If you have ever been sick or injured, chances are you have had the help of a patient care technician. A patient care technician (PCT) is a healthcare worker who assists nurses and doctors in providing direct patient care.
They frequently work in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare centers, ensuring overall patient comfort. If you are looking for an entry-level career in the medical field with a strong job outlook, becoming a patient care technician may be a great option for you.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including what a patient care technician is, what they do, where they work, salary expectations, and how to become one.
What is a Patient Care Technician?
A patient care technician is a trained and certified healthcare professional responsible for assisting patients with medical and daily care needs. They help and support patients who are sick, injured, or disabled with basic self-care tasks. They can work in a variety of healthcare and assisted living facilities.
People often confuse their role with that of a certified nursing assistant (CNA), but it often includes additional responsibilities such as performing electrocardiograms (EKGs), drawing blood, and assisting in medical procedures.
Patient care technicians' responsibilities can vary by state and where they work, though all patient care technicians focus on serving others.
What Does a Patient Care Technician Do?
Patient care technicians have a wide range of responsibilities that contribute to patient well-being and the smooth operation of healthcare facilities. Some patient care technician responsibilities include:
- Monitoring vital signs. Such as blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. This is crucial in detecting early signs of complications and assessing a patient's overall health status.
- Assisting with personal daily activities. Patient care technicians may help with things like bathing, hair care, dressing, feeding, and even putting on makeup. Patients who are weak or have mobility problems may need assistance reaching up over their heads or managing small buttons and zippers.
- Performing basic first aid. Patient care technicians do not need a lot of medical knowledge, but they should know when to call for help. They can also help with minor things like putting a bandage on a small cut or applying a warm pack to a sore joint.
- Cleaning & Safety. While they do not usually do deep cleaning, patient care technicians can do things like decluttering and wiping down countertops. They help keep spaces neat and help clear up tripping hazards or other safety problems around the living space.
- Running errands. If someone is unable to drive or walk down the street, a patient care technician can take care of small errands like going to the post office or picking up groceries. Many people need the help of a patient care technician to pick up medical supplies or get groceries to their home.
- Performing basic medical procedures such as drawing blood and conducting EKGs when needed, and collaborating with nurses and doctors to ensure proper patient care.
- Assisting with mobility and transportation. Clients of patient care technicians often need rides to medical appointments or social activities, and sometimes, a PCT medical can assist patients in walking and using wheelchairs.
- Helping with daily tasks. Basic tasks around the house can become difficult for someone who is sick, injured, or elderly. PCTs can help with chores around the house like feeding an animal, writing a letter, making a phone call, cooking or warming up a basic meal, or watering plants.
- Reporting safety concerns. Many clients need the help of a patient care technician as they begin to lose their independence. Patient care technicians need to be on the lookout for signs that their clients need a higher level of care and should learn about signs of elder abuse so they can report anything concerning to their employer.
- Providing emotional support and companionship. One of the most important things patient care technicians do is provide company to their clients. Many patients live alone or do not have family close by, and their interactions with caregivers become an important part of their social lives. Often, patient care technicians and patients form a close, trusting relationship that is extremely rewarding for both sides.
Where Do Patient Care Technicians Work?
PCTs can work anywhere as long as there’s a client that needs help with basic tasks. Home care is one of the most common places for a patient care technician to work, but they also commonly work in assisted living facilities, retirement communities, and other long-term care facilities, such as the following:
- Hospitals: Assisting nurses with patient care, monitoring vitals, and preparing rooms.
- Nursing homes and assisted living facilities: Helping elderly residents with daily activities.
- Rehabilitation centers: Assisting patients recovering from surgery or injury.
- Dialysis centers: Supporting patients undergoing dialysis treatments.
- Home healthcare settings: Providing in-home care for individuals with medical needs.
Patient care technicians working in home care usually make daily or every-other-day visits to each client's home. PCTs spend most of the day on their feet or driving from place to place. When they are not running errands, cleaning, cooking, or helping with personal care, they spend their downtime visiting their clients.
Patient Care Technician Salaries & Job Outlook
Patient care technician salaries vary based on location, experience, and workplace, ranging from approximately $14.55 and $23.45 per hour. On average, PCTs earn between $30,260 and $48,780 per year, with opportunities for higher wages in specialized medical facilities.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects nursing assistant jobs, which includes PCT, to grow by 4% between 2023 and 2033. This segment growth is within the national average. Here’s a look at the fastest-growing careers in healthcare.
Many patient care technicians use their experience to advance in healthcare, pursuing careers as registered nurses, physician assistants, or other medical roles. However, the demand for PCTs remains strong.
>> Read More: Patient Care Technician Salary
How to Become a Patient Care Technician
You can become a certified patient care technician with just a high school diploma or GED and a little bit of training. With the right patient care technician training, you can gain the skills, hands-on experience, and confidence needed to start a rewarding career in healthcare.
If you’re considering a career as a patient care tech, here are the steps to follow on how to become a patient care technician and start your journey in healthcare:
- Earn your high school diploma or GED
A basic educational requirement to enroll in training programs is to graduate from high school or obtain your GED before becoming a patient care technician. With dedication and consistent study, you can typically obtain your GED in about three months.
- Get the necessary training and education
Before becoming a patient care tech, you need to have both technical and workspace skills. Training programs cover essential topics such as basic first aid, patient care techniques, and medical procedures.
Additionally, if you plan to work in home healthcare, some employers may require you to have a valid driver’s license to travel between patient locations.
Here at Stepful we offer a PCT program where you can get the necessary training and preparation to get certified. We also support students with job search after the certification.
3. Take your competency exam
Most companies require that you pass a competency exam, such as National CPCT/A Certification or CPCT/A, from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) before you can start working as a PCT medical. This is the certification we at Stepful train our students for.
This exam typically includes questions on infection control, patient safety, and emergency procedures, ensuring that PCTs are well-prepared to handle real-world healthcare situations. Some states may also require a background check and additional certifications.
Some people choose to work as a PCT while pursuing further education in the healthcare field. If you're considering advancing your career and becoming a medical assistant or a nurse, working as a PCT can help you gain valuable clinical and administrative experience, opening doors to more specialized roles in healthcare.
4. Start your career
After passing your exam, you will be ready to begin a rewarding career as a patient care technician.
With the right training and certification, you can start working in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, or home healthcare settings, making a meaningful impact on patients’ lives every day.
Skills Required to Be a Patient Care Technician
Working as a patient care tech is demanding and requires a lot of hard work. Some skills you’ll need to work as a patient care technician include:
- Patience. While you will be helping people perform basic care tasks, it is important to allow your clients to have as much independence as possible. This means that you will have to be patient while they button their shirt or choose their shoes to wear. Basic tasks can take a long time for someone in need of a patient care technician.
- Compassion. Working in healthcare means interacting with patients who may be sick, in pain, or experiencing a loss of mobility. It can be difficult for clients to accept help from a PCT as they become more dependent on others. Showing compassion and empathy helps patients feel respected and comfortable. Providing care with kindness and understanding allows you to support their dignity while improving their overall well-being.
- Strength. Patient care technicians must have the physical strength needed to assist patients with daily activities. This includes helping individuals walk, stand up from a chair, dress themselves, and move safely. Additionally, PCTs may need to lift objects, reposition patients, and perform household tasks when working in home care settings.
- Critical thinking. Although patient care technicians do not make medical treatment decisions, they must have strong critical thinking skills to respond effectively in emergencies. Whether it’s recognizing signs of distress, following proper safety protocols, or quickly assisting medical staff, PCTs play a vital role in ensuring patient well-being.
Why Become a Patient Care Technician?
Becoming a patient care technician is a great way to start a healthcare career with strong job security and growth potential. PCTs make a meaningful impact by helping patients with daily care and assisting medical teams in providing top-quality healthcare.
If you’re ready to take the next step, consider enrolling in a patient care technician training program to gain the necessary skills and certifications!
