Launch A New Career in Patient Care
Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant – CPCT/A
Eligibility
All prospective students must complete the TABE test and score an 6.0 or higher
What Do Patient Care Technicians Do?
Under the supervision of nursing staff and a larger care team, PCT’s directly support patients during hospital stays and medical visits.
They hold a wide range of responsibilities, including:
- Providing quality patient care that includes emotional support and guidance
- Obtain specimens, conduct tests and record results
- Check blood pressure, heart rate and pulse on a regular basis
- Monitor patient condition and provide updates to care team
- Monitor patients’ food and liquid intake
- Escort patients to X-ray and other diagnostic imaging processes
By providing this vital support to patients and medical staff, PCT’s streamline the delivery of medical care and improve the patient’s overall comfort and experience.
What Certifications or Degrees Do I Need to Become a Patient Care Technician?
To become a Patient Career Technician, an individual must first complete an approved educational course, pass the NCLEX exam (NCLEX exam as part of the Nursing Assisting component of the program) and a certification exam before the National Healthcare Association, and obtain certification from the state in which they live and work.
Individual employers and states may also require candidates for Patient Care Technician positions to pass a background check, obtain professional certification and complete continuing education credits or training.
How to become a
Patient Care Technician
Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Complete our state approved education program where you will learn the fundamentals of nursing. Then complete your supervised clinical work in a real medical office.
PCT’s support nurses, doctors and other medical staff in caring for patients with physical and mental health concerns. Patient Care Technicians are employed in a wide range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, assisted living communities and more.
How to perform basic first aid
How to perform CPR/AED
Take vital signs
Apply proper body mechanics
Hand washing and cleanliness skills
An introduction to all body systems
Electrocardiogram
Phlebotomy and Venipuncture
How Is the Employment Outlook?
According to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for Patient Care Technicians was $26,590 in May 2016.
Employment opportunities for Certified Technicians are on the rise. According to a study of employment in the healthcare field, the employment within the Patient Care Technician field will grow by 17 percent by 2024. That’s an additional 267,800 jobs on top of the already more than 1.5 million currently active Patient Care Technicians.
By The Numbers.
Certified Patient Care Technicians Can Advance Into Supervisory Or Management Positions.