Studying for a new career is an exciting prospect for many people since it’s an investment in themselves and their future. When you’re preparing for a new career you probably want to get ahead of the curve so you know what to expect and to start off on the right foot when beginning your education. Our Patient Care Technician (PCT) program is designed to train students for an entry-level position into this growing career field.
What Will You Learn in the Program?
The PCT program is well rounded and upon completing your education you will be prepared to work an entry level position as a Home Healthcare Aid, in a nursing home, extended care facility, or even a rehabilitation facility. Students will learn how to use the basic types of patient care, EKG equipment, and phlebotomy to round out their education.
Students who enroll in our patient care tech program will also receive required in-service certifications and training like CPR, Domestic Violence, Universal Precautions, HIV/AIDS, Infection Control, Understanding Alzheimer’s disease, and OSHA. Upon completing the program students will have received hands on experience and gained the necessary skills to apply for an entry level position into the career field. PCT graduates will also be eligible for the Florida State Certification Assistant Exam.
What’s the Job Outlook for People in this Career Field?
When preparing to study for a new career, the first question people should ask is what the job outlook looks for their new field. According to BLS, the median annual salary in 2014 was $25,710. The positions for this career field is also expected to increase by 17% through 2024 which is much faster than the average of other occupations.
This projected job growth listed on BLS is attributed to the gaining population which will put more demand on doctors who will need more assistants to keep up with the growing demand. This growing demand for people in this career field is exceptionally promising and although placement is never guaranteed, with placement assistance offered at FVI, the likelihood is that you’ll be able to find an entry level position in this career field once you finish our program.
What Certification Do You Need?
Students interesting in attending our patient care technician school will need certification in order to enter their new career field. Upon successful completion of our program and receiving the required, in-service certifications and diploma, graduates must sit and pass the state Certified Nursing Assistant written and practical exam.
What do the Duties Look like for a Patient Care Technician Day-to-Day?
The duties you’ll have as a PCT will vary depending on the location and hours you choose to work. According to BLS they report the hours can be round the clock depending on the facility so there is flexibility if you prefer to work days or nights. The duties in general will remain the same though no matter where you go, but be aware you may be required to do more or less depending on the location to choose to work.
Duties can involve checking in a patient and helping them to schedule their next appointment after their visit is done. Between patients you may also be leading them to the exam room, registering their vital signs, and also recording their medical history. Once they’ve seen the physician or nurse, patient care technicians may be responsible for explaining medications or even drawing blood to be tested later.
PCT duties are primarily focused on patients under the supervision of the nursing staff. Their duties can vary depending on the needs of the patients like collecting bodily fluid samples for testing, changing their bandages, assisting patients at mealtimes, and even documenting patient behavior. PCTs may also be responsible for making sure hospital rooms are up to standard with sanitation, supplies, and fresh linens.
Where do PCTs Usually end Up Working?
Our patient care tech program prepares students for an entry-level position and many end up working at a variety of locations with varying hours. The majority of PCTs though will usually be employed in hospitals, nursing homes or home health agencies according to the BLS website. The reason is these locations usually operate around the clock, so you can expect to normally work weekends and nights. The nature of these facilities also gives you the chance to develop long-lasting and meaningful relationships with the patients you will be working with on a regular basis.
The PCT career field is rich and awarding with a chance to advance in your medical career. Once you’ve completed the program you’ll have the toolset necessary to pursue a fascinating career in this field.
More information here: http://www.homehealthaideguide.com/hha-training/states/florida-hha/
