How To Become a Patient Care Tech at a Hospital

Since jobs in healthcare are easy to find and expected to be plentiful in the future, becoming a patient care technician is a great career choice.Doctors, nurses, and other medical staff are assisted in caring for and generating status reports for patients by the PCT's.You may be able to achieve your certification in less than a year if you have the right training and experience.Since the certification prepares you to perform a variety of procedures, working in a hospital is a great choice.If you want, you can also find jobs in other medical settings.

Step 1: If you have to, obtain a certification.

A certified nurse's aide performs some of the same duties as a primary care doctor, but they can do more advanced procedures.Some states require applicants for the program to get a certification before they are accepted.Check your state's requirements to see if you need to get your certification first.If you want to work in a hospital setting as a primary care physician, you may be able to find a job or get a promotion if you have some experience working in hospitals.

Step 2: Find a program.

You will need to complete a Vocational program or a certificate program in order to become a PCT.If you want to become a primary care physician, you need to get training in your area.You might want to meet someone from the programs in your area to ask questions.If you want to gain experience in a hospital setting as well as any other areas that you would like to work in, make sure you ask about specialization opportunities.

Step 3: You should submit an application.

If you meet the minimum requirements, you should submit an application to the program of your choice.If there are multiple programs in your area, you may want to submit an application to each one.To be accepted into some programs, you have to meet minimum requirements, such as having a high school diploma, earning a certain grade point average, and completing prerequisite courses.Before you apply, check to see if you meet the minimum requirements.

Step 4: You have to take the required courses.

There are courses in your training program that will teach you how to work as a PCT.Topics that may be covered in your courses include phlebotomy first aid and wound care.

Step 5: Clinical experiences are complete.

Clinical experiences give you the chance to practice what you have learned in the classroom.These experiences will give you confidence in your ability to perform certain procedures.

Step 6: You have to study for the exam.

You will need to take an exam to get your certificate.The skills that will be assessed in the exam are patient care, phlebotomy, ECG, infection control, and safety.You should review what you have learned prior to the test in order to increase your chances of passing.Study groups and exam review sessions are offered by your school.

Step 7: You have to take the exam.

You can register for the exam online when you have met the requirements.You will receive a certificate after you pass the exam.You can use this certificate as proof of your competency and ability to work as a CPT.The fee is for an exam.You get a certificate from your program after you take the exam.You can become a Certified Patient Care Technician if you want to enhance your job opportunities.Recommendations on certifying organizations can be found with your program.

Step 8: You can create a resume.

If you want to apply for a job in a hospital setting, you will need a resume that summarizes your training and experience.Your resume should include an overview of your training, professional experiences, and any other training that may help you do your job.If you don't have any professional medical experience, you can create a student resume.A student resume is about your education and training as a student.

Step 9: You can search and apply for jobs.

You should start looking for jobs when you are done with your program.Look at the websites for hospitals in your area.There are online job search engines as well as your local newspaper.People who work at local hospitals can be asked if there are any available jobs.There should be several postings in your area since there is high demand.Keep an eye out for job postings at hospitals in your area.If you are willing to move to a new city or state to find a better job, you may consider expanding your search area.

Step 10: You should keep your certification up to date.

Continuing education sessions are required to maintain your ability to work as a primary care worker.These sessions will be provided by many employers.If you don't keep your certification current, you may need to get it renewed.The process requires you to pay a fee and complete some continuing education credits.