Completing A Patient Care Technician Program: What To Expect
Looking for a hands-on career in healthcare that allows you to focus on caring for patients? Becoming a Patient Care Technician (PCT), or nursing assistant, may be a great option for you. The Patient Care Technician Program at the Healing Hands Institute is a diploma program designed to prepare students with the skills and knowledge needed to fulfill the ever expanding role of the PCT. Here is more information on this great career choice.
Roles and Duties of a Patient Care Technician
A PCT works closely with patients, under the supervision of a nurse. It differs from a medical assistant in that PCT’s only work with patients and do not perform any clerical duties. The primary focus is on the patient and performing basic care duties based on the patient’s needs.This includes assisting them in using the restroom, changing bedding, and even serving and feeding meals. They also ensure the quality of the hospital environment by making sure rooms are up to standard with fresh linens and stocked with supplies. Medical tasks such as monitoring vital signs, drawing blood, or changing bandages may also fall under the duties of a PCT. Many times the tech also offers emotional support to both patients and their families.
The Skills You will Acquire
A Patient Care Technician program like the one at a Healing Hands Institute includes an instructor led training in a classroom setting which includes practical, clinical hands-on application. As a student, you will train in a variety of professional areas. These include that of an Allied Health Assistant, Phlebotomy Technician, and EKG tech. You will eventually be able to perform essential tasks such taking of vital signs and performing a 12-lead EKG. You will learn to monitor a patient’s condition and be able to report any findings to nurses and doctors. You will also acquire some planning and managerial skills.The end goal of the program is for you to have the tools needed to provide the best patient care possible.
Working after Graduation
The number of jobs for Patient Care Technicians are expected to grow 21% through 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that there will be plenty of opportunities available once you are ready to go out into the field. Upon completing your training, you will be able to seek employment in a variety of facilities including a hospital, clinic, or nursing home. Be prepared to possibly have to work nights and weekends since most of these places operate on a 24 hour basis. Usually the tradeoff is that you will work longer shifts but for less days. That gives you more time for your family but also allows you to develop meaningful connections with your patients at work. Certification is not mandatory but strongly advised since it does improve employment opportunities so make yourself more marketable by getting certified.
Patient Care Technicians are in demand and can be a great career choice for anyone looking to become part of the medical field in a short amount of time. Check out the information on the PCT program offered at a Healing Hands institute and get started on your future today.