The laws in your state will dictate the exact level of responsibility you are able to hold in your patient care technician role. As a patient care technician, you will often be able to do additional tasks such as use EKG machines or draw blood in addition to basic care. However, CNAs are limited to providing this basic care under the supervision of a registered nurse or doctor of medicine. There are definitely some similarities between and Patient Care Technician and a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) such as caring for a basic need like bathing, moving, and feeding patients. What is the difference between a CNA and a PCT? Escorting patients for tests or procedures in other areas of the medical facilityĭo you have to be a CNA before becoming a PCT?Īlthough completing training and achieving the Patient Care Technician certification is sufficient in most states, you should also research individual state requirements for employment as a Patient Care Technician before beginning the program.Monitoring patient liquid and food intake.Helping patients dress and use the bathroom.Moving, repositioning, or turning patients as needed.Monitoring conditions and providing updates to other members of the healthcare team.Listening to patient concerns, answering questions, and providing guidance.Regularly checking and recording patient blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse.Some specific duties and responsibilities may include: In short, you'll play a very important role in the healthcare sector. You'll communicate what the patient is feeling in addition to their medical status. Your main role as a patient care technician is to improve patient well-being. You will play a direct role in caring for patients in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities.
As a patient care technician, you will be responsible for making your patients feel comfortable and cared for, which often requires you to provide emotional support and guidance during their treatment.Īs a Patient Care Technician, you will support other healthcare staff, including doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel, in caring for patients. Patient care technicians observe, catalog, and communicate patient needs and concerns while reporting any changes in status to the patient's care team.
A patient care technician is a professional in the healthcare field who supports nurses, doctors, and other medical staff in caring for patients.