Nationally Certified Multi-Skilled Patient Care Technician
CIP Code: 51.3902 • 125 questions • 2.5 hours • Passing score: 70% • Annual renewal
Overview
This credential validates multi-skilled readiness for bedside support in hospitals, long-term care, and outpatient settings. Certified Patient Care Technicians obtain and trend vitals, support ADLs and mobility, collect specimens, perform point-of-care testing, assist with EKG and wound care setup, monitor safety, and document accurately under RN/MD supervision.
- Nationally recognized Multi-Skilled Stackable
- Listed in the NHWCA National Registry for employer verification
- Annual renewal: $465 • 10 CEU • Active CPR • No lapse
Why Multi-Skilled?
NHWCA’s multi-skilled model verifies cross-functional readiness in bedside care, diagnostics, safety, and documentation—so units can staff more flexibly with one certified professional per pod or shift.
Job Description
A Patient Care Technician assists with intake and ADLs, obtains vitals and blood glucose, performs specimen collection and POCT, supports EKG acquisition and wound care setup, ensures safe mobility and fall-prevention, maintains infection control, and documents promptly in the EHR.
Qualifications (choose one)
- Graduate of a PCT/CNA/MA or allied health program; or
- Trained on the job by an accredited healthcare facility; or
- Experience: 3 months verifiable bedside experience.
All candidates must meet age, ID, and conduct requirements per the NHWCA Candidate Handbook.
Exam Structure & Timing
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Question Count | 125 multiple-choice (100 scored + 25 pilot) |
| Time Limit | 2.5 hours (150 minutes) |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher |
| Delivery | Online or approved testing site, proctored, closed-book |
| Question Style | Scenario-based and knowledge-based items |
Exam Domains & Weighting
| Domain | Weight | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|---|
| ADLs, Hygiene, Mobility & Fall Prevention | 25% | ~31 |
| Vitals, Monitoring & Basic Measurements | 20% | ~25 |
| Specimen Collection & Point-of-Care Testing | 20% | ~25 |
| EKG Support, Procedures & Equipment Readiness | 15% | ~19 |
| Infection Control & Safety (CPR) | 10% | ~12 |
| Documentation, Communication & Teamwork | 10% | ~12 |
Totals reflect 100 scored items; 25 pilot items do not affect score.
Practice Questions (10)
Included with registration inside the candidate portal. These do not affect your score but mirror the style and depth of the live exam.
Renewal
- Cycle: Annual
- Requirements: $465 • 10 CEU • Active CPR • No lapse
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