NCPCT (NCCT) - National Certified Patient Care Technician

The National Certified Patient Care Technician (NCPCT) certification is designed for healthcare professionals who assist doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in providing direct patient care. This certification indicates a high level of skill and knowledge in areas such as basic patient care, EKG administration, and phlebotomy.

Completion Time: 3 hours

Eligibility and Certification Requirements

• Completion of a patient care technician program or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Successful completion of clinical hours or externship, as required by the certifying organization.

• Passing the NCPCT certification examination with a score of 70% or greater.

Exam Format

The NCPCT exam typically consists of 125 multiple-choice questions (plus 25 unscored questions) covering areas such as basic patient care, EKG, phlebotomy, safety and compliance, and patient communication.

Certification Process

Apply for the NCPCT certification through a certifying organization like NHA or AECA.

Pass the NCPCT certification examination.

NCPCT certification generally requires renewal every year.

Renewal involves completing continuing education credits in relevant healthcare topics and paying a recertification fee.

Continuing education for NCPCTs may include advanced patient care techniques, updates in healthcare technology and policies, and specialized care areas like geriatrics or pediatrics.

For specific information regarding National Certified Patient Care Technician certification, including eligibility criteria, examination details, approved educational programs, and renewal processes, it is recommended to consult directly with recognized certifying organizations such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or the American Education Certification Association (AECA). These organizations provide comprehensive resources and standards for patient care technicians seeking certification.

Career Opportunities

National Certified Patient Care Technicians work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare.

Duties include monitoring vital signs, assisting with medical procedures, performing EKGs and phlebotomy, and providing basic patient care.

The NCCT also offers the following certifications:

• National Certified ECG Technician (NCET)

• National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)

• National Certified Medical Office Assistant (NCMOA)

• National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT)

• National Certified Insurance & Coding Specialist (NCICS)

• Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C)

Other related certifications include the AMT Patient Care Technician (PCT).