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.
The first step to your career as a Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) is to attend a training program. San Angelo, Texas 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 between 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 San Angelo, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When choosing a patient care training course, it’s important to be methodical and informed. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not 100% of them provide the necessary training and clinical resources needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs do not offer clinical hours, which are vital for gaining practical experience drawing blood in a professional lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the minimum requirements for national certification — even if you finish the course.
One of the most essential factors to consider when evaluating a program is its recognized standing and adherence to professional standards. Program accreditation is an official endorsement 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 proper education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare best practices.
After graduating from a patient care training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often confused. This document does not make you a certified patient care technician. It simply proves that you’ve finished training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with limited experience.
To officially become certified, students must pass an exam from a recognized agency such as National Performance Specialists (NPS). NPS helps establish 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 in compliance with the latest regulations, techniques, and regulations. Most certifying agencies provide straightforward guidelines on the amount and type of continuing education hours required, making it straightforward for professionals to maintain their credentials.
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.
Upon your successful completion of a patient care training school, you will have a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you ‘Certified’. This is a entirely common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of your completion of a patient care training class and is required to register for the national certification examination for individuals who’ve acquired no experience in the field.
To get certified, a patient care technician must have their knowledge put to the test by a third-party credentialing agency, like NPS. Once certified, a patient care technician must update their certification once every two years by completing Continuing Education. Continuing education can be completed in several ways, 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 credentialing bodies and certification agencies provide regularly updated continuing education resources to help patient care technicians maintain and advance their skills.
There are several certification agencies that patient care technicians can choose to become certified with, but selecting the most recognized one can significantly impact your career.
Pursuing patient care technician certification not only proves your skills 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 enhance their capabilities, expand their professional network, and set themselves up for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers require certified candidates, making certification an valuable step toward becoming a strong applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $200.00 and includes an all-inclusive study guide, repeated practice exams, three final certification exam attempts, a professional resume revision, and job placement assistance. The entire process can be completed fully online through the NPS learning management system, and is mobile friendly, allowing you to prepare on your schedule and from the convenience of home. Be sure to verify whether your certifying agency provides complimentary materials or if there are additional costs for upgraded content.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT).
Once you have registered to take the competency exam, utilize a variety of study resources to enhance your readiness. Many certification agencies offer resources such as thorough study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When choosing 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 regular studying, targeted practice in challenging topics, and regular use of simulated practice exams to replicate the real test environment. This approach will help boost your confidence and ensure you’re thoroughly prepared for exam day.
In addition, sample tests are invaluable for simulating the real test environment and pinpointing areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer repeated 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 credentials is made available in your account. Your digital copy, and your NPS transcripts, should be downloaded and printed for use as proof of certification.
Now that you’re a Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT), you’re ready to begin your medical career in San Angelo, Texas. Patient Care is a great starting point into the medical field, 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 the growth of healthcare services, a rise in senior patients, and increased diagnostic testing. This rising demand supports a positive employment outlook, making patient care a reliable and attractive career choice.
Patient Care Technicians typically perform a standard 40-hour week and earn an average annual salary of approximately $38,000, though wages can vary depending on region and experience. With increasing prospects 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 be required to renew their CPCT Certification after two years. A Patient Care Technician should start the process at least 30 days prior to the day their certification expires. This will allow the patient care technician plenty time to attend their continuing education hours and take 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 entirely online in the NPS learning management system. The cost to renew your credentials for the new two year period is $200.00. 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 a path to reinstatement. The process typically involves completing any outstanding continuing education requirements, filing a renewal application, and processing a reinstatement fee. It’s important to check with your certifying body for specific guidelines 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 over 5 years of experience in the field. Patient Care Technician Instructors can work for or own their own school. They’re responsible for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the instruction provided by their curriculum. Every class in San Angelo, Texas should tell their 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 talk 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.
