By Michael Bustamante
Patient care technician training programs combine classroom
course studies with practical skills mastered in the laboratory. Main duties of
patient care technicians are to assist in nursing care and provide patient
transportation, as from a hospital room to an x-ray unit. Candidates graduating
from patient care technician schools may also be required to maintain rooms,
stock supplies, and keep areas and rooms clean. Patient care technicians may
work directly under the supervision of nursing staff.
Patient care technician training will include clinical
skills, such as blood collection, performing EKGs, taking and recording vital
signs, and other tasks relating to the care and comfort of patients and the
smooth operation of a health care facility. Students will learn good
communication skills, and will develop physical ability and strength, ability
to follow instructions, and ability to perform basic technical skills and
procedures are required of patient care technicians (PCTs).
A patient care technician may choose an advanced specialty,
requiring advanced patient care technician studies. Specialized PCTs may find
it necessary to continue their medical education throughout their career to
keep abreast of new developments.
Those who have completed patient care technician training
will find employment in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and
clinics. Prior to employment, examinations for certification in phlebotomy,
administration of EKGs, CPR, First Aid, and Automatic Electronic Defibrillation
(AED), and good patient care may be required.
Current trends in the medical field are to hire
multi-skilled support staff with excellent Patient care technician education
and other associated vocational courses, giving PCTs the opportunity to choose
flexible job descriptions and flexible schedules, informal or professional
environments, and to find situations that satisfy personal preferences.
