How to Become a Certified Nurse Technician: Education & Requirements

<p>Certified Nursing Technicians (CNTs), more often known as certified patient care technicians (CPCTs), are healthcare workers who work with patients typically alongside a registered nurse (RN). They perform duties such as bathing and feeding patients who are unable to do so themselves and may be tasked with taking vital signs at regular intervals. As a technician rather than an assistant, they are also trained to perform some basic medical tasks like drawing blood or performing scans. </p> <p>To become a CNT, one must have a high school diploma and complete an approved training course before taking a certification or licensure exam. Some states may have additional requirements, such as passing a background check or continuing education requirements, so be sure to check the laws in your state. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Education Required</b></td><td> Certificate or diploma</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, phlebotomy</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Other Requirements</b></td><td> High school diploma; background check may be required; pass certification exam as Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A)</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Work Settings</b></td><td> Hospital, assisted living facility, doctor's office</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatDoCertifiedNursingTechnicianCoursesInvolve">What Do Certified Nursing Technician Courses Involve?</h3> <p>Training courses for patient care technicians consist of both basic medical care and the more advanced technician duties they are responsible for. These programs will cover topics like how to read vital signs, basic anatomy, what common medical terms mean, and how to draw blood and administer prescriptions. Courses can be approached by those completely new to the field of health as well as those who already hold other certifications, such as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), who may be looking to move up and take on more responsibilities. Training includes clinical and hands-on components. </p> <h3 id="section---HowLongAreCertifiedNursingTechnicianPrograms">How Long Are Certified Nursing Technician Programs?</h3> <p>Patient care technician programs can take as little as four weeks or as much as nine months, depending on what state you're in and what technicians are allowed to do there, as well as what school the program is through. Programs may result in either a certificate or a diploma, with longer programs distributing the latter. Some patient care technician courses with shorter durations are designed for those who already hold a CNA license, so take a moment to check into the program's requirements before applying. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatOtherRequirementsMustBeMetToWorkAsACertifiedNursingTechnician">What Other Requirements Must Be Met To Work As A Certified Nursing Technician?</h3> <p>After completing an approved training course and obtaining a certificate or diploma, it will be necessary to acquire certification or license in order to work. This involves taking one of the major national association exams: the National Certified Patient Care Technician Exam through the National Center for Competency Testing, or the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant Exam through the National Healthcareer Association. Both exams provide a certification to work and are nationally accredited, but employers may have a preference or may even set up an exam date for you. Continuing education is needed to renew certifications and keep them valid. In addition, some states have other requirements that must be met, such as background checks and earning certification as a CNA. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoAfterCompletingACertifiedNursingTechnicianProgram">What Can I Do After Completing A Certified Nursing Technician Program?</h3> <p>After completing a program and obtaining certification, you would be qualified to work as a certified patient care/nurse technician. CPCTs can work at hospitals, assisted living facilities, and may even find some openings at doctor's offices. PCT certification can lead to valuable experience that helps with applications for more advanced nursing degrees. Credits earned in PCT programs may also be applicable for associate's or bachelor's degrees in nursing, but this will vary by school and program.</p>