Patient Care Technicians play a key role in the medical field. Patient Care Technicians draw blood and perform EKGs, monitor vital signs, and assist with patients’ daily needs — ensuring both accurate diagnostics and compassionate support.
Training is one way to qualify for certification, but it is not the only option. Depending on your background and the certification you are pursuing, you may also qualify through an employer-based program, military medical training, or relevant work experience. Some certifications may require additional hands-on experience or documentation.
Not sure which pathway applies to you? An NPS Advisor can help you understand your options and next steps.
Eligibility requirements vary by certification. State, employer, and facility requirements may also apply. NPS provides certification testing and credential issuance. NPS does not provide or supervise the independent training programs listed on this page. Certification does not guarantee employment, licensure, or employer acceptance. Read the NPS Candidate Handbook
The first step to your career as a Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) is to enroll in a training class. Bethesda, Maryland is home to many state credited patient care training programs that will prepare students for a patient care technician career. A patient care training program is generally a total of 40-80 in class hours and 20-40 clinical hours that will take place outside of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute joined with the program. In Bethesda, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When choosing a patient care training program, it’s important to be methodical and informed. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not every one of them provide the essential training and clinical resources needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs fail to provide clinical hours, which are required for gaining hands-on experience drawing blood in a real lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the required requirements for national certification — even if you finish the course.
One of the most crucial factors to consider when evaluating a program is its recognized standing and adherence to industry guidelines. Program accreditation is a quality assurance granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of curriculum, hands-on training, and educational rigor. In patient care, attending an accredited training program ensures that you receive comprehensive education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare industry standards.
After completing a patient care training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often misunderstood. This document does not make you “certified”. It simply confirms that you’ve finished training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with limited experience.
To become certified, students must pass an exam from a recognized agency such as National Performance Specialists (NPS). NPS helps set national standards, develops the certification exams, and maintains a registry of certified professionals.
Certification must be maintained every two years, and completing continuing education is a key requirement for renewal if the a certification holder does not wish to take an additional exam. This ensures that certified patient care technicians remain up to date with the latest industry standards, techniques, and guidelines. Most certifying agencies provide straightforward guidelines on the number and type of continuing education hours required, making it easy for professionals to maintain their credentials.
If you are planning to attend a patient care training program and would like an NPS advisor to double check that the program is legit, contact us today.
Upon your successful completion of a patient care training program, you will get a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you ‘Certified’. This is a very common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of successful completion of a patient care training course and is required to register for the national certification test for individuals possessing no experience in the field.
NPS is not a school or training program. NPS is an examination provider and national certification agency.
Receive your NPS national certification, with online verification available within one hour of passing the exam.
Meet the baseline requirements, then follow an eligibility pathway that applies to you.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Under 18? An age waiver may be required.
EDUCATION / PROGRAM
A qualifying education, employer, apprenticeship, or military training pathway may meet eligibility requirements.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Qualifying supervised work experience in the field may meet the experience pathway.
1 Yr In Last 3 Yrs
2 Yrs In Last 5 Yrs
FUTURE EXPERIENCE
Where permitted by the applicable NPS pathway, required hands-on experience may be completed within the allowed 180-day window.
180-Day Window
To become certified, a patient care technician must have their competency put to the test by a third-party certification agency, like NPS. Once certified, a patient care technician must renew their certification once every two years by completing Continuing Education. Continuing education can take many forms, such as on-the-job workshops, online courses, webinars, or specialized training modules. These programs often focus on the latest best practices, safety protocols, and technological advancements in patient care. Many professional organizations and certification agencies provide regularly updated continuing education resources to help patient care technicians enhance and advance their skills.
There are many certification agencies that patient care technicians can choose to become certified with, but selecting the best one can significantly impact your career.
Earning patient care technician certification not only proves your competency and commitment to high standards, but also creates opportunities for ongoing professional development. By regularly completing continuing education and professional growth opportunities, patient care technicians can strengthen their capabilities, build their professional network, and position themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers require certified candidates, making certification an important step toward becoming a standout applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $225.00 and includes an all-inclusive study guide, unlimited practice exams, three final certification exam attempts, a professional resume revision, and job placement assistance. The entire process can be completed 100% online through the NPS learning management system, and is mobile friendly, allowing you to prepare with flexibility and from the ease of home. Be sure to check whether your certifying agency provides free resources or if there are extra fees for premium materials.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT).
Once you have registered to sit for the certification exam, make use of a broad selection of prep tools to enhance your readiness. Many certification agencies offer resources such as detailed study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When selecting prep tools, look for materials that closely align with the exam’s content outline and focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Consider creating a study schedule that incorporates consistent study sessions, targeted practice in challenging topics, and regular use of complete practice exams to mirror the real test environment. This approach will help increase your confidence and ensure you’re well prepared for exam day.
In addition, practice exams are extremely useful for replicating the real test environment and identifying areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer unlimited practice exams, while others charge extra for practice attempts.
After you have passed the final exam, your credentials are hastily inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your official certification is available in your account. Your digital copy, paired with your NPS transcripts, should be downloaded and printed for use as proof of certification.
*NPS study materials and practice exams are included as optional preparation resources. Candidates are not required to access or complete them before taking the certification examination. After completing identity verification and receiving application approval, eligible candidates may proceed directly to the exam. Use of preparation resources does not guarantee a passing score or certification.
Now that you’re a Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT), you’re ready to begin your medical career in Bethesda, Maryland. The field of patient care is a solid entry point into the medical industry, commonly pursued by aspiring nurses, nurse aides, medical assistants, and medical laboratory technicians. Certified Patient Care Technicians are in great demand across the healthcare industry due to increased access to healthcare, a rise in senior patients, and increased diagnostic testing. This rising demand contributes to a positive employment outlook, making patient care a reliable and appealing career choice.
Patient Care Technicians typically are scheduled for a standard 40-hour week and earn an average annual salary of approximately $38,000, though wages can fluctuate depending on location and experience. With growing opportunities and a fast-track training period, patient care is a smart way to begin a rewarding healthcare career.
NPS works with multiple staffing agencies to help our members find a career in the patient care field. Click here for more information on CPCT job placement assistance by NPS.
Certified Patient Care Technicians will need to renew their CPCT Certification after two years. A Patient Care Technician should begin the process at least 30 days prior to the week their certification expires. This will allow the patient care technician ample time to attend their continuing education hours and attempt their renewal assessment. You will not have to go register to a school or attend a class to renew your certification.
The renewal process can be completed from start to finish online in the NPS learning management system. The cost to renew your certification for the new two year period is $225.00. Renewing ensures your employer that you are dedicated to updating your knowledge in the patient care field.
If your certification becomes inactive, many certifying agencies offer reinstatement options. The process typically involves finishing any outstanding continuing education requirements, submitting a renewal application, and covering a reinstatement fee. It’s important to confirm with your certifying body for specific steps and deadlines to restore your active status.
Click to learn more about Renewing You CPCT Certification.
A Certified Patient Care Technician Instructor (CPCTI) is a highly adept patient care technician with more than 5 years of experience in the field. Patient Care Technician Instructors can teach for or own their own school. They’re needed for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the guidance provided by their curriculum. Every class in Bethesda, Maryland should provide students with the instructors background and credentials.
If a patient care technician meets the requirements and wishes to become a Certified Patient Care Technician Instructor (CPCTI) they can finalize the entire process online. If you would prefer to speak with someone regarding the process, contact us today.
Click to learn more about becoming a Patient Care Technician Instructor (CPCTI).
National Performance Specialists is also partnered with the American Red Cross to provide job placement assistance to NPS Members and to assist the American Red Cross in recruiting quality candidates across the United States.
All NPS certification programs are proudly listed within the Certification Finder by CareerOneStop. CareerOneStop is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration and is a proud partner of the AmericanJobCenter network.
