Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT)

Find resources, certification information, and guidance to prepare for your future as a Patient Care Technician.

What does a Patient Care Technician do?

Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) provide direct, hands‑on care to patients across a variety of healthcare settings. They work closely with nurses and other healthcare professionals to support daily patient needs and ensure a safe, comfortable care environment.

Common job duties include:

• Assisting patients with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and mobility
• Taking and recording vital signs
• Assisting with patient transfers and positioning
• Performing basic clinical tasks, such as blood draws or EKGs (depending on role and training)
• Observing and reporting changes in patient condition
• Maintaining a clean and safe patient care environment

Clinical Patient Care Technician Certification

The Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) credential recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and hands‑on experience needed to provide direct patient care in healthcare settings.

CPCTs play a vital role in supporting patient comfort and safety. They are responsible for assisting with daily living activities, monitoring vital signs, performing basic clinical tasks, and observing and reporting changes in patient condition.

Primary Certification (No Clinical Experience Required)

The Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) credential recognizes individuals who have demonstrated foundational knowledge and skills related to patient care and clinical support.

To obtain the Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) certification, candidates must:

• Pass the Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) exam

These certifications do not include clinical requirements.

Optional Certifications with Clinical Requirements

The Patient Care Technician program also includes optional certifications that do require hands‑on clinical requirements, including:

• Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT): 30 venipunctures & 10 capillary sticks
• Certified EKG Technician (CET): 10 EKGs

Candidates must pass the exams and complete the clinical requirements to be certified in those fields.

Hands-On Experience (Clinical Sites)

Candidates often complete their clinical requirements at:

• Hospitals
• Outpatient Practices/Private Practices

Clinical sites determine whether they can accommodate a student and meet the certification requirements