You must typically meet a minimum educational requirement and be physically fit in order to work as a patient transporter. A high school diploma is typically required to qualify for an entry level patient transporter position. You can also get training to become a patient transporter, which will make you stand out when applying for jobs. Most employers, however, will provide you with on-the-job training, in which case they will expect you to show excellent communication skills, manual dexterity, and the ability to take and follow orders. Before or after you are hired, you may be required to obtain one or more certifications, such as a basic cardiac life support (BCLS) certificate.
Patient transporters are in charge of moving patients from one location to another in emergency rooms, hospitals, and clinics. Stretchers, wheelchairs, and other transportation devices are commonly used to accomplish this. A patient transporter is needed whenever a patient needs to be moved from an emergency room to a hospital room, between departments, or anywhere else. Patient transporters are occasionally required to answer basic patient questions about procedures, wait times, and other matters, but they are not usually permitted to provide food or water. Unlike technicians, orderlies, and other types of hospital staff, patient transporters often have minimal educational and training requirements.
If you want to work as a patient transporter, the first thing you should do is make sure you meet all of the minimum requirements. Most employers will require you to have the equivalent of a high school diploma, so you must either complete high school or obtain a general education development (GED®) certificate. If you become a patient transporter, you must also ensure that you are healthy and in good physical condition, as you will spend a lot of time on your feet. Because patient transporters are required to interact with patients on a regular basis, employers typically look for people with excellent people skills.
People who want to work as patient transporters can enroll in training programs, but most employers will provide on-the-job training. Stretchers, wheelchairs, and other modes of transportation will usually be taught to you. In many cases, you’ll also learn how to deal with difficult or unruly patients, as well as how to handle health issues that may arise during transportation. You will almost always be required to obtain one or more certifications within a certain amount of time after becoming a patient transporter. If you have a BCLS certificate before applying for a position as a patient transporter, it may help you stand out during the interview process.