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Patient Care Technician’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.
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Patient care technician questions and answers
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What Does a Patient Care Technician Do?
Under the supervision of nursing staff and a larger care team, Patient Care Technicians directly support patients during hospital stays and medical visits.
Patient Care Technicians 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, Patient Care Technicians 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 Care 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.
What Is the Employment Outlook for a Patient Care Technician?
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 Patient Care 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.
Do PCTs Become Registered Nurses?
As a PCT hoping to take the next step in your career, you can certainly go back to school to become a Registered Nurse (RN). And thanks to your certifications and your experience gained as a PCT, you’ll be ahead of other aspiring RNs. There are a variety of advantages to becoming an RN. Healthcare needs are growing in the U.S., so the greater medical responsibilities that come with being an RN also lead to a higher salary.
What’s the Difference Between a PCT and a CNA?
There is some crossover between the PCT and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) roles. They can both handle tasks like bathing, moving, and feeding patients, as well as monitoring a patient’s vital signs. However, while a CNA is limited to only providing basic care under the supervision of a registered nurse or medical doctor (like answering call signals and recording liquid and food intake), a PCT has the ability to provide that care and basic treatments. For example, a PCT can handle EKG readings and phlebotomy duties (drawing blood), while a CNA cannot. Keep in mind the laws of individual states dictate the level of responsibility for each role.
Is the PCT Career Path for You?
If you’re interested in helping doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals with the crucial day-to-day care many patients require, then a career as a PCT is probably perfect for you. It’s an important role in healthcare facilities, one where you’ll help prevent disease, restore optimal wellness through rehabilitation, care for the chronically ill, educate patients and their families, and much more. It’s a hands-on job, one that can be very rewarding for those hoping to make a difference in the lives of patients.
