Patient Care Technician Certification Programs

This article provides an overview of patient care technician certification requirements. What is a patient care technician? What are the requirements for a certified patient care technician?

For many people, getting their Patient Care Technician Certification is the first step on their career path towards a nursing degree. The need for PCTs' is growing due to the fact that these professionals are so versatile and able to perform many tasks that would otherwise require several departments within the facility to perform. This professional works very closely with nurses and doctors in a facility and are often a key member of the patient care team. The Patient Care Technician Certification provides an individual with the ability to work in many different healthcare environments including hospitals, clinics, rehab centers, nursing and assisted living facilities. Therefore, there is a broader range of job opportunities available for these individuals. In order to qualify to take the patient care technician certification examination, a candidate must be a certified nursing assistant, and be able to perform, phlebotomy, electrocardiogram (EKG) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Upon completion of coursework training, the student must perform at least 40 hours of clinical training.

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Nursing Degrees & Programs

University of Phoenix

• RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Kaplan University

• RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Colorado Technical University Online

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Chamberlain College of Nursing

• RN to BSN Degree Completion Option
• RN to BSN to MSN Online Option
• Master Master of Science in Nursing

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

American Sentinel University

• RN to BS Nursing

Post University Online

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Management for Registered Nurses
• Legal Nurse Consulting Certificate

Keiser University - Online

• Registered Nurse, RN to BSN
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

South University

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• RN to BSN Online Program

• RN to BS in Nursing

Western Governors University

• B.S. in Nursing

• Online Nursing RN-to-BSN B.S.

Nursing Programs in Canada (Diploma)

CDI College

• Nursing Assistant

Vancouver Career College

• Practical Nursing (PN) - Generic

Patient Care Technician Education and Training

Receiving patient care technician certification can take from 24-weeks, if you are already a CNA, to 2-years. The program combines classroom lectures, practical hands-on experience in a medical lab and an externship in a health care facility. The program is made up of four modules that include basic patient care skills, EKG, Phlebotomy and advanced nursing skills.

Most patient care technician certification programs combine the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) requirements with the PCT and both examinations may be taken upon completion of the program. The exam to become a Certified PCT, or CPCT is given by the National Health Association. Once certified a PCT can work in any health care environment.

Home Health Aide Careers

The role of a CPCT in a health facility is demanding and requires an ability to multi-task. The PCT works under the supervision of an LVN, LPN, or RN and provides many of the tasks traditionally performed by staff from several departments. Among the many responsibilities of a PCT is providing basic nursing to patients so they normally have more contact with patients than other healthcare professionals.

The CPCT is able to perform the same tasks as a Certified Nursing Assistant as well as conduct EKGs, draw blood and monitor patients for signs of distress. They are often assigned to a specific number of patients and are with them throughout their stay in the healthcare facility. They will assist the patient with their daily needs and work closely with the doctors and nurses of the facility to assure that the needs of the patient is met.

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

The income of CPCTs' vary depending on the years of experience an individual has, the shift they work and the size of the facility they are working in. The national average for annual salary is between $22,497 and $31,033, or an average of $14.04 - $20.77 per hour.

Many healthcare facilities also provide assistance with continuing education costs if a CPCT wants to pursue a nursing degree. In addition, the hours that are worked are often adjusted to accommodate the school schedule of the professional. As with all areas within the healthcare industry, the need for PCTs' is a growing field that is in demand throughout the US.

The diversity of the job and the experience as a patent care technician certification that it provides to the professional make it an ideal field for an individual who wants to pursue a healthcare career but is not sure of the direction they want to take within the field.