive their NAEMT Certification.

The cost of obtaining a NAEMT Certification varies depending on the state in which you are applying. Generally, costs range from $150-$200 for initial certification and $50-$100 for renewal.

9. American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers

American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers is a certification program designed to teach healthcare professionals the skills necessary to recognize and respond to life-threatening emergencies. The course covers CPR, AED use, and relief of choking in adults, children, and infants. It also includes instruction on how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

The BLS for Healthcare Providers course typically takes about 4 hours to complete. It can be taken online or in a classroom setting. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider and location but generally ranges from $50-$100 per person.

In order to get certified, you must attend a BLS for Healthcare Providers course taught by an American Heart Association-certified instructor and pass the written exam at the end of the class with a score of 84% or higher. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive your certification card which is valid for two years from the date of issue.

10. Occupational Safety and Health Administration Bloodborne Pathogens Training

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogens Training is a program designed to educate employers and employees on the risks associated with exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). This training is required for any employee who may come into contact with these materials while performing their job duties. The training covers topics such as how to identify potential hazards, how to protect oneself from exposure, and what to do if exposed. It also provides information on the legal requirements for employers regarding bloodborne pathogens.

The length of time it takes to complete OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Training depends on the type of training one chooses. Online courses typically take between two and four hours, while in-person classes can last up to eight hours. For those who need more comprehensive training, there are also multi-day courses available.

To get OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Training, individuals can take an online course or attend an in-person class offered by a certified provider. There are many providers offering this type of training, so it is important to research them before signing up for a course.

The cost of OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Training varies depending on the provider and the type of course chosen. Online courses usually range from $50 - $100 per person, while in-person classes can be more expensive depending on the length of time and number of people attending.

11. OSHA Hazardous Materials Training

OSHA Hazardous Materials Training is a training program designed to help employers and employees understand the proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials. This training is required by OSHA for any employee who works with or around hazardous materials. The training typically covers topics such as identifying hazardous materials, understanding labeling systems, responding to spills, and using personal protective equipment.

The length of the training depends on the type of hazardous material being handled. For example, a general awareness course can take up to four hours while more specialized courses may take up to 40 hours.

There are various ways to get OSHA Hazardous Materials Training. Employers can choose to have an in-house trainer provide the course or they can hire an outside consultant or instructor. Additionally, many online courses are available that provide both general awareness and specialized courses.

The cost of OSHA Hazardous Materials Training varies depending on the type of course chosen and who provides it. Generally speaking, online courses range from $50-$200 per person while in-person classes can range from $100-$500 per person depending on the duration of the course and other factors.

Do You Really Need a Patient Transporter Certificate?

No, you do not need a patient transporter certificate to work as a patient transporter. However, having one may give you an advantage in the job market and demonstrate your commitment to providing safe and effective care.

Patient transportation is a critical part of healthcare delivery. It involves safely and securely transporting patients from one place to another while ensuring that they remain comfortable and safe throughout the process. A patient transporter certificate can demonstrate that you have received training on how to properly move and handle patients, as well as how to use equipment such as wheelchairs, lifts, stretchers and other devices in order to transport patients safely.

Having a patient transporter certificate may also help you stand out among other applicants for similar positions. Employers may view it as evidence that you are knowledgeable about the job duties associated with being a patient transporter, which could result in better job opportunities or higher pay rates. Furthermore, if you already have experience working as a patient transporter but do not have a certificate, employers may be more likely to hire you if they know that you are qualified and have taken the time to get certified.

Overall, while having a patient transporter certificate is not essential for working in this field, it can be beneficial both personally and professionally. It can provide evidence of your knowledge and skills related to transporting patients safely and securely, which could help improve your chances of getting hired or advancing within the field of healthcare.

Related: Patient Transporter Resume Examples

FAQs About Patient Transporter Certifications

1. What is a Patient Transporter Certification?

Answer: A Patient Transporter Certification is a certification that demonstrates the skills and knowledge required to safely transport patients in a healthcare facility. It includes training on how to properly use medical transport equipment, such as wheelchairs and stretchers, as well as proper patient handling techniques.

2. How do I become certified as a Patient Transporter?

Answer: To become certified as a Patient Transporter, you must complete an approved training program and pass an exam. You may also need to have certain certifications or experience in the healthcare field, depending on the state or employer's requirements.

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Patient Transporter?

Answer: The benefits of becoming certified as a Patient Transporter include job security, increased pay, and greater respect from employers and peers. Certified transporters also provide better care for patients due to their higher level of knowledge and skill when it comes to patient handling and transportation safety.

4. Where can I find approved training programs for Patient Transport Certifications?

Answer: Approved training programs for Patient Transport Certifications can be found through various organizations such as hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, ambulatory services, community colleges, continuing education departments at universities and more. Some programs may also be available online or through private companies offering certification courses.

5. How long does it take to get my certification after completing the training program?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get your certification after completing the training program will depend on the organization offering it, but typically you should receive your certification within 4-6 weeks after completing all requirements successfully.