How much do PCTs make?
The average patient care technician (PCT) salary in the U.S. is $35,816, according to Salary.com, as of April 24, 2024. The salary range is typically dependent on location and could range between $32,761 and $39,651. Variations in salary could also depend on your education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have worked in the profession.
What is a Patient Care Technician (PCT)?
A patient care technician (PCT) is a professional in the healthcare field who supports nurses, doctors, and other medical staff in caring for patients. Patient care technicians observe, catalog, and communicate patient needs and concerns while reporting any changes in status to the patient's care team. As a patient care technician, you will be responsible for making your patients feel comfortable and cared for, which often requires you to provide emotional support and guidance during their treatment.
What does a Patient Care Technician do?
As a patient care technician, you will support other healthcare staff, including doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel, in caring for patients. You will play a direct role in caring for patients in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities.
Your main role as a patient care technician is to improve patient well-being. You'll communicate what the patient is feeling in addition to their medical status. In short, you'll play a very important role in the healthcare sector.
Some specific duties and responsibilities may include:
- Regularly checking and recording patient blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse
- Listening to patient concerns, answering questions, and providing guidance
- Monitoring conditions and providing updates to other members of the healthcare team
- Moving, repositioning, or turning patients as needed
- Helping patients dress and use the bathroom
- Monitoring patient liquid and food intake
- Escorting patients for tests or procedures in other areas of the medical facility
Do you have to be a CNA before becoming a PCT?
Although completing training and achieving the Patient Care Technician (PCTC) certification from the NHA, or the Patient Care Technician (PCTC) certification through the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA), is sufficient in most states, you should also research individual state requirements for employment as a patient care technician before beginning the program.
What is the difference between a CNA and a PCT?
There are definitely some similarities between a patient care technician and a certified nursing assistant (CNA) such as caring for a basic needs like bathing, moving, and feeding patients. However, CNAs are limited to providing this basic care under the supervision of a registered nurse or doctor of medicine. As a patient care technician, you will often be able to do additional tasks such as use EKG machines or draw blood in addition to basic care. The laws in your state will dictate the exact level of responsibility you are able to hold in your patient care technician role.
How long is Patient Care Technician training?
The Patient Care Technician course, which includes medical terminology, is designed to be completed within 12 months.
How do you become a PCT?
This first step to becoming a patient care technician (PCT) is earning your high school diploma or equivalent. You will then need to complete a program that will prepare you to earn a PCT certification that fulfills the requirements set forth by your state. After you complete your training courses, it's time to earn your certification by passing exams that are required by your state and/or employer. Finally, it's time to update your resume and apply for and land a patient care technician position.
Does this course prepare you for a certification?
Yes. You will be prepared for the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant certification exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), and the Patient Care Technician (PCTC) certification exam through American Medical Certification Association (AMCA). (voucher included is for one exam)
Can I test-out of medical terminology content if I have previous knowledge of medical terminology?
Yes. This course includes two, optional, Test-Out Exam features that will allow you to test out of content and graded assessments if your score demonstrates the level of mastery required (80%). It does not count toward your overall score in this course if you do not achieve the minimum score required for mastery. Please note: Third party funded students may not be eligible.
When can I start this course?
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
How long does it take to complete this course?
After you register, you will receive 12 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.
What if I don't have enough time to complete the course within the time frame provided?
The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.
What kind of support will I receive?
Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.
What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.
Am I guaranteed a job?
ed2go courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.
Can I get financial assistance?
ed2go courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. Learn more about financial assistance.
How can I get more information about this course?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us."