How to Become a Patient Care Technician in Massachusetts
Within a hospital or medical facility, various kinds of workers carry out various duties. A patient care technician is one of them, and they perform as much as 60% of the total activities within a medical facility. They maintain a close relationship with patients and provide the maximum care and comfort. So their role is important to both patients and healthcare workers.
Thus, if you want to become a patient care technician, you have to gain adequate knowledge and skills in various things. If you’re in Massachusetts, you have plenty of opportunities to do that.
Requirements for Becoming a Patient Care Technician in Massachusetts
Here are all the minimum requirements you need to complete to become a PCT-
- You need a minimum educational qualification, which is a high school diploma or GED.
- You must complete a specialist PCT training program or similar program at a school or training facility. It is required to sit for the certification exam. Clinical hours will be included in the curriculum. The length of the curriculum varies from one school to the next.
- NHA’s certification exam is usually the best to take if you want to earn your PCT license. The CPCT/A test is the one you must pass in order to become a PCT. A year of field experience can substitute for the completion of a specialized training program.
- To get hired for a job, you must be listed under the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry, for which you must take an exam.
Navigating Patient Care Technician Education and Careers in Massachusetts
Embarking on a fulfilling career as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) in the vibrant state of Massachusetts offers a myriad of educational opportunities and promising employment prospects. This comprehensive resource is your guide to finding accredited schools—both online and in-person—and exploring the dynamic landscape of Patient Care Technician employment in the Bay State.
Finding Patient Care Technician Schools in Massachusetts
Online Programs: Explore accredited online programs designed to cater to diverse 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: Massachusetts 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 chosen 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 Massachusetts
Major Healthcare Systems: Explore employment opportunities within major healthcare institutions such as Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Boston Medical Center. These facilities offer diverse patient care settings, providing numerous opportunities for professional growth.
Specialized Healthcare Facilities: Consider roles in specialized healthcare facilities such as renowned cancer centers, rehabilitation institutes, or outpatient specialty 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: Massachusetts’s aging population creates 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 Massachusetts. Creating a professional online profile can enhance your visibility to potential employers.
Embarking on a career as a Patient Care Technician in Massachusetts provides a blend of educational opportunities and dynamic employment prospects. Whether pursuing online or in-person education, Massachusetts’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 Bay State!
Patient Care Technician Classes in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has only three schools offering PCT courses, so you can also look for programs in other states. But if you want to complete it here, the schools are-
Bunker Hill Community College
BHC’s Patient Care Technician program is a very well-designed one, divided into two semesters. Aside from gaining the required skills and knowledge to be a PCT, the program will prepare you for Healthcare Provider CPR Certifications. You will also become prepared to sit for certification exams for State Nurse Aide and Home Health Aide.
Middlesex Community College
o access the PCT program of this college, you must be a Certified Nurse Aide first. This will allow you to spend more time in advancing your PCT skills, since you will already have all the basic knowledge. The course covers CNA, Phlebotomy, ECG and Pulse Oximetry, CPR or Basic Support, and Hospital Clinical Experience.
Quinsigamond Community College
QCC has a huge number of Healthcare programs to offer you, including Associate degrees, Certificate programs, and partnership programs. Though there isn’t a direct course specially designed for future PCTs, you can complete the Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy/EKG, and EMT programs to gain all the required skills and also have a diverse set of job options.
Middlesex Community College
Address: 591 Springs Road
Bedford, Massachusetts MA
Phone: 781-280-3200
Online: No
Advanced eClinical Training
Address:
Boston, Massachusetts MA
Phone: 617-336-6104
Online: Yes
Bunker Hill Community College
Address: 250 New Rutherford Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts MA
Phone: 617-228-2000
Online: Yes
Health Care Training Services Inc
Address: 657 Quarry Street
Fall River, Massachusetts MA
Phone: 508-672-6800
Online: No
Metrowest Healthcare Academy
Address: 100 Concord Street, Suite 2A
Framingham, Massachusetts MA
Phone: 508-872-5973
Online: No
Massachusetts Bay Community College
Address: 19 Flagg Drive
Framingham, Massachusetts MA
Phone: 781-239-2500
Online: Yes
Quincy College
Address: 1250 Hancock Street
Quincy, Massachusetts MA
Phone: 617-984-1700
Online: Yes
Peak Medical Academy
Address: 38 Front St 2nd floor
Worcester, Massachusetts MA
Phone: 508-753-8302
Online: No