What Is a Patient Care Tech?

Patient Care Tech Do: Duties, Salary & Career Outlook

If you've ever been in a hospital or a healthcare facility, chances are a patient care technician (PCT) helped take care of you. They’re the ones assisting nurses, checking vital signs, and making sure patients are comfortable. In short, along with doctors, physicians, and nurses, patient care technicians contribute to patient well-being.

Are you looking for a career in healthcare but don’t want to spend years in school? Becoming a PCT might be a great option. It’s an entry-level role with solid job prospects, and it gives you hands-on experience working with patients. Many PCTs go on to specialize or even become nurses.

In this post, we’ll go over what a PCT does, where they work, how much money they can make, and how to get started in the field. Hopefully, after you’re done reading, you’ll know if this could be the right career path for you.

Let’s dive in!

Common Patient Care Tech Duties

Needless to say, your job as a PCT will be a mix of hands-on care and communication, and each day can bring new challenges.

While your specific duties can vary based on where you work, here are some of the most common responsibilities you can expect:

• Help patients with daily tasks – You’ll assist patients with things like bathing, getting dressed, eating, or brushing their teeth. These small tasks help them feel more comfortable and maintain their dignity.
  
  

• Check vital signs – You’ll regularly measure a patient’s blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and oxygen levels. This helps the medical team keep track of their health and spot any changes.
  
  

• Assist with mobility – Some patients may need help getting in and out of bed, using a wheelchair, or walking around. You’ll make sure they stay safe and avoid falls.
  
  

• Provide emotional support – Many patients feel anxious or lonely. You’ll offer a listening ear, give them comfort, and be there when they need someone to talk to.
  
  

• Collect samples – You may need to take blood or urine samples and make sure they get to the right place for testing.
  
  

• Assist with medical equipment – You’ll help set up medical equipment, prepare patients for tests, and make sure rooms are ready for the next patient.
  
  

• Keep things clean and safe – You’ll help keep patient areas tidy, remove any hazards, and make sure everything is in order for safety.
  
  

• Communicate with the healthcare team – You’ll update nurses or doctors on any changes in a patient’s condition or concerns they might have.

That being said, your responsibilities will also change from one department to another.

For instance, in the ICU, you'll care for critically ill patients, closely monitor their condition and lend support for complex treatments such as mechanical ventilation, managing intravenous (IV) drips for medication administration, and assisting with invasive procedures like central line placements or catheterization.

In the ER, you'll quickly assess patients, provide emergency care, and prepare equipment for urgent procedures like intubations, wound suturing, chest tube insertions, or administering life-saving medications. You may also assist with setting up for rapid diagnostic tests like X-rays or CT scans, manage IV access for fluids and medications, and support the medical team during resuscitations or trauma surgeries.

If you're in pediatrics, you'll help young patients with tasks like bathing, feeding, and helping them get around. You may also be responsible for monitoring vital signs, such as temperature, heart rate, and oxygen levels, to ensure the child’s health is stable. Additionally, you'll provide emotional support, helping both the child and their family navigate the stress of illness or treatment. This can include offering comfort during medical procedures, explaining simple steps to the child, and reassuring worried parents. You might also assist with administering medications or prepare children for routine tests, all while creating a calm and supportive environment.

In dialysis, you'll set up and monitor a dialysis treatment, so as to ensure that everything runs properly for the patient undergoing it. For example, you’ll prepare the dialysis machine, check the patient’s access points (like their fistula or catheter), and confirm proper machine settings. Besides that, you’ll closely monitor the patient’s vital signs such as blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heart rate during the treatment to detect any issues early. If any complications arise, like an air bubble in the line or a drop in blood pressure, you'll take immediate action to resolve them. You'll also make sure the patients are comfortable before and after treatment, explain the process to them, and answer any questions they may have about it.

To get started, nonetheless, you must complete an accredited training program relevant to your chosen department (like dialysis) and obtain cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.

All in all, your role as a PCT entails both physical care and emotional support. If you enjoy helping people and working closely with a team, this could be a rewarding job for you.

Patient Care Tech Salary and Job Outlook

If you're thinking about becoming a PCT, you probably want to know how much you can expect to earn. The good news is that the job prospects seem promising.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for nursing assistants and orderlies, which includes PCTs, are projected to grow by 7% from 2021 to 2031.

That’s about as fast as the average for other jobs, so there should be plenty of vacancies for new workers in the coming years.

As for salary, the average pay for a PCT is around $18.50 per hour in the U.S., per the data from ZipRecruiter. However, hourly rates can vary widely, ranging from $11.54 to $27.88. Most PCTs fall somewhere between $15.38 and $20.19 per hour, depending on factors like experience, location, and the specific healthcare facility they work at.

Looking at annual pay, Glassdoor reports that the average salary for a PCT is about $46,121 per year. With additional pay like bonuses or tips, that total can rise to around $49,307 per year.

So, if you're considering a career as a PCT, you can expect good job growth and a salary range that offers room for advancement, particularly when you gain more experience.

Patient Care Tech vs Medical Assistant (MA)

If you're thinking about a career in healthcare, you might come across two roles: PCT (obviously) and MA. Though they both focus on keeping patients comfortable, their responsibilities and work environments are different in some important ways.

Education and Training

To become a PCT, you’d need to complete a high school diploma and a training program that usually lasts about a year. Some states may also require certification, so it’s worth checking the requirements where you plan to work.

For MA however, most employers expect you to have completed a postsecondary program. This usually takes around a year, but some choose to pursue associate degrees for a more in-depth education in subjects like anatomy and medical procedures.

Core Responsibilities

As a PCT, you'll spend most of your time assisting patients with daily tasks, like getting dressed, eating, and moving around. You’ll also provide comfort and emotional support.

MAs have a combination of clinical and administrative tasks. You might take vital signs, help with exams, and schedule appointments, but you’ll also handle patient records and insurance forms.

Work Environments

PCTs usually work in settings where patients need long-term care, such as hospitals or nursing homes. These places operate around the clock, so you might be working nights, weekends, or holidays.

MAs work in doctor's offices, outpatient clinics, or urgent care centers, where the hours are more predictable, usually Monday through Friday with occasional weekend shifts. Some medical offices close on holidays, but urgent care facilities might stay open.

Patient Care Tech vs Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Like we saw in the previous section when comparing a PCT with a medical assistant, there are also some important distinctions between a PCT and a CNA. Both roles involve providing direct care to patients, but their responsibilities, training, and the environments they work in are not the same.

Let’s explore these differences.

Education and Training

Both CNAs and PCTs need a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate to get started. A CNA program usually takes a few weeks to a few months and involves classroom learning followed by a licensing exam.

Compared to that, PCTs go through a more detailed training process, which can take 6 to 12 months. Their training covers a wider range of medical procedures, like blood draws and EKGs, so they can handle more specialized tasks that CNAs can’t do.

Core Responsibilities

Both CNAs and PCTs help patients with everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, and feeding. However, CNAs focus more on basic personal care and mobility assistance. They also monitor vital signs and keep an eye on patients’ overall well-being.

PCTs do a lot of that too, but they also take on additional duties such as drawing blood, inserting IVs, and using medical equipment like EKG machines or dialysis machines. In addition, they work closely with nurses and may assist in more technical aspects of patient care.

Work Environments

You’ll mostly find CNAs in long-term care settings, such as nursing homes, and in hospitals, helping patients who need help with daily activities. PCTs, on the other hand, often work in hospitals, especially in areas where patients are recovering from surgery or dealing with serious illnesses. The work environment for a PCT can involve more hands-on tasks with medical technology compared to the basic care that CNAs provide.

Career Growth

PCTs tend to have more career advancement opportunities. Since they are trained in a wider variety of tasks, they can move into specialized areas or pursue roles like a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN). CNAs can also advance their careers, but their paths are often more focused on continuing education in the nursing field.

In the end, MAs, CNAs and PCTs all make a big impact on patient care. The choice between them comes down to the level of responsibility, the type of care you want to provide, and the direction you want your career to go. These careers help improve clinical outcomes, but they each focus on different aspects of healthcare, so in the end, it all comes down to where you want to work and what you enjoy doing.

Patient Care Tech Interview Questions (With Sample Answers)

1. Can you describe your experience working with patients?

Answer: I’ve had the chance to assist a variety of patients, ranging from those needing help with basic activities like bathing and dressing, to individuals recovering from surgery or dealing with more serious conditions. My goal is always to make sure they feel as comfortable and cared for as possible.

2. How do you handle stressful situations when caring for patients?

Answer: When things get tense, I take a step back, stay calm, and remind myself to tackle one thing at a time. If something feels overwhelming, I reach out to my team for help. The main thing is to stay focused on the patient’s well-being and make sure they feel supported, no matter what.

3. Can you give an example of a time you went above and beyond for a patient?

Answer: There was a patient who was really anxious about an upcoming procedure. I took extra time to explain the process and reassure them, even holding their hand for a few minutes to help calm them down. Afterward, the patient thanked me for making them feel more at ease.

4. How do you ensure patient safety in your daily tasks?

Answer: I always stick to the protocols and procedures. Whether it’s moving a patient, taking vital signs, or using medical equipment, I make sure everything is done properly. I also make it a habit to wash my hands frequently and wear protective gear to avoid any risk of infection.

5. How do you handle situations where patients refuse care?

Answer: I try to find out why they’re refusing and really listen to their concerns. Sometimes, a simple heart-to-heart conversation and a little reassurance can be just what someone needs. If needed, I’ll get a nurse involved to help sort things out.

6. What skills are important for a patient care technician?

Answer: Compassion is a must. You need to be someone who can really listen and connect with patients. Being able to handle physical tasks, staying calm under pressure, and having good communication with your team are also important.

7. How do you manage your time when the shift gets busy?

Answer: I try to stay on top of what needs to be done and keep track of tasks as I go. I break everything down into smaller steps so I don’t get overwhelmed. If I see something urgent, I tackle that first, but I always make sure to check in with my team if I need help.

8. Can you describe a time when you worked closely with a team?

Answer: There was one shift where a patient’s condition suddenly worsened. The entire team stepped in quickly, and we worked together to stabilize them. I assisted by monitoring the patient’s vitals and relaying important updates to the nurses. It really showed me how well we can support each other in a time of need.

9. How do you handle patients who become frustrated or upset?

Answer: I try to remain calm and show empathy. Often, frustration comes from being in pain or discomfort, so I make sure to acknowledge their feelings and reassure them. If things don’t improve, I’ll loop in the nurse for further assistance.

10. How do you keep yourself motivated during long shifts?

Answer: I remind myself of the positive impact I’m having on patients’ lives. Even though the work can be tough at times, knowing that I’m helping people keeps me going. Taking short breaks helps me recharge too, so I’m at my best when I’m needed.

11. Can you walk me through how you would take a patient’s vital signs?

Answer: Sure! First, I’d make sure the patient is comfortable and explain what I’m doing. I start by checking their temperature, then move on to blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate. After I’ve gathered everything, I’d write down the details and share any important changes with the nurse.

12. How would you handle a situation where you made a mistake?

Answer: If I made a mistake, I’d own up to it and let my supervisor know right away. I’d take steps to correct the issue and learn from it to avoid making the same mistake in the future. Accountability is important, especially in healthcare.

13. What do you enjoy most about being a patient care technician?

Answer: The best part is being able to directly help people. Whether it’s assisting with daily tasks or simply offering a little emotional support, I find it rewarding to know I’m making a positive difference in someone’s day.

14. How do you handle the physical demands of the job?

Answer: I make sure to stay in good shape, so I can handle the physical work. I also make it a point to lift correctly, use the right techniques for moving patients, and take care of my body throughout the day. I know the job can be tough, but staying healthy really helps.

15. Why do you want to work here as a patient care technician?

Answer: I’m drawn to this facility because of its reputation for providing excellent care. I’ve always been passionate about helping people, and I believe this role will help me grow professionally and allow me to play an important part in patients’ daily lives at the same time.