Renewing your PCT license is crucial for maintaining your eligibility to practice as a pharmacy technician in the state of Texas.
In general, PCTs are required to renew their license every two years. If you’re nearing the end of a 2-year period, now is the right time to renew your PCT license.
In this article, we will explain how to renew a PCT license in the Lone Star State.

Eligibility Criteria for Renewal

Before applying for renewal, it’s important to ensure you’re eligible to do so.

There is no single body that certifies PCTs in Texas. So different organizations have slightly different renewal periods and requirements. You need to check your eligibility with the organization through whom you received your certification.

However, for most organizations, you will need to complete a certain number of Continuing Education (CE) credits to demonstrate ongoing knowledge and skills before you can renew your license. The exact number might differ based on your certification body. For example, the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) requires 10 CE credits for CPCT/A renewal every two years, while the National Center for Competency Testing requires you to complete certain CE hours either from its online CE library or from other recognized providers.

Since the eligibility criteria for every organization vary, it is important to check with your certifying body before applying for PCT license renewal in Texas.

Instances Where You May Become Ineligible for Renewal

Certain circumstances may render you ineligible for renewal of your PCT license in Texas, including:

• Failure to complete the required continuing education or training hours within the renewal period.
• Suspension, revocation, or disciplinary action against your license by the TSBP (Texas State Board of Pharmacy) or the certifying body.
• Failure to pay the renewal fee by the specified deadline.
• Violation of any state or federal laws governing pharmacy practice.

In most cases, applicants get rejected because they have not completed the required CE hours as detailed by the agency. Therefore, before applying for renewals, complete the courses and meet the CE hours. Most agencies offer online courses that you can access from anywhere, anytime. So enroll and complete the courses first.

Renewing vs Reinstating

Another thing to note is that renewing your license is not the same as reinstating. Renewing means you have continued your patient care technician course or paperwork, and your license hasn’t expired yet.

Reinstating means you are reactivating your license after it has become inactive or lapsed. This can happen due to reasons like failing to renew on time or not meeting CE requirements.

The process for reinstatement can be more complex and might involve additional steps like completing additional CE credits, passing an exam, or paying late fees. It is always better to try to renew your license before it lapses.

Steps to Renew Your PCT License in Texas

After you’ve checked the eligibility requirements and ensured you fulfill them, proceed with the renewal process. While the exact steps may vary since there’s no single certifying body for PCTs in Texas, here are some general steps:

1. Gather the required documents

The certifying agency will request some documents to check your eligibility for PCT renewal.

Here are the documents you must gather:

• Current PCT certificate (Whether it is expired or not)
• Proof of Continuing Education (CE) completion. Educational institutes will award a Certificate of Completion once you complete their courses. Make sure that the certificates come from accredited providers and clearly outline the course name, date of completion, and number of CE hours earned.
• CPR Certification (if required). Some PCT certifications might mandate maintaining a valid CPR certification for renewal.
• Government ID. In some cases, your certification body might request a copy of a valid government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport) for verification purposes.

The issuing agency may request other documents. Gather them and ensure all of the documents are up-to-date and authentic.

2. Complete the PCT renewal application

Once you have the documents, you need to fill out an application confirming that you want to renew your license.

Most certification bodies offer online renewal applications through their websites. If you have been certified by the National Center for Competency Testing, you need to visit its continuing education section to fill out the application. The same goes for NHA and AMCA (American Medical Certification Association).

But there’s also an option to complete the application offline at the center. Either way, complete the renewal application to renew the license. You might need to enter details of the CE courses you completed, such as course titles, completion dates, and the number of CE hours earned for each course. So, keep all the information handy and readily accessible when completing the application.

Also, double-check before submitting. Incorrect submissions may get rejected or delayed.

3. Pay the renewal fees

Along with the application, you need to pay the renewal fees. The fees vary by the certifying agency. For reference, The NHA renewal costs $185 every 2 years.

If you are paying online, make sure the website uses a secure payment gateway to process your credit card information. Look for security indicators like HTTPS in the website address bar.

In some instances, a printable application form might be available on the website, which you can complete and mail along with required documents and a check for the renewal fee. Double-check the website for instructions on whether this is an option.

Upon successful submission and payment, you should receive a confirmation email or notification on the platform acknowledging your application and fee payment. Keep the receipt secured for future reference. You may have to submit the details when obtaining your new license.

4. Take a test, if required

Most certification bodies, including the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), do not require a new exam for PCT license renewal as long as your license remains active. Renewal typically involves completing CE credits and paying a renewal fee.

However, if your license has become inactive due to non-renewal for an extended period, you might be required to pass an exam as part of the reinstatement process.

In rare cases, if the core competencies tested on the initial certification exam have undergone significant changes, some certification bodies might require passing a new exam upon renewal.

You will receive further information if you’re required to undergo a written examination. If so, be prepared and go through the exam curriculum before taking the test.

5. Track progression and maintain records

The last step is to track your renewal progression. After you’ve submitted the documents, paid the fees, and taken any required examinations, your status will be in review mode. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to verify and renew your license.

Until then, it is important to track the application and check the updates. Applications may get rejected for several reasons and require correction or a call to reapply. Once your renewal is confirmed, all you need to do is to continue to renew your PCT license in Texas every two years, or as required by the certifying body.

Summary

In conclusion, renewing your PCT license in Texas is a critical step in maintaining your ability to help people. But, since there is no central authority, the renewal process varies. By adhering to renewal requirements and following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth and successful renewal process.

Are you dreaming of becoming a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) in Texas? It’s a smart move! While Texas allows medical assistants to work without certification, getting certified can make a world of difference.

Certification not only equips you with the skills and knowledge needed for the job but also puts you ahead of the competition. Employers in Texas often favor applicants with certification, seeing it as a mark of dedication and expertise in the field.

So, how long would it take to become a certified clinical medical assistant in Texas? Let’s find out.

Time Required to Become a Certified Medical Assistant in Texas

The time required to become a certified CMA is a lot more than that required to become a Patient Care Technician (PCT). It takes about 6 to 24 months to become a skilled and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA). The period may vary depending on the program and route you opt for.

Certified Clinical Medical Assistants are responsible for the smooth operation of healthcare facilities. They are highly skilled multitaskers proficient in medical terminology and laws. Their responsibilities include checking vital signs, administering injections, assisting with prescriptions, scheduling appointments, and more.

To perform these tasks effectively, CMAs must have a solid understanding of basic medical terminology, knowledge of major body systems, excellent communication skills, professionalism, legal and ethical awareness, patient scheduling abilities, and proficiency in managing patient accounts. This explains why it takes more time to become a CMA compared to a PCT.

 

 

Different Ways to Becoming a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) in Texas

There are basically three known routes to becoming a certified CMA. These include:

1. Completing an associate degree from a recognized full-time university or college
2. Pursuing a diploma from a community college
3. Enrolling in online certification courses, such as those offered by Career Unlimited

These days, even universities and colleges provide online and offline associate, as well as certificate programs. However, getting a degree or certification from them is a fixed 24-month program. Also, the fee structure and cost of getting a degree in CMA from colleges are comparatively higher than those of online certification programs.

Certified CMA Exam Eligibility in Texas

There are two routes through which you are eligible to sit for a Certified CMA exam in Texas.

Route 1:

You should possess a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent + have completed a Certified CMA training program within the last five years.

Route 2:

You should possess a high school diploma or GED or equivalent + 1 year of supervised work experience in a medical assistant field within the last three years or two years of supervised work experience in a medical assistant field within the last five years.

Here, we will discuss the process of becoming a certified CMA through Route 1. At Careers Unlimited, you can become a certified CMA in 7 months through Route 1. Here is how:

Step 1: Fulfil Minimum Qualification

In Texas, a high school diploma is the minimum qualification required to enroll in a training program to become a CMA. Once you have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, you can enroll in the CMA training program provided by Careers Unlimited.

Alternatively, if you do not have a high school diploma, you can even enroll after passing the ability test.

Step 2: Complete the Training Program

You can complete your training program at Careers Unlimited in approximately seven months through on-campus delivery of instructions. The training program includes classroom instructions as well as hands-on clinical on-field experience, which are the prerequisites to appearing for and passing the certification exams.

 

 

Step 3: Apply for the National Certification Exam for a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

Once you have completed your training program, you need to gain a certificate to become a Certified CMA. For entry-level Certified CMA, the candidate is free to enroll in the certification exam held by NHA (National Healthcare Career Association).

To apply for the certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA) certification exam, you need to visit nhanow.com and create a free online NHA account.

Once you have created your account, you will be able to access the exam application form for Certified Clinical Medical Assistants (CCMA). After that, you need to fill out and submit this exam application. Furthermore, you can choose the date of the exam and the mode of the exam (online or offline). Once selected, you will be promoted to make the payment for the exam fee.

Step 4: Prepare and Take the Certification Exam

The training program will help you prepare for the certification exam to some extent. You can get more preparation material from the NHA website. There may also be free resources available online to prepare for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) certification exam.

Furthermore, at Careers Unlimited, we will help you pass the certification through our course classes that prepare you to work as a certified clinical medical assistant (CMA) in Texas.

Step 5: Pass The Exam and Get Results

Once you have taken the exam, your exam results will be posted to your account after two days of appearing. You can check by logging into your NHA account. Thus, you do not have to wait longer to get your scores.

Once you have your results, you can start applying for certified medical assistant positions in Texas.

Certified CMA Certificate Exam Format

The certification exam contains 200 multiple-choice questions to be answered within 40 minutes. The MCQs will revolve around subject matters like:

• Psychology
• Professionalism
• Medical laws and ethics
• Medical terminology related to body systems
• Pharmacology
• Phlebotomy
• First-aid procedures
• Diagnostic testing
• Complete physical examination

 

 

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Certificate Renewal

In Texas, you need to renew your Certified CMA certificate every two years. You need to complete 10 Continuing Education (CE) credits before the expiration as well. If you have completed your CE credits, you can pay the renewal fee and get them renewed within one year of expiration.

To complete your CE credits, you need to visit the CE library available through the NHA website.

Salary of a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) in Texas

As per the latest figures by Salary.com, a certified CMA collects an average of $39,676 in Texas. The pay starts at $33,213 and goes as high as $46,583 paid annually. The salary varies depending on various factors like experience, additional skills, place of work, certification score, and more.

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the projected growth in clinical medical assistant employment is 16% for the decade 2021–2031. This indicates a strong demand for skilled professionals in this field.

One of the advantages of becoming a Clinical Medical Assistant in Texas is that you don’t necessarily need to have graduated from a similar field. A high school degree is sufficient to enroll in a training program and start your journey toward becoming a certified clinical medical assistant.

Summary

It can take two years to become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant if you enroll in a community college or get a degree in CCMA from a reputed college/campus. However, it only takes seven months to become a Certified CMA if you enroll in an online training program or course.

Both routes are equally credible and prepare you equally well for the Certified CMA certification exam. That said, if you want to pursue online training to become a CCMA or need any related assistance, contact Careers Unlimited today.

A phlebotomist is responsible for drawing blood samples, recording patient information, sterilizing tools, monitoring essential body vitals, and other similar tasks. In Texas, a phlebotomist license isn’t necessary to perform phlebotomist responsibilities. It’s a non-regulated job.

However, a phlebotomist license obtained through a certification agency can help you earn better pay. Moreover, some employers may prefer a licensed phlebotomist over none.

In this article, we will understand how you can transfer your phlebotomist license to Texas, the salary structure, and more. Let’s get started.

Which State Phlebotomy License Can Be Transferred To Texas?

Texas allows licensed phlebotomists from all American states to work in Texas. This makes it easy to transfer your phlebotomist license from other states to Texas, especially if you are licensed in one of these five states – Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana, Nevada, and Washington.

In America, only five states mandate that phlebotomists from other states must complete a state-approved program, pass a certification exam, and take additional courses to practice. Texas does not have this requirement.

To become a phlebotomist in Texas, you need to be:

• Above 18 years of age and have obtained a high school diploma/GED or equivalent
• Enrol in and complete the phlebotomist training program
• Appear and pass national certification programs like the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), American Medical Technologies (AMT), American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), American Allied Health (AAH), and the National Centre for Competency Testing (NCCT).

Each of these certifying entities has its exam pattern. Some require you to attempt 150 questions, while others have 200 questions. The exam time also varies, as does the exam fee. Once you have received certification from one of these certifying agencies, you can work as a phlebotomist technician in Texas.

If these requirements match your existing phlebotomist license (obtained in another state), you can begin to work in Texas as a phlebotomist without going through any extra process.

How Long Can I Work In Texas With My Phlebotomist License From Other State?

A phlebotomist license is valid for two years and needs to be renewed within 60 days of expiry. It can be renewed both online and offline after paying the renewal fee. In Texas, you also have to complete the continuing education (CE) credits. You need to fulfill these credits by taking up additional courses through your certification agency.

If your required CE credits are completed, you can apply for renewal of your license.

What is the Difference Between a Phlebotomist Certificate and a License?

A phlebotomist certification prepares an individual to meet minimum educational qualifications and training programs to perform the job. On the other hand, a license is a legal requirement to perform or work as a phlebotomist as per state laws.

In Texas, you can work as a phlebotomist after completing the training program and getting a certification. Getting a license isn’t mandatory.

Currently, there is no such requirement or process to obtain a phlebotomist license in Texas. However, obtaining a license as per state rules may require an additional month or two. If you have obtained your phlebotomy license in another state, it will be valid in Texas to work as a phlebotomist.

Phlebotomy Salary in Texas

On average, a certified phlebotomist can earn anywhere from $31,449 to $47620, depending on varied factors like city, experience, additional certifications, and more.

Though a phlebotomist isn’t paid as much as in California, Texas is still one of the states in the USA with decent pay. California pays the highest to phlebotomists, with an hourly rate of $28.41 per hour.

A phlebotomy technician can further advance their career to become lead phlebotomist, CNA, medical assistant, donor phlebotomy supervisor, and more. This can further provide you with a salary hike. Moreover, phlebotomists aren’t just limited to working at hospitals. They are also required at medical and diagnostic labs, doctor offices and clinics, nursing homes, blood donation camps, outpatient care centers, and other health care centers. This increases their scope of work and creates more job opportunities.

Can I Work as a Phlebotomist Without a Certification in Texas?

In Texas, you can work as a phlebotomist without certification. However, not having a certificate can diminish your chances of getting hired, as some employers prefer certified candidates. Enrolling in a related course may open more doors of opportunity, and some employers specifically prefer phlebotomists with active certification from certain certifying agencies.

Summary

In short, transferring a phlebotomist license from another state to Texas requires no extra formalities as it is an unregulated job in Texas. Texas is one of the US states that is very flexible with the reciprocity of phlebotomy licenses from other states.

If you are still not able to perform phlebotomist work with your other state license for any reason whatsoever, you can complete the hybrid phlebotomy course with the help of Careers Unlimited within six weeks and start working as a phlebotomist in Texas in no time. For more information, contact us today.

Are you looking to start a healthcare career that fulfills your passion for helping people while making a good living? Medical assistants are some of the most essential personnel on any hospital or health center’s staff. They play a vital role in ensuring that doctors and nurses have the support they need to treat patients while also keeping patients comfortable, informed, and on schedule for their treatment protocol.

The question is: how much do you stand to make? There are a variety of factors that will influence your salary as a medical assistant. We’ll review them all in this blog and how you could maximize your earning potential.

Where Will You Be Working As A Medical Assistant?

The location where you plan to work is one of the most fundamental factors in your salary expectations as a medical assistant.

Medical assistants are in high demand, and their salaries reflect that. On average, medical assistants in the US earn $38,270 annually (which works out to $18.40 per hour). But remember, these are just averages – the actual salary you can expect will also be affected by other factors, which we will discuss.

When we look at McAllen, medical assistants can expect to earn an average annual salary of $34,622, slightly lower than the national average.

How Does Experience Influence Your Salary Expectations?

As a profession deeply rooted in practical skills and intricate knowledge of healthcare procedures, the value of hands-on experience cannot be overstated. Clinical medical assistants with a substantial history of working in diverse healthcare settings often command higher salaries.

Employers recognize the added value that seasoned professionals bring to their teams, and as a result, experienced clinical medical assistants typically expect competitive compensation packages that reflect both their proficiency and the proven ability to contribute effectively to patient care and administrative responsibilities.

How Can You Boost Your Earnings As A Medical Assistant?

National and regional averages are a decent way to manage your expectations and prepare for what you’ll earn one day as a medical assistant. However, they’re not guaranteed and can be lower or higher than the research tells us. If you want to improve your earning potential, there are a variety of ways you could do so, including:

Acquiring More Specialized Skills

Consider specializing in a particular area, such as phlebotomy or EKG. Specializations often come with higher demand and can boost your earning potential.

Speaking More Than One Language

Areas such as McAllen have a large Hispanic population, meaning a significant portion of your patients are more likely to be more fluent in Spanish than English. Because communication is such a core aspect of excellent patient care, hospitals and health centers in the region might be willing to compensate you more for your bilingual skills.

Joining Associations and Networking

Join professional organizations such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Membership can provide access to resources, job opportunities, and networking events.

How Can Careers Unlimited Help You?

Beyond giving you the skills to excel as a medical assistant, we also empower you to get employed as soon as possible after completing your certification. This could mean imparting job readiness skills, preparing you to ace interviews, or sharing employment opportunities that would be well suited to you. You’re getting more than just an education with Careers Unlimited, you’re getting a head-start on a thriving career.

Learn more about our medical assistant certification and contact us when you’re ready to apply.

Phlebotomy is one of the most in-demand healthcare fields today – And with a low barrier to entry, it makes the perfect way to get started in a rewarding career. As a result, the time and money you invest in a phlebotomy training program should help you to both earn more money and enjoy greater satisfaction in your career. Here is an overview of the career’s job outlook and how you could benefit from becoming one of these essential healthcare frontline workers. 

Demand for phlebotomists is growing rapidly

One of the primary indicators of the health of a career is whether demand for its practitioners will grow over time. If demand is growing, that means that available jobs will also grow, making it easier for new graduates to find employment in their preferred healthcare settings and locations. 

Phlebotomy, by all indications, is set to grow rapidly between now and 2031. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that this field will grow 10 percent by the new decade. That growth translates into about 21,500 job openings every year. 

This growth in demand is not likely to fade anytime soon. Its drivers are an increase in technology that makes it easier to identify illnesses and evaluate health conditions through bloodwork. In addition, demand for phlebotomy techs is also being driven by an aging population that will require increased health surveillance.

As a result, healthcare facilities of all kinds will continue to search for qualified individuals who can safely and effectively draw blood and handle blood samples. If you take Careers Unlimited’s hybrid phlebotomy tech course, you could become one of these individuals in as little as 5 weeks. 

Phlebotomy salaries are above average

If you have been working in a dead-end, minimum wage, job, you deserve to switch to a career that improves your quality of life. A phlebotomy tech position can. 

Currently, the median salary for an entry level position in Texas is $14 an hour, but the median hourly wage for a phlebotomist in the state in 2021 was $17.97 per hour. This translates into a median annual salary of $37,380, a wage much higher than you may be earning at your current job.

Plus, as you gain experience and specialization in your field, you could earn more than that. And, as demand continues to grow over the next few years, wages could continue to grow, ensuring a steady source of rewarding income in return for a few weeks of study. 

The field of phlebotomy puts career options within reach

When you become a phlebotomy tech, you do more than enter a rewarding and in-demand healthcare field. You also enter a field rich with opportunities for growth and advancement. 

For example, phlebotomists can work across many healthcare settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, doctors’ offices, community clinics, and outpatient labs. 

Plus, as you gain experience, you may be able to specialize in areas that hold the most interest for you. Some areas of specialization include becoming a traveling phlebotomist, a pediatric phlebotomist, a collections phlebotomy specialist and more. You could also pursue a managerial role in healthcare settings using your phlebotomy certification and your experience. 

In addition, you can pursue further education and certifications in order to advance your career in other ways. Careers options to consider include the following: Certified nurse assistant (CNA), medical assistant, EKG technician, and more. 

As a result, earning your phlebotomy certification could be just the first step in a medical career that keeps you challenged and advancing over the course of many years. 

Phlebotomy training is relatively easy

Does entering a rewarding healthcare career like phlebotomy sound good? Then don’t let the prospect of years of study keep you from pursuing your dream. Phlebotomy training is relatively fast and affordable, making a career change possible in just a few months. 

Here at Careers Unlimited, our priority is making it easy to advance your career in the most in-demand healthcare fields. That includes courses in six essential areas. These areas include an assistant nursing course, a patient care technician course, a network support specialist course, a clinical medical assistant course, and CNA courses in McAllen, TX. And, of course, those courses include phlebotomy. 

Our phlebotomy tech hybrid course allows you to train in critical skill areas in just 5 weeks. Even better? As a hybrid course, it allows you to complete some of your studies online. Add in our flexible evening and weekend courses, and you can fit your training in alongside your current job and family obligations. 

Worried about affording the tuition? We can help with that too. If you qualify, you could receive financial aid. Plus, by paying monthly, you could graduate with no debt! If it is time for a career change, it may be time for Careers Unlimited. Contact us today!