Patient Care Technician Certification Elmhurst, New York

Patient Care Training

The first step to your career as a Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) is to enroll in a training school. Elmhurst, New York​ is home to many state qualified patient care training programs that will prepare students for a patient care technician career. A patient care training program is generally compiled of 40-80 in class hours and 20-40 clinical hours that will take place of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute allied with the program. In Elmhurst​, the typical class will have 10-30 students.

Questions For Programs in Elmhurst

When choosing a patient care training program, it’s important to be thorough and well-prepared. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not each of them provide the critical training and practical experience opportunities needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs do not offer 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 eligibility 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 professional standards. Accreditation is formal recognition granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of education, 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 quality expectations.

After finishing a patient care training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often misinterpreted. This document does not make you “certified”. It simply confirms that you’ve completed training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with zero experience.

To become certified, students must pass an exam from a recognized agency such as National Performance Specialists (NPS). NPS helps define national standards, develops the certification exams, and maintains a registry of certified professionals.

Certification must be renewed every two years, and completing continuing education is a mandatory requirement for renewal if the a certification holder does not wish to take an additional exam. This ensures that certified patient care technicians remain current with the latest regulations, procedures, and regulations. Most certifying agencies provide clear guidelines on the number and type of continuing education hours required, making it simple for professionals to maintain their credentials.

Ask the following questions:

1. Is the patient care training program approved by the state?
2. How many hours is the patient care training program?
3. Where are the clinical hours of the program completed?
4. Does the patient care training program include the certification exam?
5. What agency do students take the exam with?

If you are planning to attend a patient care training program and would like an NPS adviser to double check that the program is legit, contact us today.

The general requirements to attend a patient care training school include the following:

• High school diploma or GED (official transcript or diploma copy)
• Recent physical exam (within 12 months) documenting fitness for clinical duties
• Up-to-date immunizations
• Annual flu vaccine (if in season)
• Two-step PPD skin test or Quantiferon TB Gold within the past year
• Current BLS for Healthcare Providers or Red Cross equivalent – some training courses may provide this.

Upon successful completion of a patient care training program, you will earn a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you ‘Certified’. This is a extremely common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of your completion of a patient care training school and is required to sit for the national certification examination for individuals who have no experience in the field.

The prerequisites to take the certification exam with most agencies include the following:

• Completion of a patient care technician program or 1 year of on the job experience in the past 3 years
• 10 successful capillary sticks
• 30 successful venipunctures
• 10 live EKG administrations

Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT).

Preparing to take the Certification Exam

Once you have registered for the credentialing exam, take advantage of a variety of prep tools to enhance your readiness. Many certification agencies offer resources such as comprehensive study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When evaluating prep tools, look for materials that reflect the exam’s content outline and focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Consider creating a study schedule that incorporates daily review, targeted practice in weaker areas, and regular use of full-length practice exams to mirror the real test environment. This approach will help increase your confidence and ensure you’re thoroughly prepared for exam day.

In addition, mock exams are highly beneficial for replicating the real test environment and spotting areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer unlimited practice exams, while others up sell practice attempts.

After you have passed the certification exam, your credentials are hurriedly inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your certification is stored in your account. Your digital copy, side by side your NPS transcripts, should be downloaded and printed for use as proof of certification.

Starting Your Medical Career in Patient Care

Now that you’re a Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT), you’re ready to start your medical career in Elmhurst, New York. Training in 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 expanded healthcare services, a rise in senior patients, and increased diagnostic testing. This rising demand supports a steady job market, making patient care a stable and attractive career choice.

Patient Care Technicians typically work a standard 40-hour week and earn an average annual salary of approximately $38,000, though wages can fluctuate depending on geography and experience. With increasing prospects and a fast-track training period, patient care is a efficient way to begin a fulfilling healthcare career.

Patient Care job duties include:

• Obtaining and recording vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respiration, temperature)
• Assisting patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming, and feeding
• Collecting and processing clinical specimens (e.g., venipuncture for blood draws, urine collections)
• Performing basic diagnostic procedures like electrocardiograms (EKGs) and point-of-care glucose testing
• Operating and maintaining patient care equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, stretchers, monitoring devices)
• Providing wound care support under nurse supervision, including dressing changes and monitoring for signs of infection
• Assisting with patient mobility and transfers, including ambulation, lifting, and range-of-motion exercises
• Accurately documenting patient observations and interventions in the medical record and reporting any changes to the nursing staff
• Responding to patient call lights and providing timely comfort measures (e.g., repositioning, bed linens, water)
• Maintaining a clean, safe environment through basic infection-control practices and restocking supplies

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.

Renewing Your Certification

Certified Patient Care Technicians will need to renew their CPCT Certification after two years. A Patient Care Technician should start the process at least 30 days prior to the week their credentials expires. This will allow the patient care technician satisfactory time to review their continuing education hours and take their renewal assessment. You will not have to go register to a training program 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 next two year time period is $200.00. Renewing ensures your employer that you are dedicated to updating your knowledge in the patient care field.

If your certification expires, many certifying agencies offer ways to restore your certification. The process typically involves finishing any outstanding continuing education requirements, submitting a renewal application, and covering a reinstatement fee. It’s important to check with your certifying body for specific procedures and deadlines to restore your active status.

Click to learn more about Renewing You CPCT Certification.

Certified Patient Care Instructor In Elmhurst, New York​

A Certified Patient Care Technician Instructor (CPCTI) is a highly competent patient care technician with greater than 5 years of experience in the field. Patient Care Technician Instructors can instruct for or own their own school. They’re responsible for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the guidance provided by their curriculum. Every class in Elmhurst, New York should tell their students with the instructors background and credentials.