AAH’s Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) Exam is The Perfect Stackable Credential for CNA Programs
In today’s evolving healthcare education landscape, forward-thinking high school and postsecondary programs are prioritizing career-ready credentials. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs are a cornerstone of healthcare training, but traditionally end with CNA licensure alone. Now, programs can unlock even greater value by offering dual certification through American Allied Health’s Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) exam.
Schools that offer a CNA program can be set up to administer AAH’s CPCT exam to their students. CNA and PCT competencies directly overlap — a CNA program would only need to add Phlebotomy and EKG competencies to ensure full alignment with AAH’s CPCT exam.
By integrating the CPCT exam at the completion of CNA programs, schools can elevate their offerings, enhance student career readiness, and tap into increased funding opportunities, including Perkins Grant eligibility.
CNA Certification and AAH CPCT Certification Competency Alignment
CNA Core Competencies | Parallels in AAH CPCT Core Competencies |
| Documentation, Records, Medical Vocabulary & Communication | Medical Terminology and Abbreviations ✔️ Both emphasize accurate use and understanding of healthcare terminology, abbreviations, and clear communication in clinical settings. |
| Healthcare Ethics, Professionalism | Law, Ethics, and Professionalism ✔️ CNA training in patient rights, HIPAA, ethical care, and scope of practice aligns with CPCT expectations for legal and professional conduct. |
| Infection Control, Standard Precautions, Emergency Procedures | Safety and Infection Control ✔ ️ Instruction and demonstration on PPE, hand hygiene, and sterile techniques directly maps to CPCT’s infection prevention and clinical safety focus. |
| Basic Anatomy and Physiology | Anatomy and Physiology ✔️ Both cover the structure and function of the human body, preparing candidates to monitor physiological changes and understand clinical implications. |
| Patient Care Skills (ADLs, Mobility, Vital Signs, Caretaking) | Patient Care ✔️ Core CNA tasks such as bathing, feeding, toileting, repositioning, vital signs, and assistive mobility are fully represented in the CPCT’s patient care expectations. |
| Specimen Handling & Blood Collection (to be added if not in program to unlock dual certification opportunity) | Phlebotomy and Laboratory ✔️ Competencies in assisting with specimen collection align with CPCT skills in phlebotomy, labeling, and basic lab procedures. |
| EKG Assistance (to be added if not in program to unlock dual certification opportunity) | EKG ✔️ CNAs trained to assist with EKG prep and monitoring will find a direct match in CPCT's EKG competency, which includes lead placement, rhythm recognition, and safety.
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Unlocking Dual Certification with Minor Curriculum Enhancements
Schools offering CNA programs can easily pivot to dual certification by adding Phlebotomy and EKG monitoring modules. These additions ensure students are fully prepared for the CPCT exam — empowering them with stackable credentials that make them more competitive in healthcare job markets immediately after graduation.
Graduating with both CNA licensure and CPCT certification dramatically improves a student's career prospects in both assisted living and hospital settings positioning them for broader clinical roles and laying a strong foundation for further allied health studies.
Certified Patient Care Technician Certification as a Career Catalyst
The AAH CPCT certification offers tangible, real-world benefits to students:
- Higher Employability: Dual-certified candidates are prioritized for hospital, long-term care, and clinical roles.
- Proof of Advanced Skills: CPCT validates not only CNA-level skills but also proficiency in phlebotomy and EKG procedures.
- Flexible Testing Options: Students can complete the exam online—from school, home, or any secure location.
- Immediate Digital Certification: Students receive digital proof of certification upon passing, aiding rapid job placement.
- Expanded Career Pathways: Opens doors to advanced roles such as:
- Patient Care Technician (PCT)
- EKG Technician
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Nursing Assistant II
- Future training for Medical Assistant programs
- Future training for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) programs
Stackable credentials mean students aren't just ready for a job—they're ready for a career ladder.
Why It Matters: Potential Perkins Grant Eligibility
Career & Technical Education (CTE) leaders understand that to qualify for Perkins Grant funding, programs must culminate in industry-recognized credentials tied to in-demand, high-skill careers.
The CPCT exam from American Allied Health is:
- A recognized certification for Perkins standards.
- Backed by industry validation and employer demand.
- Aligned with a high-growth career field, with healthcare support occupations projected to grow 14% through 2032.
Offering CPCT alongside CNA allows programs to strengthen their Perkins funding proposals while elevating program legitimacy.
Streamlined Certification Access
AAH makes the CPCT certification process easy for schools and students:
- Flat fee: Includes exam access, topical study guide, unlimited practice tests, and one free retake.
- 100% Online Testing: Accessible anywhere with a stable internet connection.
- Flexible Administration: Schools may choose on-site proctoring or remote testing options.
- Student and Instructor Testing Resources: Premium Study Guides are available to increase testing outcomes.
This structure eliminates traditional barriers, ensuring equitable access to certification for all students.
A Win for Students, Schools, and the Healthcare Workforce
The AAH CPCT exam isn't just a credential—it's a launchpad for career success. Students graduate with dual certifications, providing them with a measurable advantage as they enter the healthcare workforce or pursue further education.
For schools, it means program growth, funding opportunities, and stronger community partnerships. For employers, it signals a pipeline of highly trained, workforce-ready graduates.
In an education era that prizes relevance, readiness, and real-world results, integrating the CPCT certification into CNA programs is a forward-thinking choice—educationally, professionally, and financially.
Ready to Boost Your CNA Program with Dual Certification?
Give your students the competitive edge they deserve! Equip them with stackable credentials that lead to immediate career opportunities and future career advancement.
Ready to partner with AAH and offer the CPCT exam? Register today or learn more about becoming a testing site.