What is a Patient Care Technician?

PCTs provide direct care to patients, working alongside nurses and doctors. While sharing similar job duties and responsibilities with Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), PCTs offer enhanced care through additional skills and procedures. Both work under the guidance and supervision of licensed nurses or doctors. PCTs perform a range of tasks that may include:

• Assisting with patients' activities of daily living (ADLs)

• Dispensing particular medications

• Performing phlebotomy or blood draws

• Operating EKG machines and dialysis machines

• Administering nebulizer treatments and performing chest physiotherapy

Average PCT Salary

Now, let's address the question that's been on your mind: how much can you earn as a PCT? PCT salaries vary based on experience, education, location, and industry. The average annual wage for orderlies (which includes PCTs) was $34,520 in May 2022, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It can go up to almost $47,000!

Let's also explore the average salaries of PCTs by years of experience in the US from the data presented by Indeed.com:

• Less than one year: Average Annual Salary: $47,584

2. 1 to 2 years: Average Annual Salary: $48,840

3. 3 to 5 years: Average Annual Salary: $52,851

4. 6 to 9 years: Average Annual Salary: $57,986

5. More than ten years: Average Annual Salary: $59,221

Here are the highest-paying cities for PCTs in the US that Indeed identifies:

• Houston, TX: Average Hourly Pay: $20.83

• Chicago, IL: Average Hourly Pay: $19.76

• St. Louis, MO: Average Hourly Pay: $19.02

• Indianapolis, IN: Average Hourly Pay: $18.09

• Phoenix, AZ: Average Hourly Pay: $17.90

• Austin, TX: Average Hourly Pay: $17.36

• Atlanta, GA: Average Hourly Pay: $17.25

• Columbus, OH: Average Hourly Pay: $17.08

• Birmingham, AL: Average Hourly Pay: $16.83

You may be curious about the salary differences between PCTs and other healthcare vocations. Let's take a closer look at the average salaries of PCTs compared to other professions in the field of healthcare. Here's a breakdown:

• Patient Care Technician: Average Salary Range: $28,000 - $47,000

• Certified Medical Assistant: Average Salary Range: $30,000 - $50,000

• Certified Nursing Assistant: Average Salary Range: $28,000 - $45,000

• Certified Phlebotomy Technician: Average Salary Range: $30,000 - $50,000

Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) earn slightly higher salaries as they have additional administrative and clinical responsibilities.  Similarly, Phlebotomists specializing in drawing and handling blood samples allow them to have a higher salary range as well.

It is important to note that these figures are estimates and can vary depending on location, industry, job role, and other circumstances.

Certification's Impact on Salary

Although certification is not always a requirement, getting it can be a game-changer for your PCT career. It influences both your marketability and earning potential. Acquiring recognized certifications, like the Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT), can significantly enhance your chances of securing higher-paying positions. Certified PCTs earn 10-15% more than non-certified peers.

Various certifying organizations for PCTs include the following:

1. National Care for Competency Testing (NCCT),

2. American Medical Certification Association (AMCA), and 

3. National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Certain states also require a CNA certification to be a PCT, so it’s always important to check your state’s specific requirements.