How to Become a Patient Care Technician in Kansas
If you want a fast and smooth entry into the healthcare field, a patient care technician might be a good route to take. It is a highly demanded position in hospitals, nursing homes, and care facilities, so getting a job isn’t difficult if you have the certifications. You get to interact with a variety of people and build meaningful relationships while doing a valuable service to the community.
So if you want to become a PTC and are a resident of Kansas, then here you can find all the basic information about becoming a PCT in this state.
Requirements for Becoming a Patient Care Technician in Kansas
Every job has some basic requirements that one has to meet in order to become eligible for it. Patient Care Technician is no different. In Kansas, the basic requirements are no different than in other states, but specific workplaces might enforce additional requirements.
- You must have a high school diploma or GED.
- You must have a clean criminal record so that you can pass the criminal background check.
- You have to enter a specialized patient care technician training program to gain the required knowledge and skills. The training programs will usually last from a few months to a couple of years at most, depending on the school and the degree. The courses will usually contain practice hours that you have to attend fully.
- Once you have received the training, you can try out for the certification exam taken by the National Health Association. You have to answer a total of 120 questions in 1 hour and 50 minutes in the exam. The training can be replaced by one year of experience in the field.
- Finally, you have to pass an exam in order to be listed under the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry. Then you can start applying for jobs.
Discovering Patient Care Technician Education and Careers in Kansas
Embarking on a fulfilling career as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) in the state of Kansas offers a variety of educational pathways and promising employment opportunities. This resource is designed to assist you in finding accredited schools—both online and in-person—and exploring the diverse landscape of Patient Care Technician employment in the Sunflower State.
Finding Patient Care Technician Schools in Kansas
Online Programs: Explore accredited online programs tailored to accommodate diverse schedules. Look for institutions providing comprehensive PCT training, allowing you to pursue your studies remotely while preparing for a rewarding career in healthcare.
In-Person Training: Kansas hosts several community colleges, vocational schools, and healthcare training centers offering in-person Patient Care Technician programs. Seek out programs that include hands-on clinical experience to enhance practical skills and prepare you for real-world patient care.
Accreditation and Certification: Ensure the selected program holds accreditation from recognized healthcare education bodies. Verify whether the program prepares you for industry-recognized certification exams, such as the National Healthcareer Association’s (NHA) Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) exam.
Patient Care Technician Employment Opportunities in Kansas
Major Healthcare Systems: Explore employment opportunities within major healthcare institutions such as The University of Kansas Health System, Stormont Vail Health, and Via Christi Health. These facilities offer diverse patient care settings, providing numerous opportunities for professional growth.
Specialized Healthcare Facilities: Consider roles in specialized healthcare facilities such as cancer treatment centers, rehabilitation institutes, or outpatient clinics. PCTs in these settings play a crucial role in providing specialized care tailored to patients’ unique medical needs.
Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Facilities: Given Kansas’s aging population, there is a demand for PCTs in long-term care and assisted living facilities. Explore opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of residents by offering compassionate and dedicated care.
Home Healthcare Services: Investigate positions with home healthcare agencies across the state, providing personalized care to patients in their homes. This avenue allows for a more intimate and personalized patient care experience.
Educational Institutions and Research Centers: Explore opportunities within educational institutions and research centers that offer healthcare programs. Some PCTs transition into roles as educators or clinical researchers, contributing to advancements in patient care and education.
Job Search Platforms: Leverage popular job search platforms such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn to discover current job openings for Patient Care Technicians in Kansas. Creating a professional online profile can enhance your visibility to potential employers.
Embarking on a career as a Patient Care Technician in Kansas provides a blend of educational opportunities and dynamic employment prospects. Whether pursuing online or in-person education, Kansas’s healthcare landscape offers a unique platform for PCTs to contribute to the well-being of its residents. Best of luck as you embark on your journey toward becoming a skilled and compassionate Patient Care Technician in the Sunflower State!
Patient Care Technician Classes in Kansas
There are a lot of good schools in Kansas where you can seek your specialized PCT training. Most of them don’t have a specific PCT course so you can take the CNA one in its place. Here are some of the schools you can check out first-
Allen Community College: The CNA course under ACC’s Allied Health program is designed to help you enter the workforce by becoming certified or licensed to work in various healthcare settings. You will be provided both classroom and clinical instruction to build confidence. Patient care will be conducted in a nursing home setting, and the course will prepare you for the state licensing examination. The course is divided into two parts, one containing 40 hours and the second a total of 50.
Cloud County Community College: The CNA course of this college will prepare you to deal with various patient care-related activities in various settings. After successful completion of the 90-hour classes, you will be eligible for the state exam for the registry. Here, the selected readings and student assignments are done online, while the discussion and skills are addressed during face-to-face clinical sessions.
Butler Community College
Address: 901 S Haverhill Rd
El Dorado, Kansas KS
Phone: 316-321-2222
Online: No
National Center for Competency Testing
Address: 7007 College Blvd Suite 385
Overland Park, Kansas KS
Phone: 800-875-4404
Online: Yes
Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology
Address: 4004 N Webb Rd. Bldg 100
Wichita, Kansas KS
Phone: 316-677-9680
Online: No