8 Reasons to Become a Patient Care Technician

 

8 Reasons to Be a Patient Care Technician

Patient care technicians work under the supervision of nurses and doctors to provide basic medical care to patients. Read on to discover why you may want to be a patient care technician. 

1. You're Passionate About Taking Care of Others

Are you a natural caregiver? If so, a career as a patient care technician may be perfect for you. Patient care technicians care for a diverse set of patients with all kinds of healthcare needs. 

Many PCTs are asked to assist the healthcare team by performing technical medical skills like checking vital signs, recording EKGs and collecting specimens. PCTs also have the unique opportunity to provide emotional support to patients and their loved ones. 

If you are kind, caring, compassionate and thrive on helping others heal, you will love being a patient care technician! 

2. You'll Have a Predictable Work Schedule

Many patient care technicians work specific shifts depending on their place of employment. Often, these shifts are scheduled well in advance, letting you plan for other important things like recreation, holidays, childcare or travel. 

Because people need healthcare around the clock, you'll have more freedom to choose which hours of the day to work. You might work days, nights or a flex shift that overlaps day and night. You can even try all three to see which shift works best for your lifestyle.

 

3. Patient Care Technicians Are in High Demand

Due to a rising average life expectancy and technological advancements around every corner, the healthcare industry is growing, and more workers are needed to ensure every patient receives optimal care. Overall employment in the medical field is expected to grow 13% from 2021 to 2031. These numbers equate to about two million new jobs over the decade. High demand for patient care technicians increases the number of job opportunities available to you when you become certified.   

4. You Can Choose Where You Want to Work

There are a variety of healthcare settings that need patient care technicians, so you will have the opportunity to choose where you work. Depending on the state you work in, patient care technicians may find positions in:

• Hospitals
• Outpatient facilities
• Doctor's offices
• Clinics
• Rehabilitation centers

You also have the freedom to move around and try out different healthcare settings to diversify your work experience and choose your favorite.

5. You Can Enter the Medical Field Fast

Don't have the time or money to spend on a lengthy medical degree? With AIMS Education, you can graduate from our patient care technician program in as little as nine months, putting you on the fast track to a new career in the medical field.

6. It's Rewarding

As a patient care technician, you will provide compassionate care and support to people who need it most. The care you provide may: 

• Brighten your patients' days.
• Help your patients heal.
• Save your patients' lives.

Your healthcare interventions will have a powerful impact on patients and their loved ones. If you dream of a rewarding career, the role of a patient care technician may be the one for you! 

7. It Opens the Door to Educational Advancement

As you gain experience in the medical field, you may find you want to expand your education and reach for other careers. Working as a patient care technician can be a great stepping stone to other positions in the healthcare industry, such as nursing or administration.  

8. Every Day Is Different

Each day will bring a different set of patients with any number of a variety of medical conditions. Each shift will provide an opportunity to learn new things, and you will be continually challenged and stimulated as you care for all kinds of patients. 

How to Become a Patient Care Technician

Are you ready to start your journey to becoming a patient care technician? Follow these steps.

Earn Your Patient Care Technician Certificate

The first step to becoming a patient care technician is to apply for a training program at an accredited school. Students are eligible to enroll at AIMS if they have a high school diploma or GED and a passing score on the Wonderlic entrance exam.

During the patient care technician training program, students will:

• Build foundational knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology.
• Learn the specifics of a patient care technician's role.
• Develop patient care techniques and specialized skills in phlebotomy and EKG. 
• Learn the basics of patient nutritional, oxygen and exercise needs.
• Practice proper communication with patients and other healthcare team members.

Students will bolster their classroom and lab learning with time in a live medical setting. Clinical hours provide students with practical experience and help prepare them for the job.

Pass the Patient Care Technician Certification Exam

Passing the certification exam affords better career opportunities and earning potential. More than 75% of employers require or prefer certification for patient care technicians.

Graduates of AIMS Education's patient care technician certificate program are eligible to take the certification exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). With successful completion, graduates will earn a Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) credential from NHA.

Apply for Jobs!

With the demand for patient care techs growing, certified patient care technicians will find lots of great job opportunities to apply for.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is patient care tech a good career? Becoming a patient care tech is a great way to enter the medical field. Patient care tech is a promising career with promising employment opportunities and job security, thanks to the ever-growing healthcare industry.
• Is being a patient care tech worth it? Emotionally taxing work can be challenging, but the reward of caring for patients during some of their most vulnerable moments is well worth it.  
• How much does a PCT make? Patient care techs earn an average annual salary of $37,838 in New Jersey.