How to Enhance a Patient Care Technician Career

1
Patient Care Technician

• Benefits of Formal Credentials

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What is a Patient Care Technician?

• An unlicensed allied health provider
• May work in general or specialty department
• Performs routine tasks
• Not qualified to exercise professional judgment
• Level of education depends on employer
  expectations
• May have a variety of job titles
• Medical assistant
• Nurse aide
• Dialysis technician
• EKG technician
• Radiologic technician
• Etc

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Education Requirements

• Very low for entry-level generalist
• High school diploma or GED
• Specialty department may require Associates or
  Bachelors Degree
• Usually depends on services being provided
• High risk patients and service typically require
  more education
• Employers may offer in-house programs
• Directors may provide incentives for taking
  classes
• Inquire with local organizations

4
Training and Certification

• Heavily dependent on the department and employer
• Trend is towards short periods of training and
  national certification
• Dialysis technicians must be certified within 18
  months
• More stringent regulatory requirements meant to
  cut costs
• May be completed in-house or through independent
  establishments
• Check with employers about their unique
  requirements
• Make sure program is approved before enrolling
• Pursue certification that is relevant to the
  department
• May need to complete additional training and
  certification when making the transition from a
  general area of practice to a specialty department

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Voluntary Pursuit of Credentials

• Some employers do not require training or
  certification
• Voluntary pursuit of credentials may
• Establish the legitimacy of the profession
• Demonstrate competency
• Result in more job opportunities
• Lead to higher earnings
• Allow for administrative promotions
• Ease the transition from general to specialty
  departments
• Strengthen the resume
• Result in higher levels of personal and
  professional satisfaction
• Improve knowledge and skills
• Be received better by patients who want qualified
  personnel

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Common Credentials

• College education
• Vocational Certificate
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Career training
• In-house through the employer
• Local independent colleges and universities
• Vocational schools
• Online programs
• Certification
• Specific to general or specialty practice
• May require previous training and experience to
  become eligible

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Steps to Success

• Decide on appropriate career path
• Consider entry-level positions if lacking in
  credentials
• Acquire basic knowledge and skills before
  advancing
• Inquire about education, training, and
  certification requirements
• Take advantage of support programs offered by
  employer
• Become active in local, state, and national
  organizations
• Network with experienced and influential
  individuals
• Learn as much as possible
• Stay up-to-date with government regulations
• Follow healthcare news and events
• Enjoy the process

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Resources

• Patient Care Technician Certification
• www.patientcaretechniciansalary.net