How to Become a Patient Care Technician in Alaska
A patient care technician is a very significant position in the healthcare industry. By carrying out these minor yet important activities to ensure maximum care for the patients, a PTC helps make the hospital operations run as smoothly as possible. Moreover, building a career as a PTC is much easier than other medical positions, so it can be your fast ticket to the healthcare industry. After becoming a PTC, you can also pursue further education for career progression, and the experience you gain will be helpful there as well.
If you are in Alaska, you have many opportunities open to you to find your place as a PTC. But, compared to many other states, the average salary of a PTC is higher in Alaska.
Requirements to Become a Patient Care Technician in Alaska
As with any other profession out there, there are some requirements you will have to meet in order to become a PTC in Alaska. These are-
- Your minimum educational qualification to enter a patient care technician training program is a high school diploma or GED. When you decide which school you should enroll in, there are many diplomas you can choose from. Every diploma will give you different certifications, so you should choose whichever fits you best. The shortest programs usually last only three months, but some last up to two years. There will be clinical rotation hours included in the program, and you must attend all of them.
- Once you complete the training, you have to sit for the certification exam. Of course, the most valuable exam is the one arranged by the NHA to get CPCT/A certification. This exam is organized by the Pearson Vue agency and lasts 1 hour and 50 minutes, during which you will have to answer 100 test questions and 20 pretest ones. You can find a helpful candidate’s handbook on Pearson Vue’s website to help you prepare for the exam.
- Once you have the certification, you need to be registered in the Alaska Nurse Aide Registry before you can start working.
- You must have strong stamina to be able to tackle the hustle of the hospital, as well as a clean criminal background.
Patient Care Technician Classes in Alaska
Some great schools in Alaska offer training programs for positions similar to PTC, like Certified Nursing Assistant or Medical Assistant. Here are the best ones you can check out:
Ilisagvik College
This community college has a diverse healthcare program called the Allied Health Programs. You can choose the Certified Nursing Assistant program and get the certification in under a year. CNA is very similar to PTC. You will be taught in-depth about every required skill and knowledge to become a PTC.
University of Alaska Fairbanks
One of the best and most famous universities in Alaska, UAF has a wide range of medical programs under its Allied Health program. The CNA program can be completed within a few semesters (56 hours of classroom practicum) to allow you employment in entry-level positions. To ensure a well-rounded education, the programs include both theoretical and practical classes.
University of Alaska Southeast (UAS)
UAS offers state-approved nursing programs in the cities of Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan. It is a 9-credit course consisting of 75 lectures hours and 80 lab hours at least.
Alaska Career College
Address: 1415 E. Tudor Road
Anchorage, Alaska AK
Phone: 907-563-7575
Online: No
Alaska Pacific University
Address: 4101 University Drive
Anchorage, Alaska AK
Phone: 1-800-252-7528
Online: Yes