At ACI Medical & Dental School, you can train to become a certified Patient Care Technician (PCT) in just four months through our hands-on Medical Assistant program. Interested in whether or not this in-demand career is right for you? Here is a breakdown of the Patient Care Technician role, and the exciting possibilities that come with PCT certification.
What Does A Patient Care Technician Do?
Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) perform a wide range of duties to support the care of patients in various healthcare settings. They play a crucial role in providing care and ensuring comfort while working alongside nurses and other healthcare professionals. Their daily responsibilities typically include:
- Assisting with Personal Care:
- Helping patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and feeding.
- Assisting patients in using the bathroom or providing catheter care.
- Monitoring Vital Signs:
- Measuring and recording patients’ blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and respiratory rate.
- Reporting abnormal readings to the nursing staff or physician.
- Assisting with Mobility:
- Helping patients move around the facility, including assisting with bed transfers, repositioning, or using wheelchairs.
- Supporting patients in walking or performing range-of-motion exercises.
- Performing Basic Medical Tasks:
- Drawing blood (phlebotomy) or collecting other lab specimens.
- Performing electrocardiograms (EKGs).
- Assisting with wound care and dressing changes as needed.
- Providing Emotional Support:
- Offering companionship and emotional support to patients.
- Communicating with patients to understand their concerns and relaying important information to the nursing staff.
- Assisting with Medical Equipment:
- Ensuring that patients’ medical devices (like IVs, oxygen equipment, etc.) are functioning properly.
- Setting up medical equipment for procedures or ongoing patient care.
- Maintaining Patient Rooms:
- Keeping patient rooms clean and organized.
- Changing bed linens and restocking supplies.
Common Work Settings for Patient Care Technicians:
- Hospitals: The most common work environment for PCTs, where they assist in various departments such as emergency rooms, surgical units, or intensive care units.
- Nursing Homes or Long-Term Care Facilities: PCTs work closely with elderly or chronically ill patients, providing ongoing care.
- Outpatient Clinics: Some PCTs work in ambulatory care centers, assisting with procedures and patient monitoring.
- Dialysis Centers: PCTs who specialize in dialysis assist patients undergoing treatment for kidney disease.
- Home Healthcare: PCTs may also work in patients’ homes, providing personal care and basic medical assistance.
How Much Does A PCT Make In NJ?
Healthcare is a booming sector, and the demand for Patient Care Technicians is growing faster than the supply of qualified candidates. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 4% increase in job growth for Patient Care Technicians by 2033. With our high graduation and employment rates, there’s no better time to start your journey towards this in-demand career at ACI Medical & Dental School.
According to ZipRecruiter, PCTs in New Jersey make an average of $41,560 per year, depending on skill level, location, and experience.
What Comes After Patient Care Technician Certification?
With a Patient Care Technician (PCT) certification, individuals have several future career opportunities open to them, particularly if they are interested in becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). Many PCTs use their certification as a stepping stone to nursing, as the hands-on experience with patient care and medical tasks provides a strong foundation for nursing school or RN bridge programs. Additionally, PCTs can explore specialized care roles in areas like dialysis, intensive care, or surgery, where they can gain expertise and advance within those fields. PCT certification can further lead to continuing education opportunities, including additional certifications or training to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or RN.
Learn More about PCT Certification in New Jersey
If you feel that the PCT career is right for you, contact ACI Medical & Dental School today. By completing our Medical Assistant Certification Program with EKG, Phlebotomy and Patient Care Technician certifications, students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to take on the responsibilities of a PCT in just four months.
Classes are starting soon! To learn more about this exciting new career opportunity and take the next step towards an in demand job in a growing industry, contact us today.