Online Patient Care Technician Program

Patient care technicians, often called nursing assistants, play a vital role in healthcare. They work under the supervision of nurses to provide hands-on care, monitor patients, assist with daily needs, and support medical procedures. Their care helps patients feel safe, comfortable, and supported during treatment and recovery.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the top employers of patient care technicians are hospitals, nursing care facilities, retirement communities, assisted living facilities, and home health care providers.

In Iowa, patient care technicians work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, clinics, urgent care centers, and private practices.

Their skills make them valuable team members across the state’s healthcare system. Whether in busy city hospitals or community clinics, patient care technicians are essential in delivering quality patient care.

Patient care technicians (PCTs) play an important role in both patient care and supporting healthcare teams. Common tasks for patient care technicians include:

• Monitoring vital signs. PCTs check vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. These checks help detect early warning signs of health problems and give the care team important information about a patient’s condition.
• Helping with daily personal care. PCTs assist patients with everyday activities like bathing, grooming, dressing, and eating. This support is especially important for patients who have trouble moving or performing fine motor tasks like buttoning a shirt.
• Providing basic first aid. While PCTs do not provide advanced medical care, they are trained to recognize when help is needed. They may assist with simple tasks like applying a bandage or using a warm compress for minor aches.
• Maintaining a clean and safe environment. Though not responsible for deep cleaning, PCTs help by tidying patient areas, wiping surfaces, and making sure walkways are clear of hazards to prevent trips and falls.
• Running light errands. For patients who cannot leave home easily, PCTs may handle small errands like mailing a letter, picking up groceries, or collecting medical supplies.
• Performing basic medical tasks. PCTs may assist with procedures like drawing blood, performing EKGs, or supporting nurses and doctors with patient care duties.
• Assisting with mobility and transportation. Whether helping patients walk, transfer from bed to chair, or use a wheelchair, PCTs make sure patients can move safely. They may also accompany patients to appointments or outings.
• Watching for safety concerns. As patients age or face new health challenges, PCTs watch for signs that they may need more care. They also stay alert for signs of elder abuse or neglect and report concerns to supervisors.‍
• Offering emotional support and companionship. Beyond medical and daily care, PCTs often provide much-needed social interaction. Their visits can become an important source of friendship and trust for patients, especially those who feel isolated.

To be eligible to take NHA’s CPCT/A certification exam, you must have a high school diploma or GED or be scheduled to earn one in the next 12 months.

In addition, you must meet one of these two requirements:

• Completed a patient care technician training program like Stepful’s within the last five years

or

• Completed one year of supervised work experience in a patient care technician field within the last three years, or two years of supervised work experience in a patient care technician field within the last five years

Iowa does not have state licensing requirements for patient care technicians, but individual employers may require certification and/or background checks.

Additionally, nursing facilities (or nursing homes) that accept Medicaid funding may require additional certification or registration with the state.