What Qualifications Do You Need To Be A PCT?

To become a PCT, you’ll need to have a

high school diploma and complete a training program

, according to the BLS. After completing a training program, or acquiring equivalent work experience, you can then become a certified patient care technician/assistant (CPCT/A) by passing an exam.

What does a PCT do?

PCTs help patients with procedures such as taking vital signs, performing electrocardiography (ECG), blood draws and other needs. In addition, a PCT will:

provide bedside care and advocate patients’ needs

.

interact in daily communication

with patients, nurses, doctors and patients’ families.

What is pct exam?

The exam will consist of 100 scored items and 10 pretest items. … You will be allowed 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete it. For examinees with conditions covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you may request special testing accommodations.

Is PCT exam hard?

By taking this exam, you will be able to get certified and demonstrate your command of the knowledge and skills most relevant to this job. With that said, it is

a challenging exam

so it’s worth learning more about it and making sure that you do everything you can to prepare for the day of the test.

Is a PCT a doctor?

Those who want to work in the medical profession have a number of career options besides being a doctor or nurse. … And, while PCTs and nurse assistants both help nurses (and doctors), PCTs also are

trained to perform additional medical

jobs, such as ECG and EKG readings and drawing blood.

What is a PCT salary?

An early career Patient Care Technician with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of

C$19.18

based on 6 salaries. A mid-career Patient Care Technician with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of C$19.27 based on 5 salaries.

Can a PCT start an IV?

Are medical assistants allowed to start or disconnect IVs or administer injections or medication into IVs? No.

Medical assistants may not place the needle or start or disconnect the infusion tube of an IV

. These procedures are considered invasive, and therefore, not within the medical assistant’s scope of practice.

Who gets paid more CNA or PCT?

PCT vs.

While

patient care technicians typically earn more money than certified nursing assistants

due to their additional training and increased job responsibilities, both careers can offer good salaries and employment opportunities.

Can a PCT draw blood?

As a Patient Care Technician, one can expect to assist patients in many areas. … They can check vitals, bathe, and feed patients if they need assistance with doing so. Patient Care Technicians can provide all of the services of a CNA, but they

are also able to draw blood and use medical devices as needed

.

How long does it take to become a PCT?

Like many other healthcare-related jobs, becoming a PCT requires a high school diploma and the completion of a state-approved training program, which can last from

20–27 weeks

. Once the training is completed, CPCT/A certification is acquired by passing an exam.

Can a PCT become a RN?

If you are a Patient Care Technician (PCT), you

may have considered advancing your career to become a Registered Nurse

(RN). You can make the transition by returning to school and taking advanced courses in nursing. … As a nurse, you will manage patient care and have more responsibilities, and will earn a higher salary.

How many times can you take the PCT exam?

You are allowed a total of

three attempts

at this exam. You must wait a 30-day period between each attempt.

How much does a PCT certification cost?

Where can a PCT work?

Patient care technicians work as members of the patient care team in

hospital, emergency, treatment, and recovery rooms

. PCTs also work in clinics, doctor’s offices, surgery centers, assisted living centers, rehabilitation centers, and hospices.

Can a PCT prescribe medication?

Patient Care Technician’s Responsibilities

The medical care technician will take a history of the patient and then the doctor will write a treatment plan for the patient. Once a diagnosis has been determined then the medical care technician will work with the doctor to write the

prescription

for the medication.

Why do you want to be a PCT?

Patient care technicians are essential to the healthcare industry, as it is their care and support that helps patients through stressful times. As a patient care technician, you could have the

opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of your patients

on a daily basis.