How to Become a Patient Care Technician in Pennsylvania
Working in the medical field is not only a noble profession, but it also carries significant responsibilities. A Patient Care Technician, or PTC, is one of the most important jobs available. A PTC will provide basic care to patients while also assisting doctors and nurses with various medical procedures. It is a position that is currently in high demand, and as a result, many people are applying to become one.
And if you’re one of them and live in Pennsylvania, here’s everything you need to know about the PTC application process in this state.
Popular Patient Care Tech Cities in Pennsylvania
Navigating Patient Care Technician Education and Careers in Pennsylvania
Embarking on a fulfilling career as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) in the beautiful state of Oregon presents a variety of educational opportunities and promising employment prospects. This comprehensive resource serves as your guide to finding accredited schools—both online and in-person—and exploring the landscape of Patient Care Technician employment in the Beaver State.
Finding Patient Care Technician Schools in Oregon
Online Programs: Explore accredited online programs designed to accommodate diverse schedules. Look for institutions offering comprehensive PCT training, enabling you to pursue your studies remotely while preparing for a rewarding career in healthcare.
In-Person Training: Oregon 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 Pennsylvania
Major Healthcare Systems: Explore employment opportunities within major healthcare institutions such as UPMC Health System, Penn Medicine, and Geisinger 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 cardiovascular 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: Pennsylvania’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 Pennsylvania. Creating a professional online profile can enhance your visibility to potential employers.
Embarking on a career as a Patient Care Technician in Pennsylvania provides a blend of educational opportunities and dynamic employment prospects. Whether pursuing online or in-person education, Pennsylvania’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 Keystone State!
Requirements for Becoming a Patient Care Technician in Pennsylvania
While there are many requirements that vary from state to state, the basic requirements to become a PCT are more or less the same. These can include-
- Having a high school diploma, or GED, or equivalent.
- Completing a specialized training program. Usually, you have to complete a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program. The duration and design of the course will vary in different schools, but usually, you will be able to complete the program in less than two years. Program completion can be replaced by a minimum of 1 year of experience in the field.
- Passing the CNA or CPCT/A certification exam through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). By earning the certifications, you will be differentiated as a PCT in terms of responsibility and salary. However, in Pennsylvania, certification is not mandatory for graduation or employment, but it may make it easier for you to get a job.
- You must also pass a criminal background check.
Patient Care Technician Classes in Pennsylvania
There are a good number of schools in Pennsylvania offering PCT courses. Here are some of the best of them-
Great Lakes Institute Of Technology
The PCT program here is designed for students with little or no prior experience in the field. After the basic medical activities and patient care, the program concludes with an externship at a local hospital or clinic to provide hands-on working experience.
Clearfield County Career Technical Center
The PCT program at this institute is divided into two portions, one is the CNA portion, and the other is the PCT portion. So you will receive dual certification as a CNA and a PCT, which will meet the basic requirements to work as a PCT in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College - Blair Center
Address: Logan Valley Mall, 5580 Goods Lane
Altoona, Pennsylvania PA
Phone: 814-201-2700
Online: No
Monroe Career & Technical Institute
Address: 194 Laurel Lake Rd
Bartonsville, Pennsylvania PA
Phone: 570-629-2001
Online: No
Butler County Community College - Main Campus
Address: 107 College Drive
Butler, Pennsylvania PA
Phone: 724-287-8711
Online: Yes
Clearfield County Career & Technology Center
Address: 1620 River Road
Clearfield, Pennsylvania PA
Phone: 814-765-5308
Online: No
Great Lakes Institute of Technology
Address: 5100 Peach Street
Erie, Pennsylvania PA
Phone: 814-347-8432
Online: No
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College - Richland Campus
Address: 101 Community College Wy
Johnstown, Pennsylvania PA
Phone: 814-262-6400
Online: No
Community College of Beaver County
Address: 1 Campus Drive
Monaca, Pennsylvania PA
Phone: 724-480-2222
Online: No
Bucks County Community College
Address: 275 Swamp Road
Newtown, Pennsylvania PA
Phone: 215-968-8000
Online: No
Energy Innovation Center Institute
Address: 1435 Bedford Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania PA
Phone: 412-482-3354
Online: No
Lancaster County Career & Technology Center
Address: 1730 Hans Herr Drive
Willow Street, Pennsylvania PA
Phone: 717-464-7050
Online: No