Patient Care Tech: It’s Not as Difficult as You Think
A patient care technician is similar to a certified nurse but has many additional responsibilities. These other duties might make this job seem complicated and not the best choice, but that’s not entirely true. Yes, it is demanding and hectic, but it is also well worth it. In addition, the demand for PCT is constantly on the rise and, within a few years, will be at an all-time peak. So, the advantages of becoming a PCT are endless.
But if you’re still in doubt, no worries. Read this article to learn everything about being a PCT, and you will realize that it’s not as hard as you think.
What are the duties of a patient care technician?
A patient care technician must carry out a large set of duties and responsibilities within a hospital. According to statistics, about 60% of a hospital’s total activities are taken care of by a PTC. This is what makes this job posting so in demand. You will be a precious asset to the hospital as a patient care technician.
You might think that having so many responsibilities will be burdensome and exhausting. That’s not a lie. However, you will enjoy every moment of it if it’s something you’re passionate about. Mainly because no two days in the workplace will be the same, it will always be enjoyable to work. Though the everyday work will vary, here is a list of some of the most fundamental duties you have to carry out as a PTC:
- Performing basic medical tasks like drawing blood and measuring or recording vital signs.
- Listening to the patients’ various concerns and problems and reporting them to the nurses and doctors.
- Changing the position of the patients in their beds according to their comfort and relocating the patients as required.
- Helping the patients with their everyday activities if they need help. For example, helping them move, eat meals, change clothes, take their medicines, and so on.
- Helping the patients maintain their hygiene, like assisting them to take baths and use the restroom.
- Assisting the doctors and nurses whenever needed.
As you can see, all these are fundamental tasks that anyone with the proper training can do. It’s not at all stiff!
What are the skills required to become a patient care technician?
Specific skills will help you go a long way as a patient care technician. The first and foremost skill, or to say it more accurately, the first and top quality of a patient care technician is compassion and kindness. Only someone with a genuine desire to help other people will thrive in the healthcare field as an excellent medical worker. If you don’t own compassion in your heart, you will never be able to dedicate yourself to this role fully.
Having fantastic communication skills is also important. One of the main duties of a PTC is to listen to the problems of patients and report them to the doctors. As in, a PTC will work as a communication bridge between the patient and the doctor. Since there will be many types of patients, each with their own personality and own problems, it’s important for you to be good at communicating naturally with different types of people.
Speaking of different types of people, it will be difficult to deal with patients. Some patients will behave rudely towards you, and others won’t listen to you. In such cases, you have to know how to keep your patience and deal with the particular type of patient with kindness and strictness.
Physical stamina is a crucial requirement of this job. Since you have a lot of responsibilities, you will need to move around a lot. From one patient to another, it will always be hectic and packed. It will be difficult to tackle this level of activity while being physically weak. So you have to eat healthily and make sure to have a lot of energy.
How to Become a Patient Care Technician
Becoming a PTC is super easy. Compared to most other medical subjects, entering the work field takes a comparatively shorter time. So, if you need to start earning as soon as possible, PCT is a fantastic option for you. Especially because it is a job that comes with super high demand, and the salary is quite decent.
To become a patient care technician, you only need to follow three steps, as follows:
Complete a PCT training program
Many colleges and vocational training institutions provide training programs to become patient care technicians. Typically, these programs last a few months, maybe not more than eight or nine months. You might need two years at best if you go for a higher degree. The programs will combine theoretical education with hands-on training during clinical hours. The program can also be completed online.
Take the exam
Once you’ve finished the program, you are now eligible to sit for the certification exam to become a PTC. The best exam to take is the CPCT/A exam, hosted by the National Healthcare Association. Passing this exam with good grades will make you a certified Patient Care Technician.
Make it to the state registry
In order to be eligible to apply for a job within a particular state, you have to list yourself in the Nurse Aide Registry of that state. Sometimes, passing the CPCT/A is enough to be listed; other times, you have to take another exam for this purpose. But once your name is in that registry, you won’t have to worry about anything else.
After this, all you have to do is start applying for jobs. Having some experience in the medical field can help you get a job faster. So you can choose to do some part-time jobs while you’re still in training. It’s very easy to get an entry-level job in this line. And the higher your degree is, the better positions and salaries you can get.
Another great thing about being a PCT is the fact that there are countless scopes of career progression. You can always continue studying while working and get yourself to a higher position within a short time.
Last Word
In conclusion, being a PCT is a unique and gratifying job. It’s a noble position to hold but also very enjoyable. And it’s pretty easy to become one too! So what’s holding you back from pursuing this as your career?
