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Overview: Patient Care Technician

Patient Care Technicians typically work under supervision of a registered nurse or doctor. They provide direct patient care in a variety of healthcare environments, including hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, assisted living facilities, nursing homes or long-term care facilities. As the primary contact with patients, Patient Care Technicians are in an integral part of the patient care team.

In addition to patient care assistance such as assisting with patient activities, treatments, mobility and nutritional needs, a Patient Care Technician may also perform some nursing duties. This depends on the laws and regulations of the state, This may include taking take vital signs, checking medications, monitoring machines, drawing blood, caring for wounds, performing some laboratory tests and charting all of these activities and results.

Patient Care Technicians may also be called nursing assistants, certified nurse assistant, health care assistant and nurse’s aides depending on the nature of the facility.

Job Responsibilities: Patient Care Technician

Patient Care Technicians are involved in various aspects of a patient's care which may include:
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Salary Information: Patient Care Technician

According to salary.com, annual earnings for patient care technicians, range from $22,748 to $46,982. Salaries for Patient Care Technicians may also vary, depending on your experience, skill level, and location.

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Education: Patient Care Technician

To become a Patient Care Technician, a certification program at a State Licensed School is required. Some schools may require you to have a High School Diploma or GED, but most will only require you to take an entrance exam. This is to ensure that you are at the appropriate educational level.

Some jobs may require Certified Nurse's Aide certification and certification in CPR or Basic Life Support. Community colleges, technical training schools, and other schools offer training programs for Patient Care Technicians. These programs vary from 43 credit hours to 120 credit hours.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where do Patient Care Technicians work?

Patient Care Technician typically work in hospitals, doctors' offices, nursing homes and healthcare agencies. They also may provide home healthcare.

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How can I find a good Patient Care Technician school?

Here is some helpful information to help you find Patient Care Technician training:
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What is the employment outlook for Patient Care Technicians?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for certified Patient Care Technicians is good and is expected to grow to 28% by 2016. There will continue to be an increased need for all health care workers. This is due to the increasing health care industry, which continues to expand due to technological advances in medicine and the growth of the elderly population.

Other reasons for the increasing demand for nursing technicians is the increasing elder population, and the demand for skilled patient care professionals.

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