A patient care technician (PCT) is a healthcare professional who provides direct patient care and support under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or other healthcare professionals.
The primary role of a PCT is to assist patients with their daily activities and ensure their comfort and well-being. The specific tasks performed by a PCT may vary depending on the healthcare facility and the patient population, but some common responsibilities include:
- Assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs): This includes helping patients with bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting.
- Vital signs monitoring: Recording and reporting patients’ vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate.
- Collecting specimens: Collecting urine, stool, or other samples for laboratory testing.
- Assisting with mobility: Helping patients with walking, transferring, and positioning to prevent pressure ulcers and maintain proper body alignment.
- Assisting with medical procedures: Supporting healthcare professionals during procedures like wound care, catheterization, or intravenous (IV) therapy.
- Providing emotional support: Listening to patients’ concerns, offering empathy, and providing a comforting presence.
- Documenting patient information: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of patient care activities and observations.
- Assisting with patient education: Providing basic health information and instructions to patients and their families.
PCTs work with a diverse range of patients across various healthcare settings. They may care for patients of different ages, from infants to the elderly, and with varying medical conditions. The patient population can include individuals recovering from surgery, those with chronic illnesses, patients in long-term care facilities, and individuals seeking care in hospitals or outpatient clinics.
PCTs can be employed in various healthcare settings, including:
- Hospitals: PCTs play a vital role in assisting nurses and other healthcare professionals in hospitals, working in departments such as medical-surgical units, emergency departments, or intensive care units.
- Long-term care facilities: PCTs provide care to residents in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or rehabilitation centers.
- Outpatient clinics: PCTs may work in clinics that offer specialized medical services or provide primary care to patients.
- Home healthcare: Some PCTs work in patients’ homes, assisting with their daily activities and providing support in a home care setting.
The salary of a patient care technician can vary based on factors such as geographic location, experience level, and the employing healthcare facility. According to data from 2021, the median annual salary for a patient care technician in the United States is approximately $32,500, with a range typically between $28,000 and $38,000. The certification process for patient care technicians varies depending on the country and state regulations. In the United States, certification as a patient care technician is not mandatory in all states, but many employers prefer or require certification for employment.
One common certification for PCTs in the U.S. is the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) credential offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). To obtain this certification, candidates usually need to meet certain eligibility requirements, which may include completing a formal training program or acquiring a specific number of hours of work experience. They must then pass an examination that tests their knowledge and skills in areas relevant to patient care, such as patient safety, infection control, and basic medical procedures.
It’s important to note that certification requirements can vary in requirements between different state nursing boards, so aspiring PCTs should research the specific requirements in their state or country to ensure they meet the necessary qualifications and double check if the job they are applying for even requires certification.
If you enjoy hands-on assisting a patient with daily tasks and providing emotional support to those patients this is a great entry level position. Compared to a medical assistant this position is in the nursing model and you typically assist the nurses, as opposed to a medical assistant, who is trained to assist the clinician. Patient care technician is an increased level of responsibility above a certified nursing assistant.