2026 HOSA Competition Event for Patient Care Technicians
We're excited for the return of the 2026 HOSA Competition Event for Patient Care Technicians, sponsored by NHA, the industry leader in allied healthcare education and certification! We’re ready to be blown away by the incredible skills of HOSA members as they showcase their expertise in patient care.
Join us in celebrating the vital role of patient care technicians and uncovering the endless possibilities in this rewarding profession. Click below for real-time updates on this exciting competition.
Together, let's raise the bar in patient care and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
Please visit the HOSA website for complete rules and guidelines, as well as sample questions, scenarios, and grading rubrics, which will be added soon.
Elevate Your Skills: Winning Strategies for the HOSA PCT Competition!
Unlock the secrets to triumph at the HOSA Patient Care Technician competition with our "Elevate Your Skills: Winning Strategies for the HOSA PCT Competition!" workshop. Designed for students and educators, this virtual event will guide you through the competition exam blueprint, enhance your hands-on skills, and review the designated resources to boost your preparation.
Join us to gain a competitive advantage, learn from subject matter experts, and ensure you're ready to shine in the 2026 PCT showdown. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your knowledge and practical abilities to the next level!
2026 HOSA Patient Care Technician Competition Details
Round One: Written Test
- Patient Care - 44%
- Compliance, Safety, & Professional Responsibility - 20%
- Infection Control - 12%
- Phlebotomy - 14%
- EKG - 10%
Top-scoring competitors advance to Round Two.
Round Two: Hands-On Skills Assessment
- Discontinue a Peripheral IV
- Applying Sequential Compression Devices
- Measuring an Infant’s Length & Weight
- Urinary Catheter Maintenance
- Routine ETS Venipuncture
- Obtaining a 12-Lead EKG
- Glucometer
Resources for 2026 HOSA Patient Care Technician Competition
Access the HOSA website to find:
Additionally, make sure to consult your state or country's website for any relevant information.
PCT SkillsBuilder™ Plus
For Individual PurchasesHOSA members receive 10% off by clicking here! Learners will gain fundamental skills and knowledge required to excel as a Patient Care Technician and develop hands-on expertise needed to provide compassionate, efficient care in various healthcare settings.
PCT SkillsBuilder™ Plus
For Group PurchasesFor schools looking to group purchase, please contact your NHA representative or click here. Learners will gain fundamental skills and knowledge required to excel as a Patient Care Technician and develop hands-on expertise needed to provide compassionate, efficient care in various healthcare settings.
Top 6 Reasons to Become a Certified Patient Care Technician
- Make a meaningful difference: Being a CPCT/A allows you to directly impact the lives of patients, providing compassionate and quality care on the frontlines, making a tangible difference in improving health and well-being.
- Thrive in a diverse and versatile role: The crucial role of patient care techs in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare creates a dynamic and diverse work environment, offering opportunities to work with various patient populations and medical conditions.
- Hands-on experience: By becoming a CPCT/A, you can gain valuable hands-on experience in performing essential medical tasks such as vital sign measurement, daily activity assistance, specimen collection, and basic treatment administration, which not only enhances your skills but also prepares you for a successful healthcare career.
- Career advancement opportunities: Starting as a patient care tech can lead to career advancement in specialized healthcare roles like phlebotomy, electrocardiography, or dialysis technicians, and can also serve as a pathway to pursuing nursing or other healthcare professions.
- Job stability and demand: The growing demand for patient care techs in response to the needs of an aging population guarantees a stable job market with abundant employment prospects for skilled and qualified individuals in the field.
- Personal and professional growth: Working as a CPCT/A offers numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth, fostering the development of strong interpersonal skills, empathy, critical thinking abilities, and effective teamwork, which not only benefit healthcare but also have valuable applications in various other aspects of life.
Your Pathway to Eight Top Allied Health Professions
Which are in-demand at your institution?
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
Certified Medical Administrative Assistant
Certified Pharmacy Technician
Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant
Certified Phlebotomy Technician
Certified EKG
Technician
Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist
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