--- title: 2026 HOSA Competition Event | Patient Care Technicians | Sponsored by NHA description: Join us in celebrating the vital role of patient care technicians and uncovering the endless possibilities in this rewarding profession. image: https://info.nhanow.com/hubfs/CTE-Students-Provisional-Certification.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://info.nhanow.com/hosa-pct-competition#main-content) [![nha-logo-abbreviated](https://info.nhanow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/brand-resources/logos/nha-logo-abbreviated.png?width=150&height=55&name=nha-logo-abbreviated.png "nha-logo-abbreviated")](https://www.nhanow.com/) # 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](https://www.nhanow.com/secondary-educators)! 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](https://www.nhanow.com/certification/nha-certifications/certified-patient-care-technician-assistant-(cpct-a)#:~:text=What%20is%20a%20patient%20care%20technician%3F) 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. Sign Up for Updates on the 2026 HOSA PCT Competition » [Download the Official Competition Guidelines »](https://info.nhanow.com/hubfs/News%20and%20Events/Tradeshows/HOSA/2026/25-26%20PCT%20FINAL%20Aug27.pdf) ![hosa-pct-competition](https://info.nhanow.com/hubfs/hosa-pct-competition.webp) Please visit the **[HOSA website](https://hosa.org/competition/)** for complete rules and guidelines, as well as sample questions, scenarios, and grading rubrics, which will be added soon. ##### ON-DEMAND WEBINAR ### 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 on-demand webinar will guide you through the competition exam blueprint, enhance your hands-on skills, and review the designated resources to boost your preparation. 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! ![nha-hosa-pct-webinar](https://info.nhanow.com/hubfs/nha-hosa-pct-webinar.jpg) [Watch the Webinar Here »](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcmHUYTYINA) ## 2026 HOSA Patient Care Technician Competition Details ### Round One: Written Test This written test will consist of 50 multiple-choice items in a maximum of 60 minutes. Test topics will include: - 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 Round Two involves a hands-on skills assessment of one of the following: - 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: The most recent competitive event guidelines Examples of scenarios Criteria for grading Additionally, make sure to consult your state or country's website for any relevant information. ![oneicon](https://info.nhanow.com/hubfs/oneicon.png) ###### PCT SkillsBuilder™ Plus For Individual Purchases HOSA 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. ![twoicon](https://info.nhanow.com/hubfs/Archive/2022/twoicon.png) ###### PCT SkillsBuilder™ Plus For Group Purchases For 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. ![threeicon](https://info.nhanow.com/hubfs/Archive/2022/threeicon.png) ###### Patient Care Technician / Assistant Study Guide Online or Printed Versions NHA’s prep guide is mapped to the national CPCT/A certification exam, and contains five module chapters, along with case studies and summary sections in each area. Modules map to the written test sections. ### Top 6 Reasons to Become a Certified Patient Care Technician Becoming a [Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT/A)](https://www.nhanow.com/certification/nha-certifications/certified-patient-care-technician-assistant-(cpct-a)) offers a rewarding and fulfilling career path in the healthcare industry. 1. **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. 2. **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. 3. **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. 4. **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. 5. **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. 6. **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. 72% of employers say their employees are certified within their organization. 25% of employers said it’s difficult to find qualified patient care technicians. 53 % of institutions have career growth or laddering programs. By becoming a Certified Patient Care Technician, you can embark on a fulfilling career that combines your passion for helping others with the opportunity for personal and professional growth. It's a chance to make a real difference in the lives of patients while enjoying a rewarding and secure career in the healthcare industry. Sign Up for Updates on the 2026 HOSA PCT Competition   ## Your Pathway to Eight Top Allied Health Professions Which are in-demand at your institution? ![CCMA](https://info.nhanow.com/hubfs/CCMA.png) ### Certified Clinical Medical Assistant [Learn More](https://www.nhanow.com/train-educate/professions/clinical-medical-assistant) ![CMAA](https://info.nhanow.com/hubfs/CMAA.png) ### Certified Medical Administrative Assistant [Learn More](https://www.nhanow.com/train-educate/professions/medical-administrative-assistant) ![CPHT](https://info.nhanow.com/hubfs/CPHT.png) ### Certified Pharmacy Technician [Learn More](https://www.nhanow.com/train-educate/professions/pharmacy-technician) ![CPCTA](https://info.nhanow.com/hubfs/CPCTA.png) ### Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant [Learn More](https://www.nhanow.com/train-educate/professions/patient-care-technician-assistant) ![EXCPT](https://info.nhanow.com/hubfs/EXCPT.png) ### Certified Phlebotomy Technician [Learn More](https://www.nhanow.com/train-educate/professions/phlebotomy-technician) ![CET](https://info.nhanow.com/hubfs/CET.png) ### Certified EKG Technician [Learn More](https://www.nhanow.com/train-educate/professions/ekg-technician) ![CBCS](https://info.nhanow.com/hubfs/CBCS.png) ### Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist [Learn More](https://www.nhanow.com/train-educate/professions/pharmacy-technician) ![CEHRS](https://info.nhanow.com/hubfs/CEHRS.png) ### Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist [Learn More](https://www.nhanow.com/train-educate/professions/electronic-health-records-specialist) ![pathway-line](https://info.nhanow.com/hubfs/pathway-line.png) ### Advisors — Let NHA Guide You on Your Pathway to Student Engagement Our proven learning solutions, actionable data, national accreditation and superior customer care elevate the learning experience and give our partners the confidence to succeed and drive positive outcomes. - **Experienced Partner** — Awarded more than 1.25 million nationally accredited certifications since 1989. - **Industry Knowledge** — Closing the classroom to practice gap to create and sustain learning and development pathways for job readiness & drive positive outcomes. - **Consistent Tools & Resources** — The only guide you need for certification exams, study prep & learning solutions in eight allied health professions. ### Learn More About NHA "Through experience and paying close attention to what works, I’ve found that NHA’s learning tools and resources really help our students get into our programs, get through them successfully, and get hired in the industry. And that’s why we’re here." **Shannon Lillard** Assistant Coordinator, Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA) ## Ready to Open the Pathways to Student Engagement? Schedule a Consult ### Additional resources to stay connected ### Learning & Leading Blog FOR EMPLOYERS & EDUCATORS [Visit](https://info.nhanow.com/learning-leading-blog) ### Caring & Career Blog FOR CERTIFIED HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS [Visit](https://info.nhanow.com/blog) ### Webinar & Events UPCOMING WEBINARS & COLLABORATIONS [Visit](https://info.nhanow.com/nha-resource-center) Copyright© 2026 Assessment Technologies Institute®, LLC. All rights reserved. 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