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Patient Care Tech Training

A Patient Care Tech (PCT) works with doctors, nurses and other health care professionals. Their job is providing direct patient care. They also provide assistance in the recovery process. They work closely with their patients, which allows them to monitor their progress. They also assist those patients who need help with things such as eating, getting out of bed, taking a bath and brushing their teeth and hair. They work in hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, assisted living facilities, nursing homes and long-term facilities. They may also work at home.

  1. Training

    • There are an assortment of patient care duties to be performed. The PCT must be trained in these areas, including medical terminology, basic anatomy, vital sign measurements, communication skills and other patient care skills. There is some technical experience needed. This will help the patient care tech perform respiratory services, rehabilitation services, reading EKGs and phlebotomy (with the supervision of a registered nurse).

    Home Patient Care Tech

    • Sometimes nursing and medical care is performed in the home of the patient. This is done under the supervision of a physician. A majority of such home care is given to the elderly. This field is in high demand due to the increase in life expectancy. This type of care usually allows the PCT to develop a more personal relationship with their patient.

    Hospital Patient Care Tech

    • PCTs are especially needed in the hospitals. They take over after the doctors and nurses have completed their rounds. PCTs often form a closer bond with the patients due to their bedside manner. They often form a bridge between the patient and the doctor. They relay to the doctor the needs of the patient. They also play a vital part in the recovery plan.

    Career and Salary

    • As of 2004, the health care field has become the largest industry in the United States. This being the case, there are plenty of jobs available, and there are a lot of locations a PCT can work in: hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and physician offices. Salaries range from approximately $18,000 to $35,000 as of March 2010.

    Requirements

    • A PCT must have a high school diploma before pursuing a career in this field. Most employers would also want you to have a certificate from a state-certified program. The hospital training usually takes about two to three months. It is a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training.

    Patient Care Technician Certificate

    • The Patient Care Tech Certification has programs that include classroom lectures, lab work and clinical experience. Basic skills that are taught include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), phlebotomy and first aid. The PCT also needs to be trained in how to assist with bathing, feeding and grooming the patient.

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