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Why You Should Consider Joining a Patient Care Tech School

Do you enjoy helping people? Are you looking for a career that will allow you to help others while teaching you a valuable and diverse skill set? A career as a Patient Care Technician may be a perfect fit for you. The FVI School of Nursing and Technology can help you achieve your goal of becoming a patient care tech or (PCT) for short. We offer the training you will need to start your exciting new career!

With decades of teaching experience under our belt, we have the resources and knowledge necessary to make your career dreams a reality. Since you’re reading this, you’ve already taken the first step! This short guide will give you some information regarding the program, what you can expect to learn from it, and why The Florida State Vocational Institute is a perfect fit for pursuing your career!

How to Start Your Training as a Patient Care Technician

You may be wondering if a PCT course is even necessary for working in a PCT setting, the answer is yes. Training for this position is required, although, a full college degree is not. All potential Patient Care Techs must be certified by the state of Florida to practice in patient care. The Florida State Certified Nursing Assistant Exam must be passed and consists of two parts, the practical, and written exam. There are also several other certifications that are required, and will help you get employed as a PCT. We will address the other certifications a bit further down.

What a Patient Care Technician Course Entails

Patient CareOur Patient Care Technician Program or (PCT) trains students for entry level positions in all practices of patient care. The main practices being phlebotomy, home health care, electrocardiography (EKG), and nursing assistants. Completion of this course will allow you the opportunity to work in the following types facilities: hospitals, blood banks, dialysis facilities, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, extended care facilities, and even home health care agencies. During this course, students will learn basic types of patient care equipment involving phlebotomy, home health care, electrocardiography (EKG), and nursing assistants. As a student in our PCT program, you will learn all necessary skills to ensure you pass the Florida State Certification Nursing Assistant Exam which is required to practice health care as a PCT.

Our program also provides all necessary certifications required, these skills and certifications include: CPR certification, OSHA, Domestic Violence, AIDS and HIV, Infection Control, understanding Alzheimer’s Disease, Self-administered Medication Assistance Training, and Universal Precautions. Once a student has completed our course they will have the skills to work as a Patient Care Technician in a wide variety of healthcare settings. In most cases the course can be completed in 8 months to a year. During this period, you will learn such skills as: Geriatric procedures, how to care for various types of wounds, proper use of lab equipment, how to properly take vital signs, and occupational therapy. It is important to note that the Florida State Certification Nursing Assistant Exam offered through the National Healthcare Association is recommended

What you can expect working as a patient care technician

Once you have completed our course, and have passed the Florida State Certification Nursing Assistant Exam, you are ready to start your career! Where you seek out employment may determine what skills you will use most frequently, but for most facilities the scope of practice for PCTs generally include: blood draw, taking vital signs, and performing electrocardiograms (ECG) tests. During your employment as a PTC, you will hone your skills and learn a variety of new ones.

New skills may include, but are not limited to: caring for wounds, honing your blood drawing skills, catheterizations, learning and handling emergency room procedures, staple and suture removal, utilizing splints, inserting intravenous saline locks when necessary, learning proper immobilization techniques, and removal of nasogastric tubes. Among the technical skills you will learn on the job site, you will also hone your bedside manner. Compassion and empathy go a long way, and can take you far in your healthcare career!

Why FVI School of Nursing and Technology is a Great Fit for You

Since 2007, FVI School of Nursing and Technology has been helping individuals in the community pursue the careers they’re passionate about. We have the resources and knowledge to offer members of the community affordable training in high demand career paths. We at The FVI School of Nursing and Technology specialize in hands-on training that will prepare you for your exciting new career. Our team of enthusiastic instructors have years of vocational career training and are dedicated to seeing you succeed.

 

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Florida HHA Requirements