ABOUT:
The Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A)® training program equips allied healthcare professionals with the skills needed to assist in the critical day-to-day care of patients. CPCT/As work closely with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide direct patient care, including tasks such as bathing, feeding, catheter care, EKG readings, phlebotomy procedures, and providing emotional support to patients and their families.
CERTIFICATION BODY:
- Certifying Agency: National Healthcareer Association (NHA®)
- Credential Type: National Certification
- Accreditation: NCCA Accredited
LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
Patient Care Skills:
- Assist with daily activities, mobility, and ambulation.
- Monitor and record vital signs.
- Perform wound care and dressing changes.
Communication and Emotional Support:
- Communicate effectively with patients and families.
- Provide emotional support, especially during end-of-life care.
Compliance, Safety, and Professional Responsibility:
- Follow OSHA guidelines and Joint Commission safety protocols.
- Adhere to HIPAA regulations and ethical standards.
Infection Control Practices:
- Apply standard precautions and perform aseptic techniques.
Phlebotomy Skills:
- Perform venipuncture and capillary punctures.
- Handle and transport specimens correctly.
EKG Monitoring:
- Prepare patients for EKGs and recognize abnormalities.
- Maintain EKG equipment.
Professional Development:
- Enhance critical thinking and decision-making.
- Prepare for the CPCT/A certification exam.
EXAM INFORMATION:
- Duration: 1 hour and 50 minutes
- Number of Questions: 100 scored questions and 10 pretest (unscored) questions
RECERTIFICATION:
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years
- Requirements: Earn 10 continuing education units (CEUs)
For More Information
Curriculum
- 5 Sections
- 21 Lessons
- 40 Hours
Expand all sectionsCollapse all sections
- PATIENT CARE8
- 1.1Basic Care: Assist with daily living activities like bathing, feeding, and dressing patients.
- 1.2Vital Signs: Measure and record vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, and pulse.
- 1.3Mobility Assistance: Help patients with ambulation and transfers, including the use of mobility aids.
- 1.4Skin Care: Provide skin care and recognize any changes in skin integrity.
- 1.5Wound Care: Assist in dressing changes and report signs of infection.
- 1.6EKG Monitoring: Obtain EKG readings and recognize abnormal heart rhythms.
- 1.7Phlebotomy: Perform venipuncture and capillary punctures to collect blood samples.
- 1.8Catheter Care: Provide care for patients with catheters and manage intake/output records.
- COMPLIANCE, SAFETY, AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY4
- 2.1Regulations and Ethics: Adhere to OSHA guidelines, HIPAA regulations, and the Patient’s Bill of Rights.
- 2.2Patient Identification: Follow protocols to accurately identify patients and prevent errors.
- 2.3Emergency Response: Recognize and respond to emergency situations quickly and effectively.
- 2.4Professional Conduct: Maintain professionalism and communicate effectively with healthcare teams.
- INFECTION CONTROL3
- PHLEBOTOMY3
- 4.1Blood Collection: Perform venipuncture and capillary punctures, ensuring accurate specimen labeling and handling.
- 4.2Nonblood Specimens: Collect, handle, and transport nonblood specimens following proper protocols.
- 4.3Quality Control: Conduct quality checks on phlebotomy equipment and procedures to prevent errors.
- EKG3
- 5.1Patient Preparation: Prepare patients for EKG testing and apply electrodes accurately.
- 5.2EKG Interpretation: Identify and report abnormal EKG readings, including potentially life-threatening arrhythmias.
- 5.3Equipment Maintenance: Ensure EKG machines are functioning correctly and maintain them as needed.
Requirements
- Education: High School Diploma or GED
- Pathway 1: Completion of a training program in the healthcare field within the past 5 years from an accredited or state-recognized institution, or relevant military training.
- Pathway 2: 1 year of supervised work experience as a patient care technician/assistant within the last 3 years, or 2 years within the last 5 years.
Target audiences
- Individuals with a high school diploma or GED who are interested in pursuing a career in patient care.
- Healthcare professionals looking to enhance their skills and gain certification as a Patient Care Technician/Assistant.
- Military personnel with relevant medical training seeking certification in the civilian healthcare sector.