Patient Care Technician

A patient care technician works under a registered nurse and provides direct patient care limited to non-invasive procedures. They actively assist with coordinating and maintaining correct levels of supplies and equipment.

Certified Patient Care Technician Facts

DC Registration Required? 

Yes

Projected DC Annual Job Openings  

537*

Average DC Yearly Salary

$46,220*

DC Registration Requirements

Patient care technicians are governed by the DC Board of Nursing. To become certified as a Patient Care Technician in DC, applicants must:

Education Prerequisites

Have obtained a high school diploma, its equivalent, or a board-approved examination.

Certifications

To register as a Patient Care Technician in the District of Columbia, applicants must pass the National Patient Care Technician (NCPCT) Exam

National Patient Care Technician (NCPCT) Exam National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) National Certified Patient Care Technician (NCPCT) Exam.
High school diploma or its equivalent.
Submission of a copy of a patient care technician program diploma, certificate of completion, or official (signed) transcript with graduation date within 2 years of program completion.
Pay $119 Exam Fee.
Maintain credential with 12 hours of continuing education every 2 years.

Background Check

Undergo a criminal background check

Training Requirement

To register as a patient care technician in the District of Columbia, applicants must complete one of the following:

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course.
A certification as a Medical Assistant.
Two years of nursing school.

License

Following the completion of training and certification, submit an application to the DC Board of Nursing and pay a $50 licensing fee

Current DC Healthcare Academy Training Programs

Patient Care Technician

Fall 2025: George Washington Health Network

Spring 2026: Trinity Washington University

Learn More

*Projected Annual Openings are based on regional O-NET data for nursing assistants from 2020-2030 and projected openings Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/31-1131.00?st=DC. ,

*Average yearly salary is based on regional O-NET data for nursing assistants https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/31-1131.00?zip=20001