Patient care technicians play an essential role within healthcare teams at hospitals, doctors’ offices, and specialty clinics by conducting patient care tasks.
Although licensure is not required by some mandates, any start, certification, and training are required.
In all states, employers want candidates with some training, likely from a patient care training program.
States with requirements have a governing body that manages training, certifications, and registries.
Keep reading to learn more about the different patient care certification and training requirements in each U.S. State!
States Requiring a Patient Care Technician License
No U.S. state requires patient care technicians to hold a license to practice.
States That Do Not Require Licensure but Mandate Certification or Training
Although there are no state licenses required to work as a patient care technician, many states mandate candidates to complete a training program or hold a related certification before starting work.
Alaska
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services also does not require licensure or certification for patient care technicians.
The Department of Health and Social Services requires patient care technicians to complete 80 hours of clinical instruction and 60 hours of classroom instruction.
Florida
For those who want to work in the Sunshine State, the Florida Board of Nursing does not regulate certification or licensure.
However, the Board requires patient care technician training of at least 100 hours of clinical experience and 75 hours of classroom instruction to work in the State.
Indiana
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security regulates licensure but does not require patient care technicians to hold a license to practice.
However, the State requires patient care technicians to be certified as nursing assistants at a minimum.
This can only be accomplished by taking a related training program followed by an examination.
Louisiana
The Louisiana Department of Health does not require certification or licensure for patient care technicians to enter the workforce.
However, the State mandates that new patient care technicians complete a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation program before starting work.
Maryland
The Maryland Board of Nursing does not require licensure for patient care technicians.
However, those looking to work in the field must pass the Certified Phlebotomy examination.
Most candidates prepare for this exam by completing a training program.
Massachusetts
Similarly, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health does not require licensure but mandates patient care technicians to pass the Certified Phlebotomy exam before becoming certified.
This typically starts by completing a training program to help applicants prepare for the examination.
Nebraska
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services only requires licensure for those who want to work in the dialysis field.
Otherwise, licensure is not regulated.
The State requires candidates to pass the National Certified Patient Care Technician (NCPCT) or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam to work in Nebraska.
Completing a training program helps students prepare for the examination.
Nevada
The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services does not mandate licensure to start working, but requires candidates to pass the NCPCT exam for certification.
Most prepare for the examination by completing a patient care technician training program.
New Hampshire
Neither the New Hampshire Board of Nursing nor the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification licenses or certifies patient care technicians.
These governing bodies do regulate and license other types of medical technicians.
The State requires candidates to complete a Nursing Fundamentals course within five years of their first application date.
New Mexico
Although the New Mexico Department of Health does not mandate licensure, it requires applicants to pass the NCPCT exam, which certifies them as a patient care technician.
The best way to practice and prepare for the examination is to complete a patient care training program at a local school.
North Carolina
The North Carolina Board of Nursing only requires patient care technicians to pass the Nurse Aide I Competency exam to acquire the certification.
Training programs cover all the information needed to pass the exam while preparing students for entry-level work.
Oklahoma
Although the Oklahoma Board of Nursing does not require licensure or certification, patient care technicians must complete an accredited training program before starting work.
These programs are available across the state at community colleges, trade schools, and through hybrid learning with an accredited online institution.
Oregon
The Oregon Health Authority requires patient care technicians to register with the state and pass the NCPCT or other national certification exam.
Training programs available at schools around Oregon help students prepare for the national exams.
Tennessee
The Tennessee Department of Health is the State governing body that does not require licensure.
The Department of Health mandates patient care technicians to be certified on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry.
Individuals must complete a State-approved training program and the state competency exam within 24 months of graduation.
Texas
Although the Texas Health and Human Services Licensing Department doesn’t require licensure or certification, it mandates that candidates have 40 hours of clinical work and 60 hours of classroom learning before entering the workforce.
Applicants must also pass a competency evaluation and register with the Nurse Aid registry.
Training programs fulfill the clinical and classroom requirements set forth by the State.
Vermont
Although Vermont does not mandate licensure, all candidates must pass the NNAAP examination to start working.
Training programs across Vermont prepare students for this exam.
Wyoming
The Wyoming State Board of Nursing does not require patient care technicians to be licensed, but candidates must pass the National Phlebotomy Examination to earn the certification.
This allows them to work in the State.
States With No License Requirement but Have Employer-Based Standards
Alabama
The Alabama Public Health State Licensure Board does not regulate the certification or licensure of patient care technicians.
However, most employers want candidates who have completed a training program and are certified as patient care technicians, EKG technicians, nursing assistants, or phlebotomy technicians.
Arizona
Similarly, the Arizona Department of Health Services does not regulate certification or licensure for patient care technicians.
Candidates who have completed a training program and become certified as a patient care technician are more favored by hiring managers.
Arkansas
The Arkansas Department of Public Health is the governing body that manages medical licensure and certification.
However, these are not requirements to work as a patient care technician in Arkansas.
Hiring managers advise future patient care technicians to complete a training program and pass one of the national examinations to become certified in a specific area.
California
The California Department of Public Health does not issue certifications or licenses for patient care technicians.
Instead, employers recommend that candidates complete a patient care technician or related training program from an accredited school in California before applying for a position.
Colorado
Budding patient care technicians do not need to earn certification or licensure according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
However, employers in the State want applicants who have a training program with certification, so that they are prepared to enter the workforce.
Connecticut
Although Connecticut does not license or certify patient care technicians, they must register with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Nurse’s Aide Registry.
Employers prefer candidates who have training and potentially certification.
Delaware
The Delaware Division of Long Term Care does not have any requirements to become a patient care technician, but recommends completing a training program and earning a certification to make you more marketable to employers.
Georgia
The Georgia Department of Public Health does not mandate licensure or certification.
However, employers prefer candidates with a patient care technician training program and certification in a specific area of the profession.
Hawaii
The State of Hawaii Department of Health does not require certification or licensure to enter the workforce.
Enrolling in a patient care technician program is recommended to learn the basics of the career and work towards certification in one or several areas of patient care.
This further helps the employer give you more responsibilities and makes you more marketable for future employment.
Idaho
Idaho does not have any requirements to become a patient care technician.
However, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare recommends that those interested in this career path complete a training program to be more marketable to employers, then become certified.
Illinois
Illinois does not regulate the certification or licensure of a patient care technician.
However, the Illinois Department of Public Health recommends that candidates complete a training program that teaches them the basics of the field and can lead to certification.
Iowa
The Iowa Department of Public Health does not mandate any requirements for new patient care technicians.
However, most employers in the State want candidates who hold certification after completing a training program.
Kansas
The Kansas Health Occupations Credentialing department does not require licensure or certification for new patient care technicians.
Existing patient care technicians recommend newcomers to complete a training course, so that they can learn the basics before entering the workforce and becoming certified in a related area of interest.
Kentucky
Kentucky-based patient care technicians do not need to contact the Kentucky Board of Nursing for licensure or certification, since it’s not required.
Employers still prefer candidates who have completed a training program, since it will help them in entry-level positions.
Maine
Although the Maine State Board of Nursing does not require licensure or certification of patient care technicians, most employers want to see resumes with the completion of a training program.
The State dictates that all training programs must be accredited.
Michigan
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs does not mandate licensure, certification, or training.
However, the State recommends that new candidates complete a training program that leads to becoming certified as a Patient Care Technician or other related areas.
Minnesota
The Minnesota Board of Nursing does not have any requirements for patient care technicians to begin working in the field.
Employers around the State look for candidates who have completed an accredited training program and who have earned a certification or are working towards a related certification.
Mississippi
Although the Mississippi Department of Health does not regulate certification or licensure, it recommends that applicants complete a training program followed by certification.
For those interested in becoming a Certified Patient Care Technician, the State requires candidates to pass the Certified Nursing Assistant exam before applying.
Missouri
Missouri also does not have any licensure, certification, or training requirements.
The Missouri Division of Professional Registration encourages newcomers to complete a patient care technician training program and then become certified in one of the many relevant areas.
Montana
The Montana Department of Health and Human Services does not regulate training, certification, or licensure for patient care technicians working in the State.
However, employers highly recommend that students complete a training program before entering the workforce to prepare for the entry-level requirements, then work toward a specialized certification.
New Jersey
The New Jersey Department of Health does not dictate licensure or certification for incoming patient care technicians.
The State recommends that new candidates complete a training program that prepares them for entry-level work and become certified in a related field.
New York
The New York Department of Health does not mandate any requirements for patient care technicians, although it recommends completing a training program and certification.
Those looking to become nurses’ aides must graduate from an approved training program and then pass the state written and clinical exams before working.
North Dakota
North Dakota does not have any licensure or certification requirements for patient care technicians, according to the Health and Human Services department.
The State requires applicants to pass the National Nurse’s Aide (NNAAP) exam to become certified as a nurse aide if that is the candidate’s desired career path.
Ohio
Ohio does not have a governing body that regulates licensure or certification of patient care technicians.
For those who want to become certified patient care technicians, the State requires completing a national certification exam.
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Licensing System does not mandate the training, certification, or licensure of patient care technicians.
However, most employers want candidates who have completed a training program from a licensed institution.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island doesn’t require training, licensure, or certification for those who wish to work as patient care technicians, although completing a training program is recommended.
South Carolina
South Carolina also does not have any requirements to become a patient care technician and work in the State.
Employers prefer students with a training program and certification to add value to their team.
South Dakota
For those looking to work as a patient care technician in South Dakota, the State does not mandate any licensure or certification requirements to begin working.
Employers typically want candidates to complete a training program followed by national certification.
Utah
The Utah Division of Professional Licensing does not have any requirements for patient care technicians to start working in the state, but employers want applicants who have completed a training program.
Virginia
Those seeking to work as patient care technicians in Virginia do not need to be licensed by the Department of Health Professions.
However, applicants must pass a competency evaluation and register with the Nurse Aid registry.
Washington
Washington-based patient care technicians must only complete a competency evaluation from the Washington State Department of Health.
Despite the lax requirements, most employers want candidates who have completed a training program and who hold some type of relevant certification.
West Virginia
West Virginia does not have any requirements for patient care technicians to start working in the State.
Most employers want applicants with a training program and a national certification under their belt.
Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services does not mandate any requirements for new patient care technicians to start working in the State.
