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Here’s a good question: exactly how long would it take for an individual to become a patient care technician? First of all, we’re going to talk a bit about what you would learn at patient care tech school and most importantly, where it can take you. So, a patient care technician is an individual that is licensed to carry out a range of tasks which can include:
- Blood Draw
- Specimen Testing
- EKG Equipment
- Obtaining Health History
- Taking Vital Signs
This is not necessarily a complete list of the services and tasks that you might be completing at your job. Actually, your complete job description will depend heavily upon the facility that you work in, so be ready for what we would call a variable job. Now that you know what you’re going to be doing, how can you go about entering and completing a patient care tech program?
The Ins and Outs of Patient Care Technician School
In order for you to become a patient care technician you’re going to need to undergo the standard program and you will need to complete coursework provided by a reputable institution with a history of helping students find employment after graduation. You need to ask the right questions before you commit time or money to a course. So, with that out of the way, how long does it take?
How Long Can you Expect to Be in Patient Care Technician Schools?
Most patient care technician training programs, will require you to complete around 600 hours of training. This is a combination of classroom-based studies as well as internship experience, so get ready for some hands on education if you wish to pursue this career. In terms of the coursework, there are normally a number of program modules to complete, all of which cover different and very important aspects of the profession.
Once you Finish
When you have finished all of the coursework, and have achieved the satisfactory grades, you will be eligible for graduation. Graduation, however, is not the end of the line. You will need to obtain a national license, but you can choose your own test provider. The test will be comprised of 250 multiple choice questions that combine the following:
- Pharmacology
- Nursing Practice
- EKG
- Phlebotomy
The actual time limit for taking the test is going to depend upon the provider, and you will need to pay a fee. Still, in spite of that, you’re going to find that there are plenty of benefits to both the training and paying for the testing. You will see your job opportunities increase, and you will also discover that it’s an outstanding way for you to enter the medical field without spending seven years in school.
PCT vs. Nursing Assistants
The final point that we’re going to cover here is one that tends to come up quite a bit. We’re talking about the difference between a patient care tech and a certified nursing assistant – they are often confused, but there are definitely some differences. First of all, it must be noted that primary care technicians often train as CNA’s, but the CNA is typically licensed by the state. A PCT on the other hand is someone who will require national certification. In other words, a PCT can practice anywhere, but a CNA is restricted to certain states unless they pursue certification elsewhere.
Regardless of how long it takes to become a Patient Care Technician, we can offer you the training you need and get you one step closer to the career that you want to be in. Now would be a great time for you to give us a call and see just what we have to offer you. It won’t be too long before you’re on the road to a satisfying career.
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