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A patient care technician, or PCT, provides direct care and support to patients under the supervision of registered nurses or other healthcare providers. It’s a very fulfilling role in healthcare and an excellent introduction to the medical world. Many PCTs go on to specialize further in fields such as phlebotomy or obtain a degree in nursing.
The outlook is promising for an entry-level patient care technician, with steady job growth projected through 2032, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook. If you are a compassionate person who enjoys providing emotional support for others and would like to work in the clinical side of healthcare, this may be the career for you.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the duties, work environments, salary, and education requirements of a PCT. By the end, you will have a better understanding of what a PCT is and if this is a viable career for you. Let’s get started!
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What Does a Patient Care Technician Do?
PCTs interact one-on-one with patients while working alongside the treatment team in hospitals, extended care facilities, and rehabilitation centers. A patient care technician combines clinical tasks with personal care duties to ensure patients are safe, comfortable, and well-supported.
In this role, patients establish a trusting relationship with you and often form a meaningful bond as you become a support system to them and their families.
Common Patient Care Technician Duties
A patient care technician helps patients perform daily living tasks, provides emotional support, and assists with clinical care. A typical day for a PCT working in a hospital may include waking up their patient, checking their vitals, ordering their meals, and taking them to get X-rays and other tests. Occasionally, PCTs may perform phlebotomy procedures as well.
Comprehensive Patient Care: PCTs handle tasks like bathing and dressing patients, helping with their meals, and ensuring proper hygiene. These seemingly small actions make a huge difference in patients’ comfort and dignity.
Vital Sign Monitoring: You’ll often see PCTs managing critical health checks like taking blood pressure, heart rates, and temperature readings. These metrics allow medical teams to stay on top of a patient’s condition.
Support for Medical Procedures: PCTs work closely with nurses and doctors, assisting in medical procedures, setting up equipment, and preparing rooms. They become an invaluable extra set of hands.
Patient Mobility Assistance: Many PCTs help patients move around safely—whether it’s transferring from bed to chair, assisting with mobility devices, or guiding physical therapy exercises.
Communication Liason: A PCT often serves as a bridge between the patient and the clinical team, reporting any changes in a patient’s condition or concerns effectively.
The dynamic role of a patient care technician combines heart, compassion, and practicality. If you thrive on making someone’s day better while keeping up with a fast-paced environment, this job is for you.
Where Do Patient Care Technicians Work?
Patient care technicians are in high demand across a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics. Understanding the different environments where you can work is key to envisioning your career path and the many opportunities available to make a difference in patients’ lives.
Hospitals: Hospitals are the most common workplaces for PCTs. Here, you’ll assist with patient care in busy, high-energy departments. Whether it’s emergency rooms, surgery wards, or ICU, each day will present unique challenges and opportunities.
Nursing Homes & Long-Term Care Facilities: For those who find fulfillment in connecting deeply with patients, nursing homes provide that opportunity. You’ll form closer relationships with residents while assisting with daily care and monitoring their health over the long term.
Outpatient Clinics: Prefer a structured Monday-to-Friday schedule? Outpatient clinics allow you to assist with patient prep, simple procedures, and follow-ups without the unpredictable hours of a hospital.
Rehabilitation Centers: If you’re passionate about supporting recovery journeys, rehab centers allow you to work with patients undergoing physical therapy, occupational therapy, or post-surgery recovery.
Home Healthcare Services: PCTs also work one-on-one with patients in their homes, providing tailored care to support their independence while ensuring their needs are met.
The versatility of this profession ensures you’ll have options to work in an environment that fits your lifestyle and career goals.
How Much Does a Patient Care Technician Make?
It’s the burning question—and rightfully so. Like any career, understanding the financial aspect is crucial to making an informed decision.
The average annual salary for a patient care technician in the U.S. is around $45,000 per year, depending on factors like location, certification, and years of experience.
Here’s a ballpark breakdown according to Glassdoor:
- Entry-Level PCTs (0–1 years): Around $39,000–$54,000/year
- Mid-Level PCTs (1–3 years): Approximately $41,000–$56,000/year
- Experienced PCTs (5+ years): Can earn up to $70,000+/year
It’s important to note that PCTs often benefit from other perks, such as healthcare coverage, retirement contributions, and opportunities for career advancement. Plus, if you’re working in high-demand regions or specialized healthcare settings, salaries can edge higher.
Whether you decide to work as a PCT long term or build on the experience for another healthcare career, there are plenty of opportunities for higher pay ahead.
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How to Become a Patient Care Technician
Becoming a patient care technician has never been easier. With the right PCT training program, you can gain the skills, hands-on experience, and confidence needed to start a rewarding career in healthcare. Follow these steps to launch your career as a PCT.
Step 1: Earn Your High School Diploma or GED/High School Equivalency
The first requirement is straightforward—you’ll need to complete high school or obtain a GED/high school equivalency. This is the baseline education most healthcare roles require. Should you not have your high school diploma or GED required for training, CALRegional can help you attain this online for free! Simply give us a call for assistance.
Step 2: Enroll in a PCT Certification Program
Next, enroll in a reputable patient care technician program. At CALRegional, our PCT program can be completed in just 8-10 weeks and includes a guaranteed 80-hour externship so you get real-world experience before applying to jobs. Our program consists of classroom learning and hands-on clinical training.
You’ll learn essential skills in our patient care technician class, including:
- Comprehensive patient care like bathing, feeding, catheter care, etc.
- Obtaining EKG readings, monitor vital signs, and perform phlebotomy procedures
- Acquire, distribute, and administer patient care supplies
- Perform safety checks and ensure cleanliness in patient rooms
- Provide emotional support to patients and families, particularly those coping with grief and death
Step 3: Get Certified
Upon completing the program, students will need to take the CPCT/A (Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant) exam through the National Healthcare Association. This is how you become nationally certified to work as a CPT. Although certification may not be mandatory everywhere, it significantly enhances job opportunities and earning potential.
“78% of employers require or encourage certification for patient care technicians.” – National Health Association
Step 4: Apply for Roles
Once certified, you’re ready to enter the workforce. Fine-tune your resume, highlight your clinical skills, and start applying to hospitals, nursing homes, or other preferred work settings.
What Is the Next Step After Patient Care Technician?
Becoming a patient care technician is an incredible starting point for a rewarding healthcare career. Many PCTs stay in their role long-term, building on their experience and increasing their earnings over time. But if you would like to advance in your healthcare career, there are several opportunities for you to choose from!
Here are 6 popular career paths for PCTs:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Take your caregiving skills to the next level by becoming an LPN. With additional certifications, you’ll gain more responsibilities and a higher earning potential.
Registered Nurse (RN): Want to become a leader in patient care? Transition to an RN role and take charge of critical medical procedures, collaboration with doctors, and more.
Dialysis Technician: Specialize in renal care by assisting patients undergoing dialysis treatments—an increasingly in-demand healthcare sector.
Phlebotomy Technician: If precision is your strong suit, consider specializing in phlebotomy to focus on drawing and managing blood samples.
Medical Assistant: Move into a dynamic role that combines both administrative and clinical responsibilities in healthcare settings.
Home Healthcare Specialist: Prefer a more personal touch? Provide care for patients directly in their homes and make a massive impact in their daily lives.
As you gain experience working as a PCT, you’ll learn what interests you most and may be inspired to embark in more education.
Conclusion: A Rewarding Career as a PCT Awaits You at CALRegional!
A career as a patient care technician isn’t just a job—it’s an opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives by being on the front lines of patient care. As a PCT, you’ll provide comfort, emotional support, and hands-on medical expertise to patients during some of their most vulnerable moments. Whether it’s assisting with daily tasks, monitoring vital signs, or ensuring patients feel cared for, your role will be an essential part of their healthcare journey.
The role of a patient care technician offers a unique combination of emotional rewards, job security, and career growth potential. With the increasing demand for healthcare professionals, this career path ensures plenty of opportunities for advancement. Best of all, the path to becoming a PCT is relatively short, allowing you to enter the workforce and make an impact faster than many other healthcare roles.
If you’re passionate about helping others and ready to jumpstart your career in the healthcare field, there’s no better time to get started than now. Attend an online info session to learn more about CALRegional’s PCT program, where you’ll gain the skills and training needed to succeed in this rewarding and fast-growing profession. Take the first step toward a meaningful career today!
