Mercer County Patient Care Technician Training (PCT)
At ACI Medical & Dental School in Eatontown, NJ, our Patient Care Technician (PCT) Certification program equips students with the essential skills and knowledge to become certified in just five months. Students gain practical experience using advanced medical equipment in our on-site lab. With the demand for PCTs projected to grow 5% by 2031, now is an excellent time to enter this rewarding field!
Key Benefits of Our Patient Care Technician Program
ACI Medical & Dental School offers unique advantages that distinguish our program from others. Some of our standout features include:
- NHA Certification: Graduates earn certification through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), qualifying them to work in various healthcare environments, such as hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices, assisting healthcare professionals.
- Comprehensive Training: The curriculum covers essential skills, including EKG, Phlebotomy, and other critical PCT techniques.
- Career Support: Our Career Assistance Program (CAP) is designed to help students create career plans and secure employment after completing the PCT certification program.
Our 180-Hour Patient Care Technician Internship
Completion of an internship at a healthcare facility is a critical component of our students’ education and career preparation. Students will be placed at a clinical site where they will receive practical training in a real work environment. Students will have a mentor that will train and guide them. This important opportunity provides our students with the necessary skills and experience required in the medical field while building the students’ resume. With our internship, students will get hands-on experience in the day-to-day responsibilities of a Patient Care Technician in real healthcare settings including doctors offices, clinics, and hospitals.
Internship schedules are typically based on the availability of clinical sites. Students should be prepared to complete their internship during the week (Monday through Friday). Evening class students will complete a 100-hour internship.
What Does an Mercer County Patient Care Technician (PCT) Do?
A Patient Care Technician (PCT) supports nurses and medical staff by performing vital patient care duties. They play a key role in ensuring patient comfort and well-being across various healthcare environments.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Monitoring and documenting vital signs (e.g., blood pressure, temperature)
- Assisting patients with movement, including transfers and repositioning
- Supporting personal care needs, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding
- Conducting basic medical tasks like drawing blood and performing EKGs
- Offering emotional support and companionship to patients
- Maintaining cleanliness and safety in patient rooms and care areas
- Communicating any changes in patient conditions to the healthcare team
Technical Standards For a PCT
Patient Care Technician students at ACI Medical & Dental School will be expected to:
- Assist patients with mobility, including helping them in and out of bed or chairs
- Move medical equipment, beds, and assistive devices
- Walk and stand for extended periods of time
- Have good hand-eye coordination for tasks such as reading monitors and using medical equipment
- Detect changes in patient conditions and needs
- Quickly respond to and understand verbal instructions from patients and staff
- Be able to perform CPR
- Accurately check and record vital signs for all patients
What To Look For In A PCT Training Program In Mercer County NJ
When looking for a Patient Care Technician (PCT) training program in Mercer County, NJ, consider the following factors:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by a recognized healthcare or educational organization to ensure high-quality training and industry recognition.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Look for programs that cover essential skills such as vital signs monitoring, EKGs, phlebotomy, CPR, and patient care techniques.
- Clinical Experience: A good program should include hands-on clinical experience or externships to help you apply your learning in real healthcare settings.
- Experienced Instructors: Choose a program with qualified instructors who have experience in patient care and healthcare training.
- Certifications: Ensure the program prepares you for certifications like the Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) exam.
- Job Placement Assistance: Look for programs that offer career services, such as job placement assistance or partnerships with local healthcare facilities.
- Flexible Scheduling: Check for part-time or evening classes if you need flexibility in your schedule.
Contact ACI Medical & Dental School today to start your Mercer County PCT journey.