How to Become a Patient Care Technician in Louisiana
Patient care technicians are medical professionals who provide the utmost care to patients and carry out basic medical tasks. Hence, they play significant roles in day-to-day operations within a healthcare facility. Being a patient care technician is not an easy job, but it is very fulfilling if you are the type of person who genuinely loves to take care of others and develop relationships. It also gives you a quick entry ticket into the healthcare industry.
So if you are living in Louisiana and are planning to pursue a career as a PCT, and live in this state, here is everything you need to know about becoming a PCT.
Requirements for Becoming a Patient Care Technician in Louisiana
In Louisiana, the basic requirements to become a PCT are the same as in most other states. These are-
- You must be over the age of 18 and have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
- You have to complete a PCT specialized or similar training program from a school or a training institute. It is a must to qualify for the certification exam. The program will contain clinical hours that you have to attend fully. The duration of the program may vary from school to school and degree to degree.
- The certification exam taken by NHA is usually the best one to try out in order to get your PCT license. The exam you have to pass to be qualified to become a PCT is the CPCT/A exam. 1 year of experience in the field can replace the need for a specialized training program.
- You must be listed in the Louisiana Nurse Registry before you start applying for a job, for which you will have to pass an exam.
- Furthermore, you must have a clean criminal background.
Requirements for Becoming a Patient Care Technician in Louisiana
Embarking on a fulfilling career as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) in the vibrant state of Louisiana offers a diverse range of educational options and promising employment opportunities. This resource serves as your guide to finding accredited schools—both online and in-person—and explores the landscape of Patient Care Technician employment in the Pelican State.
Finding Patient Care Technician Schools in Louisiana
Online Programs: Explore accredited online programs designed to cater to various schedules. Look for institutions offering comprehensive PCT training, allowing you to pursue your studies remotely while preparing for a rewarding career in healthcare.
In-Person Training: Louisiana 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 Louisiana
Major Healthcare Systems: Explore employment opportunities within major healthcare institutions such as Ochsner Health System, Baton Rouge General Medical Center, and Willis-Knighton Health System. These facilities offer diverse patient care settings, providing numerous opportunities for professional growth.
Specialized Healthcare Facilities: Consider roles in specialized healthcare facilities such as cardiac care 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 Louisiana’s unique demographic, 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 Louisiana. Creating a professional online profile can enhance your visibility to potential employers.
Embarking on a career as a Patient Care Technician in Louisiana provides a blend of educational opportunities and dynamic employment prospects. Whether pursuing online or in-person education, Louisiana’s healthcare landscape offers a unique platform for PCTs to contribute to the well-being of its diverse population. Best of luck as you embark on your journey toward becoming a skilled and compassionate Patient Care Technician in the Pelican State!
Patient Care Technician Classes in Louisiana
There are some good schools in Louisiana where you can get the required training to become a PCT. Here are some of the best ones-
Central Louisiana Technical Community College:
The PCT program at this college consists of classroom or lab instruction and supervised or preceptory clinical activities. After completing this competency-based program, you will be eligible to take certification exams in Phlebotomy, Nursing Assistant, Electrocardiogram (EKG) Technician, and/or PCT. You can complete the program in only 10 months.
Compass Career College:
There are some great courses under the Allied Health program of this vocational training institute. You can take the Nurse Aide Training course to become prepared if you want to become a PCT. After learning theoretical and practical matters in this course, you will be eligible for entry-level positions in long term care. You can also complete the Medical Assistant course to get additional knowledge and skills.
Delgado Community College
The CNA program at this college is approved by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH). It combines clinical and didactic education and includes a minimum of 80 hours of basic nursing assistant care and 40 hours of long-term care. In this competency-based curriculum, all OBRA Skill Standards are included.
Central Louisiana Community College
Address: 516 Murray Street
Alexandria, Louisiana LA
Phone: 318-487-5443
Online: No
Nunez Community College
Address: 3710 Paris Rd
Chalmette, Louisiana LA
Phone: 504-278-6467
Online: Yes
River Parishes Community College
Address: 925 West Edenborne Parkway
Gonzales, Louisiana LA
Phone: 225-743-8500
Online: No
Northshore Technical Community College
Address: 7067 Hwy 10 (P.O. Box 1300)
Greensburg, Louisiana LA
Phone: 985-545-1500
Online: No
Petra College
Address: 1814 N. Morrison Blvd
Hammond, Louisiana LA
Phone: 985-318-7880
Online: No
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College
Address: 943 Oxford Road
Mansfield, Louisiana LA
Phone: 318-872-2243
Online: No
Louisiana Delta Community College
Address: 7500 Millhaven Road
Monroe, Louisiana LA
Phone: 318-345-9000
Online: No
Louisiana State University Shreveport
Address: One University Place
Shreveport, Louisiana LA
Phone: 888-574-6218
Online: Yes