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Your Patient Care Technician Frequently Asked Questions Answered
For students interested in joining the medical field, Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology offers the medical training required for success. Our 36-week Patient Care Technician program prepares students for entry-level employment as Patient Care Technicians (PCTs).
What Is a Patient Care Technician?
A patient care technician dedicates their workday to providing care directly to patients. Whatever a patient needs, whether it’s a venipuncture for a lab test, a glass of water or assistance going to the restroom, a patient care technician delivers.
What Does a PCT Do?
A patient care technician’s main responsibility is to support nurses and other care providers with patient care. There is a wide range of tasks you may complete in a day, including:
- Preparing patients for surgery
- Administering medications to patients
- Delivering food and comfort items to patients
- Collecting patient vitals and recording them in medical records
- Providing emotional support
- Communicating with patients and their families regarding treatment, medication and more
Where Does a Patient Care Technician Work?
Patient care technicians have many options when it comes to choosing where to work. Many PCTs work in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, long-term care facilities, surgical centers and rehabilitation facilities.
Is Being a Patient Care Technician a Good Career Choice?
The patient care technician career is a rewarding choice. Not only will you get to work in a fast-growing field, but you’ll also get to make a difference in the lives of countless patients. Plus, the PCT field is expanding across the country. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field will continue to grow by 9% between now and 2028, which is faster than average growth.
How Much Do PCTs Make?
According to Glassdoor, PCTs make approximately $33,249 per year on average. You can expect anywhere from $22,000 to $43,000 depending on where you choose to work, your schedule and your responsibilities. You’ll also have the opportunity to earn bonuses and more depending on your employer’s benefits.
How Do You Become a Patient Care Technician?
To get started, you’ll first need a high school diploma. After graduating, you should then attend an accredited Patient Care Technician program such as the one offered through Cambridge.
At the end of your program, you’ll be eligible to take the Certified Patient Care Technician exam offered through the NHA for certification. Although not required for employment, passing the exam will give you an edge when securing a position.
There are additional opportunities for PCTs as well. For example, after obtaining a specific amount of venipunctures and capillary sticks as a PCT, you’re eligible to take the Certified Phlebotomy Technician exam to work as a phlebotomy technician. You also have the opportunity to take the Florida Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam through Prometrics.
Start Your Patient Care Technician Career With Cambridge
Ready to start your career as a patient care technician? We’re ready to help. To learn more about our program or for answers to additional questions, give us a call at 877-206-4279 or send us a message today.
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