Patient Care Technician Jobs

by Robyn Tellefsen

For some, it's a part-time job. For others, it's a career. Either way, the work of a patient care technician is physically and emotionally demanding. But if you're suited for the job, it's a labor of love.

Duties of a patient care technician
Patient care technicians represent an essential part of the health care team, because they are the ones who typically have the most contact with patients. Patient care technicians check vital signs; assist in medical exams; and perform CPR, first aid, EKGs, and phlebotomy. These health care professionals are also responsible for assisting patients with activities of daily living such as eating, bathing, and grooming.

Where to find patient care technician jobs
Patient care technician jobs may be found in assisted living facilities, hospitals, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, rehabilitation clinics, and wound care centers.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in May 2007, the industries employing the largest numbers of patient care technicians were, in order: nursing care facilities; general medical and surgical hospitals; community care facilities for the elderly; employment services; and local government.

Patient care technician programs
Federal regulations state that patient care technicians must complete a state-approved training program of at least 75 hours, 16 of which include supervised clinical training. Those who complete the program and pass a state-administered exam are officially known as certified nurse assistants (CNAs) and are placed on their state registry of nurse aides.

State-approved patient care technician programs can be found through community colleges, vocational-technical centers, the Red Cross, or medical facilities themselves. Classes, which are typically taught by registered nurses, cover anatomy and physiology, body mechanics, communication skills, infection control, nutrition, personal care skills, and resident rights. The length of training depends on the program: Health care facilities may offer two to six weeks of full-time training, while training at a community college could last up to six months.

Demand for patient care technician jobs
Based on the long-term care needs of the aging population, employment of patient care technicians is expected to grow 18 percent through 2016, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the BLS.

Job opportunities are good, because the role of the patient care technician continues to evolve and expand in response to advances in medical technology. According to the BLS, median annual earnings for patient care technicians were $23,160 in May 2007.

Becoming a patient care technician can be a stepping stone to a future career in nursing, or the beginning of a fulfilling career all its own.