Certified Patient Care Technician: Professional Occupational Certifications
In this article, we review how employers can lookup Maryland (MD) state licenses for staff working as a Certified Patient Care Technician. Employers must ensure that each of these licensed workers are up to date with their licenses and follow the necessary regulations that are put forth by the State of Maryland. This can be risky as even a minor violation could result in penalties for the employers or individual workers. Employers also need to be aware of any changes in the regulations brought about by the state board, and should work to keep their workers informed.
Certified Patient Care Technicians (CPCTs) provide quality patient care in a variety of settings. To work as a CPCT, professionals must possess certain occupational certifications. These certifications demonstrate that CPCTs possess the knowledge and expertise necessary to provide excellent patient care.
Patients and healthcare organizations alike need to know that their patient care technicians are qualified to perform their duties with the utmost care. To obtain certification, CPCTs must successfully complete several steps, including passing national certification exams, completing approved courses and achieving recommended levels of experience.
Nationally recognized Cephalometric Technicians (CPCTs) must successfully pass exams administered by agencies such as the National Board of Cephalometric Technicians (NBTC). The NBTC evaluates CPCTs knowledge of various aspects of patient care: patient assessment, nursing basics, medical records administration, pharmacology, and patient safety. Successfully passing the NBTC exam enables CPCTs to become a certified member of the NBTC.
CPCTs must also complete approved courses to become certified. This often includes courses in medical terminology, medical coding and terminology, pharmacology, and health information technology. Depending on the state, CPCTs may also be required to complete courses specific to their profession, or obtain a license or certification.
Experience is another factor in becoming a certified CPCT. Although certifications and courses are important, real-world knowledge and experience typically outweighs theoretical knowledge when it comes to evaluating a CPCT’s ability. Experience can range from participating in clinical settings to self-directed research projects. CPCTs should be prepared to demonstrate their experience through résumés, portfolios, and discussions with employers.
To maintain their certification, CPCTs must renew their certifications every one to two years. During this time, CPCTs must typically present new course completions, new certifications, and continuing education activities as proof of their continuing education in the field.
By investing in the appropriate certifications and engaging in continuing education activities, CPCTs can ensure that they are providing the highest quality patient care and remain certified to do so. Becoming certified as a Professional Patient Care Technician is both a professional and ethical responsibility as well as a key to continuing success in the field.
How to Lookup Licenses & Manage Certification with Software for a Certified Patient Care Technician
Looking up and managing occupational licenses for Certified Patient Care Technicians (CPCTs) requires certain steps. Obtaining certification requires background check, demonstrating proficiency in a variety of clinical and safety related procedures, and meeting all other criteria set by the certifying body. Once certification has been granted, CPCTs must also look up and manage any applicable occupational licenses in their respective states.Checking individual state license requirements typically involves contacting the Department of Health and Human Services in the respective state. Several states may also offer licensure based on CPCT certification and are likely to train individuals on license applying and maintaining procedures. State-specific websites typically provide detailed information on license application, renewal, and verification process.
After confirming individual requirements, CPCTs should submit completed application packet to the nearest state health department. Application packet would include a coverletter, complete certificate of certification, a concise professional experience summary, and application fee.
Personal identification is also essential for license application. It is therefore recommended to attach a copy of valid government identification document along with other paperwork. Furthermore, license applicants may also need to complete a criminal background check.
Once license is granted, CPCTs should be sure to maintain their license in accordance with regulations set by the state health department. This is typically done by paying license fee annually or every two years depending upon individual regulations. It is critical to renew any license prior to its expiration date to avoid penalty.
Occupational license verification can be done online on the state health department’s website. Moreover, some states may require employers to electronically verify CPCT license prior to hiring. CPCTs should be sure to maintain their license periodically as per rules set by their respective state.
