CPCT

Online Certified Patient Care Technician Course

Start the enrollment process for our 23-week online program that prepares you to attain your CPCT certification.









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2.5 Million
10 year Job Growth
$34,000
AVG. STARTING SALARY1
ISSUING AUTHORITY

Issuing Authority

National Healthcareer Association

National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is one of the nation’s largest allied health certification providers. Since 1989, the NHA has helped thousands of schools across the nation produce better professionals and better program outcomes. Individuals who pass their certification exam will be recognized as Nationally Certified Healthcare professionals and will earn credentials to use with their name, a certification ID card and a certificate. To be eligible to earn an NHA certification, a candidate must possess a high school diploma or the equivalent and be at least 18 years of age.

CPCT

Certification Detail

More and more patients require special care, sometimes around-the-clock and a Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) has a diverse range of knowledge and skills vital to that care. Earning your Patient Care Technician credential and passing the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) PCT exam will set you up for success. 

Disclaimer* Graduates of this program are strongly encouraged to pursue supervised administration of Phlebotomy and EKG tasks required for certification. These are additional requirements after obtaining employment in the field as a prerequisite to gaining certification as a Certified EKG Technician (CET) or a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) and are not included in this program.

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Selecting the Right Training Option

Program Comparisons

MedCerts training programs are some of the most competitively price ways to start a new career.

MedCertsCommunity CollegeOnline College
Program & Tuition Cost$4,000 averageUp to $20,000$3,000 average
Exam Fees, Books & MaterialsIncludedUp to $750Up to $750
Job Ready In3–6 months24–48 months3–6 months
Schedule FlexibilityOn-demand 24/7Set class scheduleOn-demand 24/7
Travel RequirementsNone: 100% onlineOn-campus classroomsNone: 100% online
Student SupportPersonal Advisors: text, call, and email accessProfessors: scheduled office hoursSupport inbox
Career CoachingExam-tailor + soft-skill training to build well-rounded careersExam-based + prerequisites and electives to meet credit hour requirementsExam-specific only
Content Delivery3D animations, immersive environments, interactive activities, game-based learningProfessor lecturesVaries: typically videos and presentations

This table is provided for reference only. Actual pricing may vary or change without notice. Pricing is based on an estimated full-cost tuition with fees for a Medical Assistant program or similar program before financial aid or other assistance. Data sampled from MedCerts, Oakland Community College, and Kaplan University.

CPCT

Certification

Skills Gained

  • Gain knowledge of medical terminology, disease processes, anatomy and physiology
  • Understand the responsibilities of basic patient care — bathing, feeding, catheter care, etc.
  • Perform safety checks and ensure cleanliness in patient rooms
  • Recognize the importance of special care, concerns and settings
  • Understand EKG readings and monitoring vital signs
  • Perform phlebotomy procedures, lab tests, blood glucose tests and exercise/nutrition/diet monitoring
  • Understand the responsibilities of communication and professionalism
  • Assist with minor procedures, handle laboratory specimens
  • Assist doctors and nurses with physical examinations

CPCT

Career Pathways

Attainable Jobs

Home Health Aide

A Home Health Aide helps individuals who are disabled, elderly, or chronically ill with daily tasks, such as dressing, washing, and light housekeeping.

$21000 – $34000

Estimated Salary1

Nursing Assistant

A Certified Nursing Assistant provides hospital and nursing home patients with basic care and assists them with daily activities.

$23000 – $35000

Estimated Salary1

Personal Care Aide

A Personal Care Aide provides care for adults, including elderly and disabled people, in their own homes.

$24000 – $67000

Estimated Salary1

1All available job and salary information is from Burning Glass Labor Insights and is updated annually to reflect industry changes.

Patient Care Technician