How to Become a Patient Care Technician in Virginia
If you are looking for a fast entry to the healthcare field, then a patient care technician is a job you can consider. The training program is very short, and at the same time, becoming employed is easy due to the high demand. In this job, you will be shouldering around 60% of the responsibility of the hospital, which includes providing comprehensive assistance to the patients in need as well as carrying out basic medical tasks.
Therefore, PCT is a great job to have. And if you are in Virginia, here are some ways on how you can become one.
Requirements for Becoming a Patient Care Technician in Virginia
Every job has some specific requirements, and PCT is no different. Here are the prerequisites you must meet in order to become one in Virginia-
- It is necessary to have a high school diploma or GED.
- To obtain the necessary knowledge and skills for the job, you must enrol in a patient care technician specialized training program. Training programs can last anywhere from a few months to a couple of years, depending on the school and the degree.
- After completing the program, you will be able to take the National Health Association’s certification exam. In the exam, you must answer 120 questions in 1 hour and 50 minutes. Training can be replaced with one year of field experience.
- You have to be listed in the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry to apply for a job.
- You might need to have some prior experience in the field to get a job, but not all employers will demand that.
- Pass the criminal background and drug screening check.
Exploring Patient Care Technician Education and Careers in Virginia
Embarking on a fulfilling career as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) in the historically rich state of Virginia presents a range of educational opportunities and promising employment prospects. This comprehensive resource serves as your guide to finding accredited schools—both online and in-person—and navigating the landscape of Patient Care Technician employment in the Commonwealth.
Finding Patient Care Technician Schools in Virginia
Online Programs: Explore accredited online programs designed to accommodate 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: Virginia 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 Virginia
Major Healthcare Systems: Explore employment opportunities within major healthcare institutions such as Sentara Healthcare, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, and Inova 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 cancer 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: Virginia’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 Virginia. Creating a professional online profile can enhance your visibility to potential employers.
Embarking on a career as a Patient Care Technician in Virginia provides a blend of educational opportunities and dynamic employment prospects. Whether pursuing online or in-person education, Virginia’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 Commonwealth!
Patient Care Technician Classes in Virginia
Fast Track Health Care Education
The Patient Care Technician program of FTHC is a 360-hour program available in both daytime and evening schedules. The program combines classroom lectures, practical hands-on medical laboratory, and real-world externship experience gathered in a healthcare facility, nursing home, or other medical facilities.
Lord Fairfax Community College
In this college, first, you have to complete the CNA program to learn the skills required of a nurse aide and how to assist patients of all ages with their day-to-day care. Then you have to take some additional courses to complete your PCT training. It is a 1-year program consisting of 2 full-time programs.
Sentara College of Health Sciences
The PCT program here is a 16-week program where you will gain experience by working under the direct supervision of nurses, providing care for hospitalized patients. Here, you’ll learn in classrooms, skills labs, clinical settings, and online, thanks to the College’s emphasis on hybrid learning.
HealthCareer Certifications
Address: 801 W Main St
Charlottesville, Virgina VA
Phone: 1-800-270-9399
Online: Yes
Sentara College of Health Sciences - Main Campus
Address: Crossways I – Suite 105, 1441 Crossways Blvd.
Chesapeake, Virgina VA
Phone: 757-388-2900
Online: No
Sentara College of Health Sciences - Harrisonburg Campus
Address: 1401 Technology Dr
Harrisonburg, Virgina VA
Phone: 540-564-7232
Online: No
Falls Church Academy
Address: 7521 Jaguar Trail
Falls Church, Virgina VA
Phone: 703-207-4011
Online: No
Germanna Community College
Address: P.O. Box 1430
Locust Grove, Virgina VA
Phone: 540-891-3000
Online: No
Lord Fairfax Community College - Middletown Campus
Address: 173 Skirmisher Lane
Middletown, Virgina VA
Phone: 800-906-5322
Online: No
Sentara College of Health Sciences - Williamsburg Campus
Address: 100 Sentara Cir
Williamsburg, Virgina VA
Phone: 757-984-6000
Online: No
Heart To Heart Career Training Center - Williamsburg Campus
Address: 4345 New Town Ave. Suite 200A
Williamsburg, Virgina VA
Phone: 757-229-0919
Online: Yes
Sentara College of Health Sciences - Woodbridge Campus
Address: 2300 Opitz Blvd
Woodbridge, Virgina VA
Phone: 703-523-1000
Online: No