Responsibilities of a Patient Care Tech

Patient care technicians (PCTs) look after patients in hospitals, outpatient centers, clinics and medical specialty centers. Their responsibilities can encompass a variety of clinical, laboratory, clerical and supportive duties. A PCT and her duties are supervised by a physician or registered nurse in most cases. A patient care technician may receive a degree in the field, or he may be an allied health care provider, such as a medical assistant or nursing aid, who trains on the job and can obtain certification to display competence in the field. Salaries range between $22,520 and $23,670 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Clinical

• Patient care technicians may perform a multitude of clinical tasks and provide direct patient care. Routine patient care duties may include taking vital signs, such as blood pressure and pulse, conducting preliminary patient interviews and performing clinical diagnostics such as electrocardiograms. In a clinical or outpatient setting, the PCT may assist in preparing patients for, and assisting with, procedures. In some cases and under the direct supervision of a physician, a PCT may also prepare and administer medications, such as injections, immunizations and antibiotics.

Laboratory

• Laboratory skills may include phlebotomy, or drawing of blood, as well as collecting of other samples such as urine, throat swabs and wound cultures. A patient care technician may also be trained to perform basic laboratory tests such as urine dips and strep throat culture testing. She may also learn more advanced lab skills such as how to process blood and urine specimens.

Clerical

• A patient care technician is often responsible for charting and documenting a patient’s status and care that has been delivered. Computer skills, answering the telephone, filing and medical record handling may be responsibilities of a PCT.

Supportive

• A patient care technician who works in a hospital setting may be required to perform personal care for patients, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, oral care and feeding. Changing linens, cleaning patient rooms and assisting with routine patient treatments, such as physical or occupational therapies, may also be among responsibilities of a PCT.