6 Great Reasons to Become a Patient Care Technician

Table of Contents

• Reasons to become a patient care technician
• Pros and cons of becoming a patient care technician
• Duties of a patient care technician
• Understanding the salary of a patient care technician: What to expect

Reasons to become a Patient Care Technician

1. A promising career path in high demand 

The demand for PCTs is projected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This growth is due to the aging population, which will require more healthcare services. PCTs provide basic care to patients, such as taking vital signs, changing dressings, and assisting with bathing and feeding. They also play a vital role in preparing patients for tests and procedures. 

 > Growing demand for PCTs

The growing demand for PCTs is driven by several factors, including the aging population. The number of people over 65 is projected to grow by 20% from 2020 to 2030. This growth will strain the healthcare system and create more demand for PCTs to care for older adults.

> Job security & opportunities

The job outlook for PCTs is excellent, and there are many opportunities for advancement. PCTs with experience and education can advance to positions such as registered nurses or nurse practitioners.

 Much like exploring what other jobs can medical assistants do, PCTs can advance to become registered nurses, nurse practitioners, or even move into healthcare management roles. They can also move into management positions or become educators.

2. Short-term training

The training period to become a PCT is relatively brief, typically lasting less than a year. This makes it a great option for people who want to get into the healthcare field quickly without having to spend years in school.

There are many different programs available to train as a PCT, including certificate programs, diploma programs, and associate degree programs. The length of the program will vary depending on the type of program and the institution offering it.

The curriculum for PCT training programs typically includes courses on anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, infection control, and patient care procedures.

Some programs may also include clinical rotations, where students gain hands-on experience working with patients.

3. Educational requirements: Start your career without a college degree 

One of the great things about becoming a PCT is that you do not need a college degree to get started. Many PCT positions only require a high school diploma or GED. This makes it a great option for people who want to start a career in healthcare without having to spend years in school.

Of course, there are some PCT positions that do require a college degree, such as those in teaching or research. However, there are many opportunities for PCTs without a college degree.

Here are some of the benefits of becoming a PCT without a college degree:

• You can get started in your career quickly.
• You can save money on tuition and fees.
• You can gain valuable experience in the healthcare field.
• You can advance your career without having to go back to school.

4. Build a versatile skill set for a range of opportunities

Patient care technicians (PCTs) acquire a wide range of skills during their training and on the job. The skills of medical assistants and Patient Care Technicians often overlap, these skills include:

• Taking vital signs, such as blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rate.
• Administering medications, such as oral medications, injections, and intravenous fluids.
• Assisting with bathing, dressing, and grooming.
• Changing dressings and wound care.
• Transporting patients.
• EKGs.
• Phlebotomy.
• Basic laboratory testing.
• Infection control.
• Patient education.

5. Find flexibility and balance in your work life

Patient care technicians (PCTs) often have flexible work schedules. This means that they can work part-time, full-time, or anywhere in between. They can also choose to work different shifts, such as day shifts, evening shifts, or night shifts.

This flexibility can be a major benefit for people who have other commitments, such as school, family, or other jobs. It can also be a way to balance work and life.

Some PCTs work part-time, which means they work fewer than 40 hours per week. This can be a good option for people who are students, have other jobs, or want to have more time for their families.

Other PCTs work full-time, which means they work 40 hours or more per week. This can be a good option for people who want to earn a full-time salary or who want to have more stability in their work hours.

The specific shift options available will vary depending on the healthcare setting.

6. Share your passion for patient care by helping others every day 

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a PCT is the opportunity to help others. PCTs play a vital role in the healthcare team, providing care to patients in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. They get to make a difference in people's lives every day.

PCTs can help patients in a variety of ways, such as:

• Taking vital signs
• Administering medications
• Assisting with bathing and dressing
• Changing dressings and wound care
• Transporting patients
• Providing emotional support
• Educating patients and their families

By helping patients, PCTs make a real difference in their lives. They help patients feel better, get better, and cope with their illness or injury. They also provide emotional support and comfort to patients and their families.

Pros and cons of becoming a patient care technician

Pros of becoming a patient care technician

• High demand & job security: Growing demand for PCTs due to an aging population ensures stable career opportunities.
• Short training period: Training usually takes less than a year, allowing for a quick entry into the healthcare field.
• No college degree needed: A high school diploma or GED is often sufficient, saving time and money on education.
• flexible schedules: Options for part-time, full-time, and various shifts make it easier to balance other commitments.

Cons of becoming a patient care technician

• Physically & emotionally demanding: The role can be tough, requiring long hours, physical labor, and emotional resilience.
• Lower pay: PCT salaries are lower compared to other healthcare roles, though certifications can increase earning potential.
• Exposure to health risks: Regular contact with patients means exposure to infectious diseases and stressful situations.
• Limited autonomy: PCTs work under close supervision, with limited decision-making power.
  
  

Duties of a Patient Care Technician

• Administer medications and perform wound care: Give prescribed meds and manage basic wound care
• Draw blood and collect specimens: Conduct phlebotomy and gather samples for lab work
• Perform EKGs and manage catheters: Conduct heart function tests and assist with catheter use
• Operate medical equipment: Use monitoring devices and support other patient care machinery
• Remove sutures and support care team: Safely remove stitches/staples and assist with other duties as permitted

Understanding the salary of a patient care technician: What to expect

The salary of a Patient Care Technician (PCT) can vary based on factors like location, workplace, credentials, and experience. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nursing assistants, orderlies, and similar roles have a median annual wage of around $30,290 or $14.56 per hour. This figure represents the middle point, meaning half of workers earn more and half earn less. Salaries for PCTs can range from around $23,880 annually for entry-level positions to over $44,240 for the top earners. Additionally, having certifications in specialized areas like phlebotomy may increase earning potential, with median earnings closer to $37,380 per year ($17.97 per hour).