National Certified Patient Care Technician (NCPCT)
Credential: National Certified Patient Care Technician (NCPCT)
Credentialing Agency: National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
Renewal Period: 1 year
The NCCT National Patient Care Technician (NCPCT) is an entry-level certification. NCPCTs possess the knowledge necessary to perform duties and tasks necessary for providing health care to patients. The Patient Care Technician's role varies across States but often they are responsible for assisting physicians, nurses, and other support staff in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, or nursing homes. The PCTs must possess knowledge and skills in the areas of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology. They assist with activities of daily living, collect and take vital signs, have knowledge of medical law and ethics, support infection control, perform tasks involved in phlebotomy and electrocardiography. NCCT requires that candidates meet educational and other requirements.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
National Certified Patient Care Technician (NCPCT)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience: 1 year
- Education: High School Diploma/GED
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY
Renewal Period: 1 year
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
7007 College Blvd
Overland Park, KS 66211
Phone: (800) 875-4404
Fax: (913) 498-1243
Contact Page
Education REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must be high school graduates or have the equivalent education.
Education/Training and/or Experience REQUIREMENTS
Route 1A: Candidates must be students in a Patient Care Technician program from an NCCT (authorized) school, or
Route 1B: Candidates must be graduates from a Patient Care Technician program from an NCCT (authorized) school within the past five years.
Candidates must have one (1) year of verifiable full-time experience as Patient Care Technician practitioners within the past five years.
Route 3:Candidates must be military veterans (active duty included) who have completed Patient Care Technician training or its equivalent during US military service within the past five years.
Other REQUIREMENTS
The National Certified Patient Care Technician (NCPCT) credential has the following other requirements:
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Candidates must submit the following–
Route 1A:
- Copy of the certification discipline diploma, certificate of completion, or transcript noting successful completion date; and
- All required documentation within two (2) years of program completion.
Route 1B:
- Copy of the certification discipline's diploma, certificate of completion, or transcript with an official graduation date.
Route 2:
- Copy of the official high school diploma (or equivalent); and
- Completed Patient Care Technician Certification Qualification by Experience form.
Route 3:
- Copy of a Joint Services Transcript (JST), Sailor Marine Corps American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART), American Council on Education Registry Transcript System (AARTS), Coast Guard Institute (CGI), Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript, or
- DD214 indicating successful completion of a formal medical services training program by the United States Armed Forces. Documents must relate to the discipline in which the candidate is testing.
Written Exam
- Professional Responsibilities
- Safety and Infection Control
- Direct Patient Care
- Phlebotomy
- ECG
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the National Certified Patient Care Technician (NCPCT) examination:
RECERTIFICATION
National Certified Patient Care Technician (NCPCT)
Renewal Period: 1 year