Online Patient Care Technician Program

Patient care technicians, also called nursing assistants, are vital members of healthcare teams. They provide hands-on care, assist with patients’ daily needs, and support doctors and nurses. 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 Michigan, patient care technicians work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, clinics, and urgent care centers. Whether in busy city hospitals or community clinics, patient care technicians are essential in delivering direct patient care.

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

• Monitoring vital signs. PCTs check vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. 
• Helping with daily personal care. PCTs assist patients with everyday activities like bathing, grooming, dressing, and eating. 
• Providing basic first aid. PCTs 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. 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.
• Assisting with mobility and transportation. PCTs make sure patients can move safely, helping them walk, transfer from bed to chair, or use a wheelchair. 
• Watching for safety concerns. PCTs watch for signs that patients 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.

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 5 years

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Michigan does not have state licensing requirements for patient care technicians, but individual employers may require certification or background checks. Additionally, nursing facilities that accept Medicaid funding may require additional certification or registration with the state.