What Is a Patient Care Technician?
You’ve likely heard of nursing assistants, CNAs, and nurse aides, but what is a patient care technician? A PCT typically works in a supportive role for both patients and clinicians, helping ensure supplies are stocked, patients are comfortable, and essential tasks get done.
PCTs are similar to nursing assistants and they fall under the umbrella of unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). But depending on the state and facility, their scope of practice and training requirements may differ. These professionals can work in many clinical settings, including the following:
- Acute care hospitals and medical centers
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Outpatient clinics
- Dialysis centers
- Home health care
- Assisted living facilities
What Does a Patient Care Technician Do?
What a PCT does in a day will depend on the area in which they work. For example, you might ask, What is a patient care technician responsible for in an outpatient clinic? The answer would be very different from a PCT in an acute care setting. Here are some of the typical tasks you might expect in this role, regardless of the setting:
- Assisting patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Monitoring and recording vital signs, including blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration rate.
- Collecting blood samples and other specimens for laboratory testing.
- Helping patients with mobility, including transferring from bed to wheelchair and assisting with walking.
- Changing bed linens and ensuring patient rooms are clean and comfortable.
- Providing emotional support and companionship to patients and their families.
- Assisting with feeding patients who need help during meals.
- Preparing patients for medical procedures and assisting healthcare professionals during treatments.
- Operating and maintaining medical equipment, such as EKG machines.
- Documenting patient information and reporting any changes in condition to the nursing staff.
What Is a Patient Care Technician Salary on Average?
The average PCT salary in the U.S. is $34,500 per year. What you make in this role will depend on the setting, your location, and your experience. If you’re curious about where CNAs and PCTs make the most income, check out nursing roles in the highest-paying states for nursing assistants:
Benefits and Drawbacks of Becoming a PCT
What are some of the reasons you might enjoy this role? Here are a few benefits of being a patient care technician:
- Entry into healthcare: Becoming a PCT is a great way to enter the healthcare field with a relatively short training program, allowing you to start working and gaining experience quickly.
- Variety of work settings: PCTs can work in diverse healthcare environments, so if you don’t love one clinical setting, there are always more areas to try.
- Job stability and versatility: Medical roles are typically considered very stable. You’ll also likely be able to find a new job if you move or your life circumstances change.
- Personal satisfaction: Many PCTs find fulfillment in providing direct care and support to patients, making a positive impact on their lives.
Below are some of the drawbacks of this role:
- Physically demanding: The role of a PCT can involve tasks such as lifting patients, standing for long periods, and performing repetitive motions.
- Emotional challenges: Working closely with patients who are ill or in distress requires resilience and strong coping skills.
- Variable work hours: Depending on the healthcare setting, PCTs may work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
How to Become a Patient Care Technician: 4 Steps
What is a patient care technician required to do to enter this role? Here’s what it takes to get started.
Step 1: Understand PCT Requirements
Before you can begin training, you’ll typically need to meet baseline requirements, such as having a high school diploma or GED and being at least 18 years old.
Step 2: Take Patient Care Technician Training
Once you meet the requirements, it’s time to apply for and attend PCT training. Training differs by area but typically takes the form of diploma programs offered at community colleges and technical training centers. Training programs for this role typically include content such as the following:
- Basics of patient care
- Anatomy
- Electrocardiography
- Phlebotomy
- Home health
Step 3: Earn Your Patient Care Technician Certification
In some states, you’ll need to pass a certification exam after your program to practice as a PCT. American Medical Technologists (AMT) offers certifications for PCTs and other allied health professionals, and many training programs offer them as well. You may also need to acquire licensure through your state’s board of nursing. Look up practice requirements in your state to learn more.
Step 4: Find Your First Role as a Patient Care Technician
Once you can legally work in this role, it’s time to start looking for PCT jobs. You might try looking up roles in local facilities and hospitals, and don’t be afraid to experiment with clinical areas on the path to finding your dream role.
Patient Care Technician FAQ
What is a patient care technician vs. CNA?
The difference comes down to state and facility. In some states, PCTs are CNAs with additional training (sometimes called CNA II), while in other states, PCTs and CNAs are entirely different professions.
CNAs are crucial for assisting with daily living tasks, monitoring vital signs, and providing basic medical care, much like PCTs. On top of these responsibilities, PCTs typically have additional training to collect ECGs, insert IVs, and take on more tasks in the healthcare setting.
How long does it take to become a patient care technician?
Most PCT programs take a few months to complete, but they will take longer if you enroll on a part-time basis. Look up training programs in your area for more specific information.
Find Jobs for PCTs
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