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What is a Patient Care Technician

Stephen Rampur
Here is the important information about the duties of a patient care technician. It also includes some approximate salary figures of this profession.
Of many nursing jobs, a career as a patient care technician is one of the basic ones. Patient care technicians are also referred to as nurse assistants, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), health care assistants, etc.
Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) are responsible for carrying out the very basic of patient care in medical facilities. They are medical experts responsible for taking care of patients and addressing their daily needs.
A PCT is one who works directly with patients, and so may get emotionally attached to them. They take care of the patients' everyday diet, feed them if required.
They also record the patients' vital signs, collect blood and urine samples for tests, and help them to do motion exercises.
Moreover, they help the patients in bathing, dress the wounds of patients, help them in walking and turning on beds, and do many other things that are required on a daily basis.
PCTs record all the details of the patient regarding the current condition, medicines used, treatments performed, etc. A PCT has to carry out all the aforementioned tasks under guided supervision of doctors, Registered Nurses (RNs), or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).
Those in this medical job provide services in all medical facilities where basic care of the patient is to be taken. Most of the duties are almost similar to that of CNAs.

How to Become a Patient Care Technician?

The first step is to get a high school diploma or any equivalent education. However, this requirement may not be mandatory in every state. You then need to enroll and successfully clear a training program from an accredited school or college. These programs are generally of two years duration.
The syllabus in such courses relates to anatomy of the human body, medical terminologies, first aid, patient care, electrocardiography, and many other relevant topics. You will have to take the state certification exam by registering yourself by paying some specific amount as fees.
Along with these educational and training requirements; those thinking of getting into those hospital job have to be attentive to patient's responses and needs, good listeners and communicators, and empathetic.
As of now, the average per annum salary is recorded to be at around $29,924. Here is the median salary scale of patient care technicians according to levels of experience:
  • Entry Level - $20,809 - $34,927
  • Mid Career -  $24,439 - $42,652
  • Late Career - $25,377 - $46,155
The median salary scale of patient care technicians with respect to the state of employment is:
  • New York - $25,997 - $52,814
  • Georgia - $22,360 - $34,924
  • Florida - $20,059 - $36,890
  • Virginia - $23,000 - $35,000
Becoming a patient care technician can be a stepping stone for a career as an LPN or RN. The PCT salaries mentioned are subject to change according to financial conditions, type of employment setting, and most importantly the city. It is clear that these jobs will never go out of demand, as basic patient care is the primary aspect of any medical facility.