What is a Patient Care Technician?
Patient Care Technicians are very valuable members of the healthcare team. Patient Care technicians in New Jersey are found working in hospitals in most departments.
Due to the certification in inpatient care, PCT’s are able to apply to a wide range of positions. Patient Care Technicians work not only in hospitals but in many other healthcare facilities. In addition to the be able to apply to Rehabilitation Aid and Emergency Room technicians, PCT’s can also apply to positions of a Clinical Medical Assistant as they have the training and education that qualifies them for the position.
Is a Career Advancement Program Worth It?
Patient Care technician hourly pay can exceed $20 an hour if you work is the right facility. Compared to the starting pay of around $13.50 an hour of a phlebotomy technician. Upgrading your career to patient care tech can increase your earning potential considerably.
Career Advancement Programs: Phlebotomist to Patient care Technician: How does it work?
If you are a phlebotomist and want to become a patient care technician you may be pleased to know that you already ready have almost half the work done already! Patient Care techs are trained in phlebotomy, EKG and Patient Care, being that you have the phlebotomy covered all you need to do is complete a program covering EKG and Patient Care.
Guide to Finding a Career Advancement Program in New Jersey
Step 1: Search for schools in your area
Find schools online and look through the programs they offer. Some schools may offer a program specifically for phlebotomists seeking to obtain certification as a PCT while others may require to you pay for phlebotomy training again as apart of their package.
Step2: Visit a School and Enroll
You should never enroll in a program over the phone. Go to the school and feel it out first, talk with advisors and see if it would be a good match for you then sign up. When enrolling ask questions about payment options, there may be payable in full option with discounts, or payment plans. Some schools even work with government assistance programs that may provide funding for your education.
Step 3: Picking between online and on-campus Options
Although online options may be cheaper and more convenient you have to be committed to your education in order to succeed. Online options may not always provide you with an instructor to help you through the material and you will have to learn it on your own.
Step 4: Keeping up with the program.
Reading the textbooks and completing all the chapter review material will provide you with all the information you are required to know. Forming study groups can help you understand things that you find difficult while providing clarity for others.
Passing Exams and finding employment
Passing national exams requires some studying. However, if you stay on track and keep a steady pace throughout the career advancement program you will have nothing to worry about when it comes time for exams. Most schools will provide some form of job placement assistance. This can range from helping with interviews with the preparation of resumes. With job growth for many healthcare fields expected to be around 26% finding employment should not be difficult.
