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If you’re thinking about becoming a patient care tech, you’re probably wondering how much you can expect to earn. Here’s a look at what this career field pays, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Patient care tech job description
A patient care tech provides basic patient care under the supervision of a nurse. They are responsible for taking vital signs, collecting patient specimens, providing wound care, and performing other basic nursing duties. They must have excellent customer service skills and be able to work well under pressure.
Duties and responsibilities
Duties and responsibilities of a patient care technician may vary depending on the employer, but there are some core tasks associated with the role. These include:
-Taking patients’ vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate
-Assisting patients with ambulation and personal hygiene
-Documenting patient care activities
-Preparing and administering medications as directed by a nurse or physician
-Collecting specimens for lab testing
-Performing basic diagnostic tests, such as electrocardiograms (EKGs)
-Providing emotional support to patients and their families
Patient care tech salary
A patient care tech is a health care professional who provides basic patient care under the direction of a licensed health care provider.Patient care techs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics. They typically work alongside nurses and other health care professionals to provide care to patients.
Hourly wage
The average hourly wage for a Patient Care Technician in the United States is $15 as of May 28, 2020, but the range typically falls between $13 and $17.Hourly rates can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education , certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Annual salary
The average annual salary for a patient care tech is $32,000. The median salary is $31,000. Salaries can range from $22,000 to $42,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
Patient care tech training
A Patient Care Technician provides basic patient care services under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or a Licensed Practical Nurse. They work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. The average salary for a Patient Care Technician is $33,000 per year.
On-the-job training
PCTs receive on-the-job training from a licensed nurse or other medical professional. The length of training varies, but it typically takes a few weeks to a couple of months to complete. Some PCT programs also include classroom instruction, which can last anywhere from a few days to several months.
After completing their training, PCTs must pass a competency exam before they can begin working with patients. Once they are certified, PCTs are required to complete continuing education credits (CECs) every year to maintain their certification.
Formal education
While a high school diploma is the minimum formal education required for the role of patient care tech, many health care facilities prefer to hire those with some college coursework or an Associate’s degree in health science or a related field. Many patient care tech programs include basic information about medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and common diseases and disorders.
Patient care tech career outlook
The job outlook for patient care techs is bright, with a projected 18 percent growth in jobs from 2016 to 2026, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s much faster than the average for all occupations. As the population ages and people live longer, the demand for healthcare services will continue to grow.
Job growth
From 2018 to 2028, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 11% growth in job opportunities for patient care technicians (www.bls.gov). This is much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations, which is 5%. Several factors are driving this demand. The massive baby-boom generation is now reaching an age where they will need more medical care, and the Affordable Care Act has increased access to health insurance, which means more people can afford medical care. In addition, as the population ages, there will be an increased need for health services to treat chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
Job prospects
Job prospects for patient care technicians (PCTs) are expected to be very good. Hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities will need to hire PCTs to care for an increasing number of elderly and disabled patients. In addition, PCTs will be needed to staff walk-in clinics and other settings where patients receive care outside of a traditional hospital setting.
