What a Patient Care Technician Does
What is a Patient Care Technician?
A Patient Care Technician is a healthcare professional that provides direct care to patients, often assisting them with accomplishing daily tasks. They may also be responsible for assisting other healthcare professionals by performing tasks such as phlebotomy and administering EKGs.
What does a Patient Care Technician do?
Patient Care Technicians may perform a variety of duties depending upon where they work and the specific responsibilities associated with their role. Some duties of a Patient Care Technician may include:
- Measuring and recording patient vital signs
- Assisting patients with activities such as eating, drinking, dressing, bathing, and grooming
- Assisting patients transition in and out of bed
- Reporting changes in a patient’s condition or concerns to the LPN, RN, or Physician
- Drawing blood from patients for lab tests
- Preparing specimens and samples for lab testing
- Administering tests such as EKGs
- Maintaining patient privacy through HIPAA
- Promoting a safe environment for patients
Is patient care technician the same as a cna?
While there is likely to be some common duties shared by a Patient Care Technician and a CNA, there are differences as well. Generally speaking, a Patient Care Technician will have a broader base of knowledge and may perform tasks that a CNA would not perform. Again, this may vary based on the workplace and/or the actual duties associated with the role.
What is a certified Patient Care Technician?
A certified Patient Care Technician is someone who has completed the necessary training and successfully passed the applicable exam in order to earn their credential of being ‘certified.’
Where does a Patient Care Technician work?
Patient Care Technicians can be found working in a variety of healthcare settings. These include nursing homes, long-term care facilities, home health care, and even hospitals.
Will I be able to find a job?
It is important to point out that no school can guarantee that their students/graduates will be able to obtain employment after their training/education. Here at Training Direct, we offer career services assistance to all completers from the Patient Care Technician program, however, employment is not guaranteed.
Is Patient Care Technician a good job?
Many Patient Care Technicians find their work satisfying because they know they are making a difference in the lives of their patients daily. In addition to performing work that is gratifying, those working as a Patient Care Technician can enjoy the stability offered by working in the healthcare field.
How to Become a Patient Care Technician
How to become a Patient Care Technician?
For those interested in how to become a Patient Care Technician, a good first step is obtaining the proper training. Since Patient Care Technicians work directly with patients, it is a good idea to select a program that includes hands-on training opportunities. Upon successfully completing a training program, students are also encouraged to challenge applicable certification exams.
Is Patient Care Technician a good job?
Many enjoy the work they do as a Patient Care Technician because they make a difference in the lives of their patients every day. In addition, some may choose to enter the healthcare field as a Patient Care Technician as a way to gain experience, but later go back to school to further their education and pursue advancement by way of pursuing other roles within healthcare.
How long does it take to become a Patient Care Technician?
The time it takes to become a Patient Care Technician may vary based on a number of factors. One of which is the length of your training program. Another factor to consider is how long it may take you to pursue certification (if you choose to do so). Generally speaking, depending on the length of your training program, it could take a few months up to a year or more.
How long is Patient Care Technician training?
Patient Care Technician training program can vary in length. Some may only take a few weeks or months to complete whereas others can be in upwards of a year.
Can you get certified as a Patient Care Technician?
Yes, upon completing a training program, you may be eligible to pursue certification as a patient care technician. You can ask your school for feedback on certification exams and you should research any requirements that might be associated with certification. A candidate for certification is responsible for ensuring they meet the necessary requirements. In addition, they may be responsible for any additional fees tied to pursuing certification.
How to become a certified Patient Care Technician?
In order to become a Certified Patient Care Technician, you will first want to complete an approved training program. Next, you will want to assess your options when it comes to pursuing a specific certification. Your school may often be able to provide you feedback on which certification exam(s) you may wish to pursue. Be sure to research the requirements for certification, as you will be responsible for meeting those. You should also verify any additional fees that may apply and that you may have to cover also.
Patient Care Technician Training at Training Direct
What will be covered in the program?
The Patient Care Technician program at Training Direct has integrated three programs into a single, cohesive diploma granting program. This includes instruction from the Nurse Aide program, the Phlebotomy Technician program, and the EKG Technician program. At the conclusion of the Patient Care Technician program, graduates will be eligible to challenge a national certification exam, however, additional fees may apply and it is the responsibility of the graduate to ensure they meet the necessary requirements in order to pursue certification.
Is this program hands-on?
Yes! Instruction in the Patient Care Technician program will take place in both a traditional classroom setting as well as during hands-on training activities and clinical practice. Since a Patient Care Technician works directly with patients, it is important to have the experience of training in a hands-on environment.
Does this program offer an externship or internship?
No, an externship/internship is not included in the Patient Care Technician program, however, students will have hands-on training opportunities during classes as part of their education. In addition, Training Direct offers career services assistance to all program completers, however, job placement is not guaranteed.
How long is this program?
The Patient Care Technician program can be completed in a matter of weeks, however, actual completion time will vary based on the scheduling of classes as well as the type of class schedules selected.
Who are the instructors?
Our instructors are caring individuals who are experts in their respective field.
Why choose this Patient Care Technician program over others?
Training Direct has been providing quality career training to future healthcare professionals in Connecticut for over 30 years. Since 1990, students have chosen Training Direct for a variety of reasons including our reputation, the hands-on training offered in our programs, and the flexibility we offer.
Which campuses at Training Direct offer classes?
The Patient Care Technician program is offered at the following Training Direct campus locations:
How do I enroll?
If you would like to learn more about our Patient Care Technician program, you can click here to contact us. A member of our team will follow-up with you shortly.
If you’d like to contact us directly, you may call (888) 856-7096.
To learn more about our Admissions Requirements and Procedures, you may click here.
Does your program include a certification?
While actual certification is not included in the Patient Care Technician program, graduates of this program may go on to challenge a certification exam. Additional fees for certification exams may apply and are the responsibility of the student. Certification exams may require candidates to meet additional criteria as well (such as having a high school diploma or GED), and it is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet these requirements as well.
Will you help me find a job after graduation?
It is important to note that no school can guarantee employment to their students/graduates once they finish their training program. Here at Training Direct, we offer career services assistance to all completers of the Patient Care Technician program, however, job placement is not guaranteed.
