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Becoming a certified patient care technician (PCT) is a good way to enter the medical field, with opportunities to progress to become a registered nurse. Certification is important for higher salaries and job opportunities. PCTs work closely with patients and need certain personality traits, including a desire to help others, friendliness, patience, and attention to detail.
Becoming a patient care technician (PCT) can be a good way to enter the medical field and offer opportunities to progress with the right education. PCTs must be certified to improve their employment prospects and may want to take certain courses that allow students to take more than just a certification exam. Patient care technicians must also have certain characteristics; therefore, it is best to understand exactly what a patient care technician does before entering this line of work.
Many patient care technicians use this position to start a career in medicine. The necessary training can be completed in as little as six months. With higher education, many PCTs go on to become registered nurses (RNs).
Certification is an important step if you work or plan to work in this field. In some areas it is not mandatory, but in these areas salaries are generally lower. In some US states, for example, certification is required, and in areas where the profession is recognized, salaries tend to be higher. Some employers also require certification from prospective job candidates, so taking a certification exam can offer not only higher earnings but also greater job opportunities.
Find out what the local requirements are for becoming a patient care technician before enrolling in a specific training center. Certain states in the US require not only PCT certification, but also Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification. Some training providers offer courses that prepare students for the PCT and CNA certification exams. This allows students to gain two qualifications by completing one course and can be a faster and more affordable option than taking two separate courses.
Patient care technicians work closely with patients and take care of their needs on a daily basis. This is why certain personality traits are important for anyone planning to work in this field. Obviously, you must have a genuine desire to help others. A friendly manner and patience is required as some patients may be more difficult to deal with than others. PCTs have more daily contact with patients than nurses or doctors, so the job may be ideal for someone who is a people person.
When working in this field, attention to detail is also helpful. Patient care technicians monitor the patient’s vital signs and keep track of information such as blood pressure. They also monitor patients for side effects from any of the medications they are given.
Like most other jobs in this field, being a patient care technician is not the ideal job for someone who is sensitive. A PCT’s duties may include taking care of the patient’s needs, such as personal hygiene. PCTs may also be called upon to collect blood samples, and working in this field requires being comfortable with such tasks.
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