Clinical Healthcare Study Guide

Topic-by-topic coverage for four clinical healthcare certification exams. EKG technician (NHA CET), patient care technician (NHA CPCT/A), sterile processing (HSPA CRCST), and surgical technologist (NBSTSA CST).

EKG Technician (CET)11 articles

12-Lead EKG Electrode Placement
EKG Rhythm Interpretation
Normal Sinus Rhythm
Atrial Fibrillation on EKG
Heart Blocks: First, Second, and Third Degree
Ventricular Tachycardia and Fibrillation
EKG Artifacts and Troubleshooting
Holter Monitor Procedure
Cardiac Stress Test Procedure
EKG Waveform Components: P, QRS, T
EKG Paper Speed and Calibration

Patient Care Technician (CPCT/A)9 articles

Vital Signs for Patient Care Technicians
Patient Safety and Fall Prevention
Range of Motion Exercises
Catheter Care Procedures
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Blood Glucose Monitoring
Phlebotomy for Patient Care Technicians
EKG for Patient Care Technicians
CPCT/A Exam Changes: Fall 2026 Update

Sterile Processing (CRCST)9 articles

Decontamination in Sterile Processing
Sterilization Methods: Steam, ETO, and More
Sterile Packaging Techniques
Biological Indicators for Sterilization
Surgical Instrument Identification
Sterile Storage Requirements
High-Level Disinfection (HLD)
Quality Assurance in Sterile Processing
Sterile Processing Technical Manual 9th Edition

Surgical Technologist (CST)10 articles

Maintaining the Sterile Field
Surgical Instrument Identification
Surgical Patient Positions
Surgical Counts Procedure
Surgical Gowning and Gloving
Suture Types and Needle Selection
Electrosurgery: Monopolar vs Bipolar
Wound Classification in Surgery
Anesthesia Basics for Surgical Techs
Common Surgical Procedures Overview

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