Passionate about helping others? Consider a career as a patient care technician (PCT)! Becoming a PCT is a great opportunity to help others and to get your foot in the door if you are considering a career in nursing.
A Patient Care Technician (PCT) is a healthcare professional who provides hands-on care to patients. They perform the duties of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) but are also trained to perform basic medical duties such as performing EKGs and phlebotomy. A PCT works under the supervision of a registered nurse, medical doctor, or other healthcare provider. The laws of each state determine the extent of responsibility for PCT practice.
If you’re thinking about which career path to take, read our blog post to learn about the differences between a PCT and a CNA.
As a PCT, you may have specific duties depending on the healthcare setting you’ll be working in. Here are some common job duties and responsibilities that you will be performing as a PCT:
As a PCT, you can work in a variety of healthcare settings. This includes hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. Due to the aging population and the growth of the healthcare industry, the demand for PCTs will potentially increase in the coming years.
A PCT is responsible for providing basic care and support to patients in a variety of healthcare settings. In order to excel in this role, you will need certain skills and qualities, which include:
The steps to becoming a PCT may vary depending on the specific requirements of the employer or the state you’re in, but here are some general steps you can take:
Important note: Certain states require a CNA certification to be a PCT, and some allow you to qualify and sit for the CNA certification exam if you’re currently in a PCT program. Hence, it’s important to check your state’s specific requirements for becoming a PCT. Then, see for yourself if you need to become a CNA so you’ll know how and where to start.
Once you're on the path to becoming a PCT, you may be wondering how much you can expect to earn. While salaries can vary depending on location and experience, the median annual wage for PCTs falls between $30,000 and $46,000 per year. Many PCT positions also offer benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans, and paid time off.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 5% growth in nursing assistants and orderlies (which includes PCTs) from 2021 to 2031. One driving factor is the aging baby boomer population, who will require more healthcare services in the coming years. There will be plenty of job opportunities for PCTs in the foreseeable future.
But what about career advancement opportunities? The good news is that you can have many opportunities for career advancement and specialization as a PCT. With additional education and training, you can pursue careers as a registered nurse, medical assistant, or other healthcare professional. Here's a table showing some of the specializations that you can pursue as a PCT:
It's important to note that the specific job duties and requirements for each of these specializations may vary depending on the employer and state regulations. Additionally, some specializations may require additional education and training beyond the requirements to become a PCT.
Becoming a PCT can be a fulfilling and rewarding career if you are passionate about providing hands-on patient care. With the right education, training, and skills, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families. If you're interested in pursuing a career as a PCT, research your area's specific requirements and opportunities. Start achieving your career goals with Dreambound, and check out PCT classes near you!
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