Patient Care Technician programs in Massachusetts

How to Become a Patient Care Technician in Texas

Are you seeking a job that will allow you to meet and care for a variety of people? If you have that type of compassion, social skills, and dedication, then a job as a patient care technician might be right for you. It’s interactive work with a lot of responsibility, yet it’s rewarding at the end of the day because you’re assisting so many individuals in improving their lives!

So, if you’re interested in becoming a PCT in Texas, here’s all you need to know about how to get started.

Popular Patient Care Tech Cities in Texas

Patient Care Technician Requirements in Texas

Here in Texas, the requirements for becoming a PCT don’t differ much from other states. These include-

Having a high school diploma or GED is the minimum educational qualification you need.

Completing a patient care technician or equivalent program and receiving a certificate The program can be completed either inside or outside of the state. The duration of the program may vary, but clinical hours must be completed in full.

Passing the National Health Association certification exam (NHA). It is a 2-hour exam with 120 marks, of which 100 are test questions, and 20 are pretest questions.

Passing the state registry exam in order to be listed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry. This will allow you to begin applying for jobs.

Passing the criminal background check and drug screening test.

Patient Care Technician Job Descriptions in Texas

Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) are an important part of the healthcare team, providing direct patient care under the supervision of nurses and other healthcare professionals. PCTs can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. In Texas, PCTs are required to have specific training and certification to work in the field.

Job Description:

The primary responsibilities of a Patient Care Technician may include, but are not limited to:

Providing basic patient care such as bathing, feeding, and assisting with mobility.
Measuring vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, and pulse.
Performing basic medical procedures such as phlebotomy, EKGs, and catheterization.
Assisting nurses and physicians with medical procedures.
Observing and reporting any changes in the patient’s condition to the healthcare team.
Maintaining a clean and safe patient care environment.

Patient Care Technician Employment Opportunities in Texas

Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) are in high demand in Texas due to the growing aging population and increased demand for healthcare services. PCTs can find employment opportunities in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and clinics. Here are some of the employment opportunities for PCTs in Texas:

Hospitals: Hospitals are the largest employers of PCTs in Texas. PCTs work alongside nurses and other healthcare professionals to provide direct patient care. Some of the top hospitals in Texas, including Houston Methodist Hospital and Baylor Scott & White Health, offer employment opportunities for PCTs.
Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities: Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are another major employer of PCTs in Texas. PCTs work with elderly patients, providing basic care such as bathing, dressing, and feeding. Some of the top nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Texas, including The Forum at Memorial Woods and The Avenues of Fort Bend, offer employment opportunities for PCTs.
Clinics: PCTs can also find employment opportunities in clinics, including primary care clinics, urgent care clinics, and specialty clinics. In these settings, PCTs work alongside healthcare professionals to provide direct patient care and assist with medical procedures. Some of the top clinics in Texas, including Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Group and Concentra, offer employment opportunities for PCTs.
Home Health Care: PCTs can also work in home health care, providing direct patient care to patients in their homes. In this setting, PCTs may work with patients who have chronic illnesses, disabilities, or who are recovering from surgery. Some of the top home health care companies in Texas, including Encompass Health and Kindred at Home, offer employment opportunities for PCTs.

Overall, PCTs have a wide range of employment opportunities in Texas, with hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, clinics, and home health care companies all offering employment opportunities. As the demand for healthcare services continues to grow, the demand for PCTs is also expected to continue to increase.

Patient Care Technician Salary in Texas

The salary for Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) in Texas varies depending on factors such as experience, location, and employer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for nursing assistants, which includes PCTs, in Texas was $28,160 as of May 2020. However, salaries can range from $21,000 to $40,000 or more per year. Here are some of the factors that can affect the salary of PCTs in Texas:

Experience: PCTs with more experience may earn a higher salary than those who are just starting out. Experienced PCTs may also be eligible for higher-paying positions, such as lead PCT or PCT supervisor.
Location: The salary for PCTs can vary depending on the location within Texas. PCTs in larger cities, such as Houston or Dallas, may earn a higher salary than those in rural areas.
Employer: The salary for PCTs can also vary depending on the employer. Hospitals and nursing homes may offer higher salaries than clinics or home health care companies.
Certification: PCTs who hold additional certifications, such as phlebotomy or EKG certification, may be eligible for a higher salary.
Shift Differential: PCTs who work night, weekend, or holiday shifts may be eligible for a shift differential, which can increase their overall salary.

Overall, the salary for PCTs in Texas is competitive and can offer a solid career path in the healthcare industry. With the growing demand for healthcare services, the demand for PCTs is also expected to continue to increase, making it an attractive career option for those interested in direct patient care.

Places to Work as a Patient Care Technician in Texas

Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) can work in a variety of healthcare settings in Texas, including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, clinics, and home health care. Here are some of the top places to work as a PCT in Texas:

Hospitals: Hospitals are one of the largest employers of PCTs in Texas. Some of the top hospitals in Texas, including Houston Methodist Hospital and Baylor Scott & White Health, offer employment opportunities for PCTs.
Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities: PCTs can also find employment opportunities in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, where they provide basic care to elderly patients. Some of the top nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Texas, including The Forum at Memorial Woods and The Avenues of Fort Bend, offer employment opportunities for PCTs.
Clinics: PCTs can also work in clinics, including primary care clinics, urgent care clinics, and specialty clinics. Some of the top clinics in Texas, including Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Group and Concentra, offer employment opportunities for PCTs.
Home Health Care: PCTs can also work in home health care, providing direct patient care to patients in their homes. Some of the top home health care companies in Texas, including Encompass Health and Kindred at Home, offer employment opportunities for PCTs.
Hospice Care: PCTs can also work in hospice care, providing comfort care to patients with terminal illnesses. Some of the top hospice care companies in Texas, including Kindred Hospice and Amedisys Hospice, offer employment opportunities for PCTs.

Overall, PCTs have a variety of employment opportunities in Texas, with hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, clinics, home health care companies, and hospice care companies all offering employment opportunities. As the demand for healthcare services continues to grow, the demand for PCTs is also expected to continue to increase.

Top Patient Care Technician Schools in Texas

There are many schools in Texas from where you can get your PCT training. Some of them are-

Alpha Career Institute
Alpha Health Institute is an approved test site for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), which means that you can take your CPCT/A exam to become a certified PCT in an environment you are comfortable with. The PCT program of this institute requires you to have an ACNA and a BLS certification.