There are so many different job opportunities in the world of healthcare that it can be difficult to know where to start. If you enjoy helping others and you’re good at staying organized, you may want to consider working as a patient care technician. These professionals work under the supervision of nurses or doctors at hospitals or other types of healthcare facilities.
Prism Career Institute offers a medical assistant program at campuses in Pennsylvania and New Jersey that could be the first step toward a career as a patient care technician. Find out more about this rewarding career path.
What Does a Patient Care Technician Do?
Patient care technicians have a wide range of duties, and each day on the job may be different. Most patient care technicians work at hospitals, but they also may find jobs in nursing homes or rehabilitation centers. Their typical responsibilities can include:
- Monitoring and recording patient vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure
- Helping patients get in and out of bed
- Assisting patients with dressing, bathing, or toileting
- Reporting patient concerns or health changes to a supervisor
- Escorting patients to other parts of the hospital for testing or procedures
- Assisting nurses with administering medication
- Ensuring patient rooms are safe and hygienic
Most patient care technicians work under the supervision of a nurse, but some assist doctors directly. As the population of older adults in the United States continues to increase, there will be a growing demand for inpatient and outpatient health care services. Patient care technicians can look forward to an exciting job market.
How Much Do Patient Care Technicians Make?
Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not provide specific salary information for patient care technicians, data for medical assistants and similar occupations is available. BLS reports median pay for medical assistants is $37,190 annually, which translates to about $17.68 an hour.
Medical assistants who worked in outpatient care centers earned slightly more on average than those who worked at hospitals and physician offices. Overall, job opportunities in healthcare are expected to grow by 13% over the decade, which is much faster than the average for all types of occupations.
The Benefits of Working as a Patient Care Technician
As a patient care technician, you’ll need to be compassionate, have strong attention to detail, and practice effective communication skills with your colleagues and patients. This career path offers many advantages, including:
- A sense of fulfillment: You’ll know that you’re making a difference by providing the best care possible.
- Flexibility: As a patient care technician, you may be able to set your preferred hours. Plus, because patient care technicians are needed all over the country, you can take advantage of job mobility.
- Specialization: Healthcare professionals have many opportunities for specialization. As a patient care technician, you may focus on a specific type of care, such as post-surgical recovery.
Additionally, working as a patient care technician can serve as a steppingstone to other healthcare careers, so you can continue to grow and advance your skill set.
What Training Do Patient Care Technicians Need?
Requirements for patient care technicians can vary by state and employer. In general, patient care technicians will need a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as additional educational training in healthcare. Some employers look for applicants with specific certifications, such as the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) certification administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Completing the medical assistant program at Prism Career Institute can be a first step toward a variety of patient care roles.
Medical Assistant Programs
The medical assistant program at Prism Career Institute offers comprehensive training that prepares students for entry-level medical assisting positions. The 720-hour program includes:
- 420 lecture hours
- 150 lab hours
- 150 externship hours
Courses at Prism Career Institute are taught by experienced instructors who use a variety of interactive teaching methods. Once students complete their coursework, they move on to externships at hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices. Here, they can apply their knowledge and gain practical medical assisting experience before graduation. The medical assistant program is offered at Prism Career Institute’s campuses in Philadelphia, PA, as well as Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, NJ.
Find Hands-On Training at Prism Career Institute
If you’re drawn to the world of healthcare, start your journey at Prism Career Institute. With locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Prism Career Institute provides career-focused education. Our medical assistant program can be completed in as little as ten months and can be a great preparation for a career in patient care. With both daytime and evening classes, we work around your busy schedule to help you achieve your educational goals. To learn more from a member of our admissions team, contact us today.