What Is a Patient Care Technician?
Patient Care Technicians, or PCTs, are indispensable in assisting doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals with essential day-to-day patient care.
Their responsibilities range from basic patient care, like bathing and feeding, to more specialized tasks, such as obtaining EKG readings, performing phlebotomy procedures and providing crucial emotional support to patients and their families.
What Is the Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) Exam?
The patient care technician exam is a professional certification test designed for individuals aspiring to work in healthcare as patient care technicians.
This is administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). It assesses the candidate’s knowledge and skills in various aspects of patient care, including:
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Medical terminology
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Basic patient care responsibilities
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Safety checks
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EKG readings
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Phlebotomy procedures
NHA CPCT Exam Requirements & Eligibility
To be eligible for the patient care certification test, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and be at least 18 years old.
In addition, you must either:
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Complete a patient care technician training or education program within the last 5 years plus complete 1 year of supervised work experience in a patient care technician field within the last 3 years, or;
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Complete 2 years of supervised work experience in a patient care technician field within the last 5 years.
CPCT Exam Sections and Content
The Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, including 20 pretest questions. Candidates are allotted a time limit of 2 hours to complete the patient care tech exam .
To pass, you’ll need to score at least a 390 (on a scale of 200-500). According to the NHA, the estimated pass rate for the exam is 71.2%.
The CPCT exam covers five domains of topics essential for patient care technicians:
- Patient Care – 45%
- Compliance, Safety, and Professional Responsibility – 20%
- Infection Control – 11%
- Phlebotomy – 14%
- EKG – 10%
Each domain of the patient care tech exam focuses on critical aspects of patient care and requires specific technical knowledge and practical skills essential for patient care technicians.
Here’s a structured breakdown of the Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) exam domains, including example tasks and knowledge statements for each. (You can see the full list of CPCT exam sections here).
Domain 1: Patient Care
This domain requires you to understand tasks, such as:
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Basic patient care (e.g., bathing, bed-making, assisting with daily activities)
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Emotional support
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Setting up equipment
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Care for feeding tube patients
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Adapting care for patients with functional limitations
You’ll also need to demonstrate knowledge of topics like:
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Body mechanics
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Patient bathing techniques
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Types of patient beds
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Therapeutic communication
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Structure and function of body systems
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Common disease processes
Domain 2: Compliance, Safety, and Professional Responsibility
This domain requires you to understand tasks, such as:
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Identifying and reporting abuse
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Following OSHA guidelines
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Responding to emergencies
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Following patient safety guidelines
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Using medical supplies and equipment safely
You’ll also need to demonstrate knowledge of topics like:
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Types of abuse
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Workplace safety resources and regulations
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Patient safety goals
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HIPAA regulations
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Medical ethics
Domain 3: Infection Control
This domain requires you to understand tasks, such as:
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Using standard and transmission-based precautions
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Disinfecting equipment
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Disposing of biohazardous materials
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Performing aseptic and sterile techniques.
You’ll also need to demonstrate knowledge of topics like:
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Health care-associated infections
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Use of personal protective equipment
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The chain of infection
Domain 4: Phlebotomy
This domain requires you to understand tasks, such as:
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Performing capillary and venipuncture
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Collecting non blood specimens
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Handling and transporting blood samples
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Identifying and responding to adverse reactions during collection.
You’ll also need to demonstrate knowledge of topics like:
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Vascular system
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Order of draw
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Site selection
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Specimen collection and transportation standards
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Preanalytical errors
Domain 5: EKG
This domain requires you to understand tasks, such as:
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Preparing patients for EKG
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Applying electrodes
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Identifying cardiopulmonary compromise
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Resolving EKG tracing artifacts
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Recognizing and reporting dysrhythmias.
You’ll also need to demonstrate knowledge of topics like:
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Basic functions of an EKG machine
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Electrode placement
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Cardiac conduction system
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Basic life support
How To Register For the CPCT Exam
Registration for the CPCT exam can be done through the NHA’s official website. Candidates can take the exam either at their school, at a PSI testing center near them, or through live remote proctoring at a location of their choice.
The exam cost is $160 to non-MedCerts students, while registered MedCerts students don’t have to pay the fee (it’s included in the cost of tuition).
For online exams, the results are officially posted to the candidate’s NHA account page within two days of scoring the test .
Set Yourself Up For Success: Online CPCT Exam Course
Enrolling in an online CPCT exam course, such as the one offered by MedCerts, can significantly enhance your chances of passing the exam.
MedCerts provides comprehensive training in all relevant areas, utilizing interactive and engaging learning methods to ensure a thorough understanding of the material.
Interactive Learning Methods
MedCerts’ online CPCT exam course employs interactive and engaging learning techniques. This approach ensures students learn the material and understand how to apply it in real-world scenarios.
Flexible Payment Options
MedCerts offers flexible payment plans. These include options to pay in full, installment plans and access to government grant funding, thus making the course accessible to all. Plus, MedCerts is more affordable than many traditional programs.
Post-Program Career Assistance
MedCerts goes beyond just training for the exam. They provide extensive post-program support, including access to a Career Center and Career Coaches for a year. This ongoing support is invaluable in navigating the competitive job market.
CPCT Exam Frequently Asked Questions
What is the passing score for the NHA CPCT exam?
The NHA requires a scaled score of 390 or higher to pass the CPCT exam.
How long is the NHA CPCT exam?
The exam itself has a duration of 2 hours and consists of 100 multiple choice questions, including 20 pretest items .
What happens if you fail the NHA CPCT exam?
If you happen to fail the NHA CPCT exam, don’t be discouraged. You have the opportunity to re-apply and sit for the exam again after a 30-day waiting period. It’s important to note that you need to pay for each attempt at the exam, so it’s advisable to use this time to adequately prepare for your next attempt .
What is a typical CPCT salary?
Patient Care Technician – $30,900 – $52,000
A Patient Care Technician assists physicians and nurses by providing both basic and advanced clinical duties in a healthcare setting. This may include a range of tasks – from measuring vital signs and collecting samples for testing to administering medications.
Home Health Aide – $21,000 – $34,000
Home Health Aides assist individuals who are disabled, elderly, or chronically ill, typically in the patients’ own homes. Their primary role is to help these individuals with daily living tasks that they may struggle with due to their conditions.
Personal Care Aide – $24,000 – $67,000
A Personal Care Aide provides care and assistance to adults, particularly the elderly and those with disabilities, in their own homes or in residential care facilities. Their role is focused on helping clients with their daily personal tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
Start A Rewarding Career As A Patient Care Technician Today
Pursuing a career as a Patient Care Technician by taking the CPCT exam is a step towards a rewarding and fulfilling role in the healthcare sector. This certification opens doors to various healthcare settings, where technicians play a crucial role in patient care and support.
