Obtaining a high school diploma or a General Education Degree is the first step toward becoming a patient care technician (PCT) (GED). Then, to learn the skills you’ll need to work in the field, you should take a PCT course. You may also need certification from an organization like the National Healthcareer Association, depending on where you live or plan to work (NHA). If you live in the United States, certification requirements may differ from state to state, so double-check before enrolling.
You must have completed high school or have a GED to work as a patient care technician. Experts recommend taking biology, science, and mathematics, but they are not required. If you attend an accredited school or complete an approved GED program, you may be able to apply for provisional certification up to one year before graduation.
Enrolling in a PCT course is the next step in becoming a patient care technician. The length of study varies according to the subjects studied, but a PCT course can be completed in as little as six months. Students are expected to complete a period of practical training or an externship at a medical facility or care center, and the courses typically include both theory and hands-on instruction. The majority of training institutions provide both basic and advanced training. If attending full-time classes is difficult for you, you may be able to study online and only attend classes to complete the practical modules.
Although certification is only required in a few areas, it is recommended that you take a certification exam to improve your chances of finding work and potentially increase your earnings. To be eligible for PCT certification, you must have a high school diploma or GED, as well as relevant training or at least one year of work experience. Registration with the NHA and passing a written exam are both required steps in the certification process. Because certification is only valid for two years, it’s best to renew it before it runs out. If your certification does expire, you may be required to retake the exam.
If you live in the United States, you should research the state requirements for becoming a patient care technician. In some states, this profession is unregulated, while in others, certification as a PCT is required. To work in this field, you may need to be a Certified Nurse’s Assistant (CNA) in some states.