How to Become a Certified PCT in Illinois (2025)
Looking to break into healthcare without years of schooling? Becoming a Patient Care Technician (PCT) in Illinois is a fast, rewarding way to start a hands-on healthcare career. PCTs are essential frontline professionals, assisting nurses and doctors while providing compassionate care to patients. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare support occupations like PCTs earn an average of $44,750 per year in Illinois, and demand continues to grow!
Whether you’re new to the field or transitioning careers, this guide walks you through everything—requirements, training, certification, and job outlook.
How to Get a Patient Care Technician Job in Illinois?
Update your resume to list both certifications clearly. On job sites like MyNextMove.org, you can look up "Nursing Assistants" (the category PCTs fall under) to see job duties and find local openings. Target hospitals and dialysis centers in major markets like Chicago, Springfield, and Peoria, as they have the highest demand.
5. Advance Your Education
A PCT certificate is a fantastic stepping stone. The clinical hours and patient experience are invaluable when applying to more advanced programs. Many PCTs go on to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN).
How Long Does It Take to Become a Patient Care Technician?
The entire training process is very fast. A bundled PCT certificate program in Illinois, which includes your CNA, phlebotomy, and EKG training, can be completed in as little as one semester (about 4 to 6 months).
What About Licensing in Illinois?
This is a critical point of confusion. Here is the clear breakdown:
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Illinois does not issue a state license for Patient Care Technicians.
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The mandatory state-level credential you must have is the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), which is regulated by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and listed on the Health Care Worker Registry.
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The PCT credential (like the CPCT/A) is a professional certification from a national body (like the NHA). This is not a state license, but it is required by most hospitals to prove you have the advanced skills of phlebotomy and EKG.
In short: To work as a PCT in Illinois, you need your CNA from the state and your PCT from a national organization.
Where to Find Patient Care Technician Classes in Illinois?
Finding a program that bundles all the requirements is key. Dreambound's platform allows prospective students to find the right educational program for them through searching, filtering, and connecting with an extensive selection of career & technical education partners. You can use Dreambound to find PCT programs in Illinois that include the necessary CNA, phlebotomy, and EKG training all in one certificate. Dreambound has over 70 programs across healthcare, technology, business, and industrial trades. Some of our schools offer financial aid for those who qualify, and many others offer payment plans. You can filter by online, in-person, and hybrid (part online, part in-person) options. Dreambound is completely free for you to use!
Career Paths and Opportunities after Becoming a PCT
Becoming a PCT opens up more specialized and higher-paying roles than a CNA-only certification.
- Hospital PCT: Work in high-acuity units like the Emergency Department, ICU, or on a telemetry (heart-monitoring) floor.
- Dialysis Technician: This is a very common career path for PCTs, as the job involves monitoring patients, managing dialysis machines, and handling vascular access.
- Phlebotomist: You can choose to specialize and work only as a phlebotomist in a lab or hospital.
- EKG Technician: You can specialize as an EKG Tech, performing heart monitoring for the cardiology department.
- Future Nurse (LPN/RN): The hands-on experience as a PCT is invaluable for getting into and succeeding in nursing school.
FAQs
Can I become a PCT without being a CNA?
Yes, you can become a PCT without first becoming a CNA, although some employers may prefer CNA certification. Most PCT training programs cover CNA-related skills along with EKG and phlebotomy, making CNA certification optional but helpful.
How much do PCTs get paid in Illinois?
Patient Care Technicians in Illinois earn an average of $44,750 per year or around $21.52 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Experienced PCTs working in specialized settings like dialysis centers may earn more.
Is a PCT harder than a CNA?
PCT roles often involve a broader skill set than CNA positions, including EKGs, blood draws, and assisting with medical procedures. While both roles require physical and emotional stamina, PCTs typically undergo more training and handle more clinical tasks.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining your PCT certification and pursuing a career as a Patient Care Technician can be a rewarding and fulfilling choice. The demand for PCTs is expected to continue growing, providing a stable job market and opportunities for career advancement.
By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully obtain your PCT certification and increase your chances of finding a job in this field. Remember to stay proactive in your job search, network with professionals in the healthcare industry, and continuously update your skills and knowledge.
Whether you choose to work in a hospital, nursing home, or home healthcare setting, becoming a PCT allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of patients and contribute to the overall healthcare system. So, take the first step towards your career as a PCT and start your journey towards a rewarding and fulfilling profession.
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Athena is Co-founder and CEO of Dreambound.
