If you’re passionate about helping others and interested in starting a healthcare career, a Patient Care Technician program might be the perfect next step in pursuit of your goal. However, it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you start your training! This blog will explore what a PCT program involves, its benefits, and how to determine if it aligns with your career goals.

Learn about Dorsey College’s Patient Care Technician program

What are the duties of a patient care technician?

Patient Care Technicians play a vital role in the healthcare system. Although this job title is less known than the roles of nurses or doctors, it is no less important. PCTs provide direct patient care under the supervision of doctors and/or RNs. Their duties include:

• Monitoring Vital Signs: Checking patients’ blood pressure, heart rate, and other key health indicators will likely be a part of your workday.
• Assisting with Daily Activities: Helping patients with bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility.
• Performing Basic Medical Procedures: Drawing blood, and applying dressings might be involved in your work as a PCT.
• Providing Emotional Support: Offering comfort and companionship during difficult times is important! Patients are often in vulnerable situations and knowing someone is there who cares can make a world of difference.
• Documenting Patient Information: Keeping accurate records of patient care and reporting any changes to healthcare staff is vital.

By combining clinical skills with compassionate care, PCTs help improve the quality of life for their patients.

Benefits of a Patient Care Technician Program

You now know the important role a PCT plays in a healthcare setting. But why should you choose this career path versus another healthcare career? There are a few advantages to enrolling in a Patient Care Technician program, including:

1. Quick Entry into the Healthcare Field: PCT programs are typically shorter than some other healthcare training programs, allowing you to start your career faster.
2. Variety in Work Settings and Routines: Patient care technicians can work in different healthcare settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and home healthcare agencies. No two days are the same, making this career a great choice for people who enjoy variety in the type of work they do.
3. Skill Development and Career Advancement: A PCT program is a great starting point for people who want to someday work in more advanced healthcare roles, such as becoming an LPN or an RN. PCT programs can give you the baseline knowledge you need to go on to pursue additional education and training in those advanced roles.
4. Personal Fulfillment: Helping patients recover from sickness or injury is an incredibly rewarding experience.

How to Know if a PCT Program is Right for You

Choosing a career as a Patient Care Technician is a significant decision. It’s a career path you should spend some time researching to make sure it’s right for you. As you learn more about this career, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I have a genuine interest in healthcare and patient care? Am I okay around blood and other bodily fluids?
• Do I have the empathy and patience needed to work with individuals in need?
• Am I a strong communicator and if not, how can I learn these skills? Will I be able to communicate effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals?
• Do I have the physical stamina necessary for a job that requires a lot of physical effort (such as lifting patients or spending most of the workday on your feet)?
• Am I motivated to learn new skills and to pursue continuing education in the healthcare field?

If you answered “yes” to these questions, enrolling in a PCT program could be a great next step. If you answered “no” to some of them, that’s okay too! Some skills, like communication with patients, will be a part of your training. As long as you are willing to learn and grow, you can see success in a PCT program.

What to Expect in a Patient Care Technician Program

A comprehensive Patient Care Technician program combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience. You’ll likely spend some time in the classroom (whether in person or virtual), and some time “in the field,” or in a practice setting to work on the skills you’re learning.

While in the classroom, you can expect your training to focus on:

• Medical terminology and the language of healthcare professionals
• How to help patients with mobility assistance and personal hygiene
• How to monitor vital signs
• Phlebotomy, EKG monitoring, and wound care
• Healthcare ethics
• Communication

Once you finish learning in the classroom, most PCT programs include some sort of clinical training. This is your opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the real world, with real patients! You can apply the skills you’ve learned under supervision, building your confidence and competence.

A final note: A good PCT program should also prepare you for certification exams, some of which are required to work as a patient care technician. Many PCT programs focus on concepts covered in the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A), increasing job market competitiveness.

Explore Dorsey College’s Patient Care Technician program

Dorsey College’s Patient Care Technician program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful healthcare career. Here’s why you should consider Dorsey College:

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Covering essential topics like patient care, medical procedures, and healthcare communication.
• Experienced Instructors: Learn from healthcare professionals with real-world experience.
• Hands-On Training: Gain practical skills through a clinical externship.
• Career Services Support: Receive job placement assistance and career guidance.

Enrolling in a Patient Care Technician program at Dorsey College can be the first step toward a rewarding healthcare career.

Ready to start your journey? If you’re passionate about healthcare and eager to make a difference, consider joining Dorsey’s Patient Care Technician program. With the right training, you can build a meaningful career while providing compassionate care to those in need.

Career services assistance is available to all program completers, however, job placement is not guaranteed by Dorsey College.