To be a successful Patient Care Technician you should…
Enjoy working directly with patients
Be able to follow written and verbal instructions
Have good manual dexterity
Be caring, trustworthy, dependable and honest
Be able to make good judgments
Have patience and communicate positively with people
Have the ability and sensitivity to maintain confidentiality
What will my job be like?
Patient Care Technicians, also called Patient Care Associates, fill a vital role in health care delivery by providing multiple skills such as phlebotomy, EKG, nursing assistant and at times data entry in patient care areas. Patient Care Technicians may work in different departments under the supervision of different licensed personnel, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, laboratory and cardiology supervisors.
The Patient Care Technician may provide routine care to patients, take and record vital signs,perform glucose tests, collect specimens for testing, assist in rehabilitative programs, perform phlebotomy venipuncture, obtain electrocardiograms, and may perform unit clerical duties. Familiarity with medical terminology and filing procedures is often required. Strong grammar and spelling abilities are essential. Duties may include word processing, data entry, reception, as well as interaction with vendors and patients.
Where could I work?
Patient Care Technicians work in hospitals, nursing homes, public health clinics, doctor’s offices, independent clinical laboratories, or blood banks.
What is the average annual salary?
$42,900
What is the future of this career?
Overall employment of nursing assistants and orderlies is projected to grow 11 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. As the baby-boom population ages, nursing assistants and orderlies will be needed to assist and care for elderly patients.
What type of education and/or training do I need?
Training can be obtained at regional vocational schools, specialized training centers, community colleges and sometimes is offered by employers. The training usually consists of 100 hours of lecture accompanied by about 250 hours of supervised clinical practice, and program lengths may require part-time or full-time attendance for several months.
Where can I get the education and/or training?
Asnuntuck Community College, Enfield
Capital Community College, Hartford
Lincoln Technical Institute, Shelton
Middlesex Community College, Middletown
Naugatuck Valley Community College, Waterbury
Stone Academy, East Hartford
Three Rivers Community College, Norwich
Tunxis Community College, Farmington
Valley Medical Institute, Bridgeport
Do I need a license or certification for this career?
Certification as a Nursing Assistant is required to be a Patient Care Technician.
Where can I get more information?
Any educational institution or program that has this program available.
