Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant Level I
BECOME A 
PATIENT CARE TECHNICIAN

Overview

Patient Care Technician work in various healthcare facilities namely the Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Skilled Nursing Facility, Rehabilitation Centers, Adult Day Care, Hospice Care, Long Term Care Centers, Community Health Centers, Assisted Living and many more areas in healthcare. The task of the Patient Care Technician includes duties related to patient care by assisting the nurses, doctors and other medical staffs for taking care of patients with health concerns.

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The duties of patient care technician may vary from facility to facility, however, the general duties includes, quality patient care skills such as assisting the medical professionals in performing range of motion, therapeutic exercises, performing vital signs (Temperature, Pulse Rate, Respiratory Rate, and Blood Pressure), obtaining patients height and weight, performing other techniques and procedures like transfer techniques, gait techniques using assistive devices, patient positioning and preparing examination room to be ready for the physician to examine the patient and other duties as assigned by the facilities. 

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Patient care technicians have direct interaction with the patients and therefore must understand the concept of infection control, standard precautions, communication, basic medical terminologies, legal issues, patient privacy. They must also be able to explain the procedure to the patient. In addition to explaining the procedure the Patient care technician must also prepare the patient for the procedure.

 

Requirements

Candidates registering for the exam must qualify in (at-least 1) of the GROUPS (A or B or C) as shown below. Training and experience may be completed within united states of america or outside united states of america. 

GROUP A

EDUCATION

Training or

Equivalent

(Nationally or Internationally)

GROUP b

experience

Have work experience

or

Equivalent

GROUP C

MILITARY

Must submit proof of education or experience.

 

Duties

Clinical Duties

General:

Performing Vital Signs

Measuring and Record Height & Weight

Preparing Examination Room

Equipment Sterilization and Disinfection

Performing Pulmonary Function Test

Using Incentive Spirometry

Lifting Patient

Turning Patient

Positioning Patient

Transferring Patient 

Performing ADLs and Range of Motion Exercise

Assisting in Gait Techniques

Using Assistive Device for Patient

Feeding and Bathing Patient

Dressing and Grooming Patient

Assisting in Wound Care

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Administrative & Clerical Skills

Communication with Patients

Provide Patient Education

Enter Patient Data

Enter Specimen Data

Understand Patient Care Technician Responsibility

Handle Medical Records

Maintain Patient Records

Update Patient Records

Order Supplies

Track Inventory of Supplies and Equipment

Clean Exam Room

Clean Spills (Water or Blood)

Follow Infection Control Measures

Dispose Bio-hazard

Update and Maintain Equipment Log

Keep Patient Bed Side Table Organized

Appointment Scheduling

Accompany Patient to E-Ray Rooms

Accompany Patients to Diagnostic Rooms

Follow Missions and Objectives of the Facility

Other Duties as Provided by the Facility

Exam Test Plan

The exam content topic includes the following:

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  1. Anatomy and Physiology

  2. Medical Terminology

  3. Legal Issues

  4. Infection Control

  5. Patient Care Skills 

 
 

Renewal

AECA believes in continuing education more frequently so that the candidate can have a constant touch with knowledge, Candidate’s are required to attend the continuing education units / credits every year to renew their certification.

Renewal: 

Certification is required to be renewed annually.

On submitting a renewal application the candidate will receive an email with links to CEUs that must be completed and submitted online. 

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Fee Schedule for Renewal

Renewal Fee: $50

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RENEWAL APPLICATION

Reinstatement

Certification that are expired must apply for reinstatement.

If you wish to apply to reinstate your expired certification you may proceed by submitting a reinstatement application. 

 

Fee Schedule for Reinstatement

Expired Less than 1 Year: $99  

Expired More than 1 Year but Less than 2 Years: $199

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REINSTATEMENT APPLICATION
 

Frequently asked questions

RENEWAL (FAQs)

How often do i have to renew my Certification?

Every year.



What is the Patient Care Technician Certification Renewal Fee and What Does it include?

$50. This fee includes: 1. Access to the library of CEUs that candidate must complete and submit online. 2. Renewed printed certification and ID card. Shipping and Handling: There will be a $8 shipping and handling fee charged when submitting your renewal application. So your total for renewing the certification would be $50 + $8 = $58



I have several credentials with AECA how can i maintain them?

You can include all your credentials on the same renewal application and complete the CEUs that will be send to you.



Can i request another copy or duplicate copy of my credentials?

Yes. However, there is a $35 reprint and mailing fee that must be submitting along with an online application. Application to reprint and mail: Click here



How can i update my mailing address?

There are several option to do this. Option 1: Submit the new address on your renewal application Option 2: Email us the new address to be updated on your profile. Option 3: Submit an address change form on our website.



I recently changed my last name and would like to update it on my credentials. How can i request the last name to be changed?

In order to update your name on the credentials, we would need proof of documentation showing your name change. The document must clearly state your previous and current (new name) changed. You must email info@aecacert with the appropriate documents showing your new name and one document that shows your previous name.



My certification expired and i would like to bring it back to an active status, can i still do that.

You must follow the reinstatement policy for expired certifications. Certification that are expired must apply for reinstatement. If you wish to apply to reinstate your expired certification you may proceed by submitting a reinstatement application. Fee Schedule for Reinstatement Expired Less than 1 Year: $99 Expired More than 1 Year but Less than 2 Years: $199 ​ Link to reinstatement application: Click Here



I have submitted my renewal application to renew the certification, how long will it take before i can recieve my new certification packet.

It usually takes 15-20 business days to process and mail your new certification packet. However, all required CEUs must be submitted before the renewal process is initiated. If it has been more than 20 business days and you have submitted all your required CEUs, you can contact the renewal department by emailing at info@aecacert.com In the subject of the email, you must specify the following: Re: Awaiting Certification Renewal Packet (Your Name) ​



While i was submitting my renewal application i submitted an incorrect mailing address or my previous mailing address and forgot to notify AECA about my udpated address. How do i proceed?

You must contact AECA via email to the following email address: info@aecacert.com In the subject of the email, you must specify the following: Re: Submitted Incorrect Mailing Address on Renewal App (Your Name)



TESTING SITE (FAQs)

We are a SCHOOL and would like to administer AECA Certification Exams?

Please follow the following steps Step 1: Visit the Become a Testing Site Page Step 2: Complete and Fill the form, followed by submitting the form online Step 3: Wait for approval from AECA testing site department. Step 4: Once approved, you may proceed to register students to administer exams at your facility.



We are a HOSPITAL or Medical Facility and would like to administer AECA Certification Exams?

Please follow the following steps Step 1: Visit the Become a Testing Site Page Step 2: Complete and Fill the form, followed by submitting the form online Step 3: Wait for approval from AECA testing site department. Step 4: Once approved, you may proceed to register students to administer exams at your facility.



We are a CAREER SCHOOL and would like to administer AECA Certification Exams?

Please follow the following steps Step 1: Visit the Become a Testing Site Page Step 2: Complete and Fill the form, followed by submitting the form online Step 3: Wait for approval from AECA testing site department. Step 4: Once approved, you may proceed to register students to administer exams at your facility.



We are a Private College or Community College and would like to administer AECA Certification Exams?

Please follow the following steps Step 1: Visit the Become a Testing Site Page Step 2: Complete and Fill the form, followed by submitting the form online Step 3: Wait for approval from AECA testing site department. Step 4: Once approved, you may proceed to register students to administer exams at your facility.



We are a Foreign School or Employment Facility and would like to administer AECA Certification Exams?

Please follow the following steps Step 1: Visit the Become a Testing Site Page Step 2: Complete and Fill the form, followed by submitting the form online Step 3: Wait for approval from AECA testing site department. Step 4: Once approved, you may proceed to register students to administer exams at your facility.



EMPLOYERS (FAQs)

We are an employment facility and would like to verify a prospective employees's credentials?

To submit a credential verification, you must visit the credential verification page on the website and submit an application for credential verification. All credentials are manually verified via email only.



Will AECA accept Continuing Education Units (CEUS) provided to our employees and apply them towards their renewal CEUs.

Yes. The candidate at the time of renewal must email us documentation displaying the completion of CEUs. Email: info@aecacert.com



We are an Employer looking to get our employees certified as a Patient Care Technician/Assistant Level I?

Your employees can become eligible to attempt the exam certification provided you repreat the below steps for each of your employee that you would like to register to attempt the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant Level In Certification Exam. Step 1: Download and Fill the Employment Eligibility Verification Form (Click Here) Step 2: Email the Employment Eligibility Verification Form Step 3: Wait for approval from AECA registration department. Step 4: Once approved, you may proceed to register for the exam using the: Exam Registration Application Based on Experience. Email: info@aecacert.com



Are there reference books that we can use in order to prepare our employees for the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant Level I Certification Exam.

There are various textbooks available for reference purposes to prepare for the Patient Care Technician/Assistant Level In Certification Exam. R e f e r e n c e T e x t b o o k s:

  • Patient Care Technician Textbook: ​Theory & Practical Fundamentals CLICK HERE
  • Medical Terminology For Health Professionals CLICK HERE
  • The Human Body CLICK HERE



How soon can our employees get a date for attempting the certification exam?

The date depends on the documentation being submitted to AECA. If all the required documentations are submitted and accepted, the candidate take the exam within 24 hours.



MILITARY (FAQs)

Is Patient Care Technician and Patient Care Associate the same?

The duties may differ from facility to facility but in general both the technician and associate are similar in job duties and tasks assigned.



I am in the active duty military, and i have this certification related education. Can i be eligible for the exam?

Yes. You can email your JTS/Smart Transcript to info@aecacert.com In the subject of the email, you must specify the following: Re: JTS/Smart Transcript (Your Name)



How long with it take for AECA to inform me about my eligibility for registering to attempt the exam?

After you have submitted your JTS/Smart Transcript, the registration department usually takes 3-5 business days to review and notify you about the status of your eligibility.



After i am eligible for the certification exam, what do i do next?

Your next step would be Step 1: To download the exam registration application at the following link Step 2: Fax the filled and signed application to NAVY COOL Step 3: Wait for NAVY COOL to pay for the exam Step 4: After payments are made, you will be required to provide us with a testing site



How often do i have to renew my Certification?

Every year.



What is the Certification Renewal Fee and What Does it include?

$50. This fee includes: 1. Access to the library of CEUs that candidate must complete and submit online. 2. Renewed printed certification and ID card. Shipping and Handling: There will be a $8 shipping and handling fee charged when submitting your renewal application. So your total for renewing the certification would be $50 + $8 = $58



Are there reference books that i can use in order to prepare for the Certification Exam.

There are various textbooks available for reference purposes to prepare for the Patient Care Technician/Assistant Level I Certification Exam. R e f e r e n c e T e x t b o o k s:

  • Patient Care Technician Textbook: ​Theory & Practical Fundamentals CLICK HERE
  • Medical Terminology For Health Professionals CLICK HERE
  • The Human Body CLICK HERE​​​​​​​



Where can i find a practice exam for the Certification Exam?

We do offer free practice exam on our website. However, you must not rely on the practice exam to pass the certification exam.



What is a certification exam?

Certification is a voluntary process by which a candidate willingly applies to become certified; The candidate has to pass the standards set by AECA to become a Certified Patient Care Technician (AECA). Certification may or may not be a requirement for a job.



What is the cost of the exam?

$135.



What is the retake policy and retake fee for the exam?

If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, you can retake the exam two more times within your one year eligibility period. The retake fee is $75.



Do i have an option to Reschedule my exam if i am unable to take the exam on the date my exam was scheduled.

Yes. However, there is a reschedule application that must be submitted in order to reschedule the exam at a later date. The reshcedule fee currently is $25 and is subject to change at any time.



Do i have an option to Cancel my exam if i am unable to take the exam on the date my exam was scheduled.

Yes. However, there is a cancellation fee that will be applied towards your applicatiion. The cancellation fee is $25 and is subject to change at any time. The exam fee minus -$25 will be refunded back to you. If you have cancelled an exam and have not received a refund within 3-5 business days, you can contact info@aecacert.com In the subject of the email, you must specify the following: Re: Cancellation Fee Refund (Your Name)



Are the exams available in any other languages other than english?

At the moment all exams are only available in English Language.



I have several credentials with AECA how can i maintain them?

You can include all your credentials on the same renewal application and complete the CEUs that will be send to you.



Can i request another copy or duplicate copy of my credentials?

Yes. However, there is a $35 reprint and mailing fee that must be submitting along with an online application. Application to reprint and mail: Click here



How can i update my mailing address?

There are several option to do this. Option 1: Submit the new address on your renewal application Option 2: Email us the new address to be updated on your profile. Option 3: Submit an address change form on our website.



I recently changed my last name and would like to update it on my credentials. How can i request the last name to be changed?

In order to update your name on the credentials, we would need proof of documentation showing your name change. The document must clearly state your previous and current (new name) changed. The NAME CHANGE form is available on the following link:



Do i have to be a member to register for the certification exam?

No. You are not required to be an AECA member at register for the AECA certification exam.



Are there any review or preparatory courses available for this certification exam?

A review course is a course that is attended by an individual to refresh the content knowledge that he or she may have learned in the past by means of education or experience. The review course is not designed for individuals that never had the knowledge of the course content in the past, it is only designed for individuals that either have attended a training program or have gained the knowledge via their work experience. There may be review courses that may be available to take this exam. However, the candidate applying to register for the exam must still be eligible in 1 of the eligibility groups (A or B or C) as shown under the eligibility options for the certification exam. Note: A review course does not make you eligible for registering for a certification exam.



Do i have to buy any reference materials for the exam?

You are not required to purchase any reference material to be eligible for the exam. However, there are candidates that find the reference materials to be helpful.



What are the available exam schedules?

Exams are administered all year long. However, they are not offered on national holidays and weekends. Check with AECA registration department if you feel that you may register for a date that falls on a national holiday or weekend. You can either call or email us at info@aecacert.com In the subject of the email, you must specify the following: Re: Scheduling Exam Date Confirmation (Your Name)



Do i receive a certification from AECA on successfully passing the certification exam?

Yes. You will receive the following in your certification packet:

  1. A score sheet
  2. A Certification Certificate
  3. An ID Card
  4. Renewal Instruction Sheet



What are the available testing site for the exam?

You can attempt the exam under a naval base, military hospital etc. However, you will also have to have a person that will proctor your exam. The proctor must first be approved by AECA. You must submit the following information via email: Testing Site Address: Testing Site Facility Name: Proctor Name; Proctor Phone: Proctor Email: Proctors Professional Title: The above information must be emailed to info@aecacert.com You must wait for 3-5 business days for AECA to review this information. If the testing location is approved, the proctor will receive an email with a list of requirements to fullfil inorder to administer the exam. Once the proctor fullfils the requirements, a date will have to be scheduled to administer the exam.



CANDIDATE (FAQs)

Is Patient Care Technician and Patient Care Associate the same?

Is Patient Care Technician and Patient Care Associate the same? The duties may differ from facility to facility but in general both the technician and associate are similar in job duties and tasks assigned.



How can i become a Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant Level I?

There are various routes that one can take:

  1. Fullfil the requirements for registering for the patient care technician certification exam.
  2. Attempt the exam.
  3. On successfully passing the exam, you will be awarded with the credential as an Patient Care Technician/Assistant Level I.



I am a foreign trained medical professional and would like to attempt the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant Level I certification exam, what are my steps?

You may be eligible for attempting the certification exam for becoming a credentialed Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant Level I being that you are a foreign trained medical professional. You must submit your proof of education from your foreign country, this may include the following but not limited to: 1. Awarded Certificate or Degree Certificate and/or 2. Transcript You may submit the following to info@aecacert.com



How often do i have to renew my Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant Level I Certification?

Every year.



What is the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant Level I Renewal Fee and What Does it include?

$50. This fee includes: 1. Access to the library of CEUs that candidate must complete and submit online. 2. Renewed printed certification and ID card. Shipping and Handling: There will be a $8 shipping and handling fee charged when submitting your renewal application. So your total for renewing the certification would be $50 + $8 = $58



Are there reference books that i can use in order to prepare for the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant Level I Certification Exam.

There are various textbooks available for reference purposes to prepare for the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant Level I Certification Exam. R e f e r e n c e T e x t b o o k s:

  • Patient Care Technician Textbook: ​Theory & Practical Fundamentals CLICK HERE
  • Medical Terminology For Health Professionals CLICK HERE
  • The Human Body CLICK HERE



Where can i find a practice exam for Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant Level I Certification?

We do offer free practice exam on our website. However, you must not rely on the practice exam to pass the certification exam. You can visit the AECA Practice Exam Page to view the available practice exams.



What is a certification exam?

Certification is a voluntary process by which a candidate willingly applies to become certified; The candidate has to pass the standards set by AECA to become a Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant Level I (AECA). Certification may or may not be a requirement for a job.



What is the cost of the exam?

$135.



What is the retake policy and retake fee for the exam?

If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, you can retake the exam two more times within your one year eligibility period. The retake fee is $75 for each attempt after the first attempt.



Do i have an option to Reschedule my exam if i am unable to take the exam on the date my exam was scheduled.

Yes. However, there is a reschedule application that must be submitted in order to reschedule the exam at a later date. The reshcedule fee currently is $25 and is subject to change at any time.



Do i have an option to Cancel my exam if i am unable to take the exam on the date my exam was scheduled.

Yes. However, there is a cancellation fee that will be applied towards your applicatiion. The cancellation fee is $25 and is subject to change at any time. The exam fee minus -$25 will be refunded back to you. If you have cancelled an exam and have not received a refund within 3-5 business days, you can contact info@aecacert.com In the subject of the email, you must specify the following: Re: Cancellation Fee Refund (Your Name)



Are the exams available in any other languages other than english?

At the moment all exams are only available in English Language.



I have several credentials with AECA how can i maintain them?

You can include all your credentials on the same renewal application and complete the CEUs that will be send to you electronically via email.



Can i request another copy or duplicate copy of my credentials?

Yes. However, there is a $35 reprint and mailing fee that must be submitting along with an online application. Application to reprint and mail: Click here



How can i update my mailing address?

There are several option to do this: Option 1: Submit the new address on your renewal application. Option 2: Email us the new address to be updated on your profile. Option 3: Submit an address change on the contact us form on the contact page.



I recently changed my last name and would like to update it on my credentials. How can i request the last name to be changed?

In order to update your name on the credentials, we would need proof of documentation showing your name change. The document must clearly state your previous and current (new name) changed. Option 1: Submit the new name on your renewal application. Option 2: Email us the new name change with appropriate documents to be updated on your profile.



Do i have to be a member to register for the certification exam?

No.



Are there any review or preparatory courses available for this certification exam?

A review course is a course that is attended by an individual to refresh the content knowledge that he or she may have learned in the past by means of education or experience. The review course is not designed for individuals that never had the knowledge of the course content in the past, it is only designed for individuals that either have attended a training program or have gained the knowledge via their work experience. There may be review courses that may be available to take this exam. However, the candidate applying to register for the exam must still be eligible in 1 of the eligibility groups (A or B or C) as shown under the eligibility options for the certification exam. Note: A review course does not make you eligible for registering for a certification exam.



Do i have to buy any reference materials for the exam?

You are not required to purchase any reference material to be eligible for the exam. However, there are candidates that find the reference materials to be helpful.



What are the available exam schedules?

Exams are administered all year long. However, they are not offered on national holidays and weekends. Check with AECA registration department if you feel that you may register for a date that falls on a national holiday or weekend. You can either call or email us at info@aecacert.com In the subject of the email, you must specify the following: Re: Scheduling Exam Date Confirmation (Your Name)



Do i receive a certification from AECA on successfully passing the certification exam?

Yes. You will receive the following in your certification packet:

  1. A Score Sheet
  2. A Certification Certificate
  3. An ID Card
  4. Renewal Instruction Sheet