A Patient Care Technician (PCT) is a healthcare technician who works under the supervision of a nurse, doctor, or other health professional to administer basic care to patients. They work closely with nurses and doctors to provide quality medical care and help patients recover from illnesses. PCTs work at patients bedsides, taking care of basic needs such as meals and hygiene, similar to a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) . However, PCTs usually have more training that allows them to complete other tasks as well, such as administering specific medications, drawing blood for lab work, operating some medical monitoring equipment, and performing and managing wound care.
The day-to-day work of a PCT could include any of the tasks expected of a CNA, such as helping patients with mobility issues, assisting patients during exercise, and tracking a patient's progress during care, including physical therapy. PCTs also help stabilize behavior and provide support for patients in mental hospitals or those with substance use disorders. They draw blood for testing and assist with transfusions.
Becoming a PCT requires both technical and workplace skills. Technical skills include knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology, as well as the ability to perform basic medical procedures such as taking vital signs and administering medications. Workplace skills include communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
PCTs are essential to the medical industry because they work behind the scenes to take care of the technical details that make a huge difference in patients' lives. A career in health care can be rewarding, especially if you enjoy interacting with and caring for patients on a daily basis.
