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A patient care tech, also known as a PCT, is a medical professional who provides direct care to patients in a hospital setting.
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Job Description
A patient care tech provides basic patient care under the supervision of a nurse. They are responsible for taking vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature, and recording them in the patient’s chart. They also may collect blood and urine samples, help patients bathe and dress, and serve meals.
Duties and Responsibilities
A patient care tech (PCT) works under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). The duties of a PCT can vary depending on the size and type of facility in which they work, but there are some common responsibilities that all PCTs share.
One of the most important duties of a PCT is to provide direct patient care. This can include tasks such as bathing and dressing patients, taking their vital signs, and helping them with meals and other activities. PCTs also often act as a liaison between patients and their families, answering questions and providing updates on their condition.
In addition to direct patient care, PCTs also play an important role in infection control. This includes tasks such as cleaning and disinfecting patient rooms, monitoring hand-washing compliance among staff, and ensuring that all equipment is properly sterilized. PCTs may also be responsible for stocking supplies and keeping inventory of medical supplies.
Skills and Qualifications
In order to work as a patient care tech in a hospital, you will need to have certain skills and qualifications. These include:
-A high school diploma or equivalent
-Completion of a patient care tech program
-CPR certification
-A valid drivers’ license
-The ability to lift 50 pounds
You will also need to have good communication skills, be able to work well under pressure, and be detail oriented.
Salary and Job Outlook
Patient care techs, also called PCTs, play an important role in hospitals and other medical facilities. They provide basic patient care and support nurses and doctors. PCTs typically have an Associate’s Degree in Nursing or a related field. The job outlook for PCTs is good, with a projected 19% growth in the field from 2019-2029. Salary also varies by state, but the average salary for a PCT is around $33,000 per year.
Salary
As of 2019, the median salary for a patient care technician was $33,610 per year, with the top 10 percent earning more than $48,430. The bottom 10 percent earned less than $23,040. Most patient care technicians worked in general medical and surgical hospitals, where they earned a median salary of $34,020 per year.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for patient care technicians is positive, with an expected growth of 11% from 2019 to 2029. This is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. The aging baby boomer population and the need for skilled workers in the healthcare industry will drive this growth.
Patient care technicians are in high demand, especially in hospitals and other long-term care facilities. There are a number of reasons for this demand. First, the population is aging, and older people generally require more medical care than younger people. Second, many healthcare facilities are moving towards a team-based approach to patient care, which requires more support staff such as patient care technicians. Finally, the Affordable Care Act has expanded healthcare coverage to millions of Americans, which is likely to increase the demand for patient care services.
If you are interested in becoming a patient care technician, there are a few things you can do to improve your job outlook. First, get certified by a professional organization such as the National Healthcare Association or American Medical Technologists. This will show potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful patient care technician. second, gain experience in a healthcare setting by volunteering or working as a medical assistant or other similar position. Finally, consider pursuing an associate’s degree or higher in health science or a related field; this will make you more competitive in the job market and may lead to better job opportunities down the line.
