Patient care technicians are the backbone of many healthcare settings. Selfless, compassionate and skilled, they help patients with activities of daily life and complete essential medical tasks. And, as a career, it is a promising step into the medical field. Well worth the time and money you spend in training, it offers not only robust pay but a stepping stone into even more specialized healthcare careers. Here is an overview of the career’s job outlook and how your future can shine bright if you choose it for yourself.
The patient care technician field is a growing one
You should not spend time or money training for a career that does not promise abundant job opportunities once you graduate. Any career you pursue should show signs of robust and growing demand. The patient care technician role fulfills this requirement, and gives you the freedom to work wherever you choose.
The role of patient care technician is estimated to grow 16 percent between now and 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Not only does this rate of growth far exceed the average, but it also indicates a robust field that will allow you to work wherever you desire once you complete your training. Estimates put the average job openings per year at 117,800.
Since the demand for patient care technicians is set to continue for at least a decade, this role promises a significant return on your training investment. Patients always need compassionate and supportive staff to help them navigate their healthcare condition. As a result, medical facilities of all kinds will continue to seek the support of trained and willing individuals in this role. You could be one of them in about 5 months if you take Careers Unlimited’s fast, and flexible, course.
Patient care technicians are well paid
If you are tired of earning minimum wage or working multiple jobs to make ends meet, patient care technician training could be exactly what you need. This well paying job can improve your quality of life by paying you the salary you deserve for doing work you genuinely find rewarding.
Currently, the median salary for an entry level position in Texas is $14 an hour. As a patient care technician, you could earn a median pay of $17.88 per hour, or $37,190 per year. This higher wage can give you the financial stability you need to improve your life and benefit your family.
These numbers are also not the maximum that you could earn in your patient care technician role. As you gain experience in your role, or advance to more specialized careers, you could increase your salary, and your financial stability. In addition, this healthy wage will quickly more than pay you back for a few months of study.
Being a patient care technician expands your career options
When you become a patient care technician, you enter a field that can serve as a pathway to other jobs. These opportunities for growth and advancement make this role an exciting and stimulating choice that allows you to grow for many years to come.
For example, as a patient care technician, you have the opportunity to work in many healthcare settings. Some of the places you could work throughout Texas include the following Hospital, nursing homes, hospice agencies, physician’s offices, and community clinics.
In addition, the patient care technician role offers you the opportunity to enter several other exciting careers. Some areas of specialization include nurse assistant, phlebotomy specialist, EKG monitor technician, and nurse.
Take the first step into a medical career that you can grow into for many years to come. Become a patient care technician and discover the possibilities for your future.
Patient care technician training takes only a few months
You do not have to give up your life or your job to train for a medical career. At Careers Unlimited, you can train as a patient care technician in about 5 months. That means that you could be working in your dream career in less time than it takes to complete a regular school year.
Here at Careers Unlimited, we want you to be able to prepare for your future in any of the most in-demand healthcare fields. As a result, we offer fast, efficient courses in areas. These include an assistant nursing course, a phlebotomy tech hybrid course, a patient care technician course, a network support specialist course, a clinical medical assistant course, and CNA courses in McAllen, TX.
Ready to pursue the career you desire? It’s time for Careers Unlimited. And don’t allow concerns about financing to worry you. If you qualify, you could receive financial aid, take advantage of monthly payments. And possibly even graduate with no debt. Contact us today!
By accurately collecting and handling blood samples, phlebotomists are at the front lines of helping patients manage their health. And, with rapidly-growing demand throughout both Texas and the United States, an average pay rate of almost $18 an hour, and the ability to work in many different healthcare settings, this role is the perfect place to start your healthcare career. With the right training, you could graduate ready to work in less than 2 months. Here is a look at how to become a phlebotomist in Texas.
Steps to Become a Phlebotomist in Texas
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | A high school diploma or GED is needed. Attend a technical or vocational training school offering a phlebotomy program. |
| Training | On-the-job training and an internship maybe required. Can require up to a full year to complete depending on the program. |
| Certification | Must pass a certification exam by organizations such as the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, American Society of Clinical Pathologists, American Medical Technologists, and National Phlebotomy Association. |
| Job Requirements | Candidates must be at least 18 years old, pass a drug screening, criminal background exam, and a health exam. Proficiency in basic computer skills, updated vaccine records, and proof of health insurance are also needed. |
Earn a high school degree (or equivalent)
Meet program eligibility requirements.
In addition to possessing a high school degree or equivalent, you must meet your chosen program’s eligibility requirements. At Careers Unlimited, we keep these simple, to maximize your chances of pursuing the career you desire. Here are the requirements you must meet for our 5-week phlebotomy course:
- Be at least 17 years of age
- Pass employee misconduct registry check (EMR)
- Pass a drug screening
Enroll in a reputable training program
- Reading and understanding lab test orders
- Understanding basic tubes and chemical compositions
- Using equipment for blood draws
- Using safety best practices
- Identifying common errors
- Identifying patients appropriately
- Adjusting positioning
- Performing venipunctures
- And more
When selecting your phlebotomy program, take your schedule and needs into consideration. If you have a demanding work schedule or family obligations, a hybrid phlebotomy course, such as Careers Unlimited’s, may give you the flexibility to complete some of your courses online. Finding a program such as ours that also offers evening and Saturday classes can make it simpler to prepare for your future without sacrificing your responsibilities for today.
Coursework for a Phlebotomy Program
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| Anatomy | Understanding the structural makeup of the human body |
| Physiology | Studying the functions and mechanisms in the human body |
| Medical Terminology | Identifying and understanding the terms used in the medical field |
| CPR and Basic First Aid | Life-saving procedures used in case of emergencies |
| Human Pathology | Studying diseases and their effects on the body |
| Phlebotomy with Advanced Classes | Advanced techniques and procedures related to drawing blood |
| Clinical Practices | Implementation of learned skills in a clinical setting |
| Work Ethics | Lessons on professional behavior in the workplace |
| Patient Care | Instructions in providing care to patients, like handling lab and medical equipment |
| Handling Lab and Medical Equipment | Training to handle, maintain and understand various types of lab and medical equipment |
| Disposing of Medical Waste | Instructions on the proper disposal of medical waste following health and safety regulations |
Earn your phlebotomy certification
When you graduate from your phlebotomy course, you can begin applying to positions in your preferred medical setting. Further licensing or certification is not required by the state of Texas. However, you will find that many employers prefer to hire phlebotomists who possess formal certification of their abilities. To do so, you will need to take an additional test through any of the recognized certification agencies. Here are a few of the most well-known:
- American Certification Agency for Healthcare Professionals (ACA)
- American Medical Technologists (AMT)
- The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT/MMCI)
- The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
- American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Successful completion of a high-quality phlebotomy training course should equip you to pass these exams and earn a certification that boosts your employability in your chosen field.
Phlebotomist Average Salary in Texas
| City | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Houston | $37,445 |
| Dallas | $36,316 |
| Austin | $35,938 |
| Arlington | $35,576 |
Apply for jobs
Once you complete your training, and preferably, your certification exam, you can begin applying for jobs. Some of the many healthcare settings where you can choose to work include Hospitals, mobile donation clinics, laboratories, and doctor’s offices. Because you can work in so many locations, becoming a phlebotomist in Texas and finding a job that suits your needs and location will likely not be difficult.
Once you gain experience in the field of phlebotomy, you may be able to specialize in certain areas of the field, such as pediatric phlebotomy or donor phlebotomy. The sky is the limit as you advance in a career that offers you room for growth, a strong wage and the opportunity to support patients in the management of their health.
Are you ready to change your career, and your life, in less than 2 months? Then apply to Career Unlimited’s 5-week hybrid phlebotomy program today. Our courses offer you the opportunity to pursue not just phlebotomy but also other in-demand healthcare careers, such as medical nurse assistant, patient care technician, network support specialist, clinical medical assistant, or CNA. Prepare for your future today and discover the opportunities Careers Unlimited offers you!
Defined by compassion and skill, set to grow 18 percent in the next decade, and the perfect stepping stone to more specialized work, the patient care technician position is an ideal way to step into a more successful and rewarding career. If you are ready to switch to a financially stable, in-demand career focused on helping others, then read this guide to learn more about how to become a patient care technician in Texas. You could be starting your new job in less than 6 months.
Earn a high school degree (or equivalent)
Almost anyone can study to become a PCT in Texas, because all you need is a high school diploma. If you did not complete high school, you can still pursue a PCT career. All you need is an equivalent certification through either the GED or by passing the Ability to Benefit Test. With the right certification in your hand, you are ready to turn your dream of a healthcare career into a reality.
Meet program eligibility requirements.
You may need to meet certain other requirements to enter a PCT training program. These eligibility requirements can vary from program to program, so do not be discouraged if you do not meet the requirements of the first program you consider
At Careers Unlimited, we keep our standards simple so you can more easily join the growing ranks of graduates working successfully as PCTs. Here are the requirements you must meet for our 5-month patient care technician course:
- Be at least 17 years of age
- Pass a criminal background check
- Pass an employee misconduct registry check (EMR)
- Pass a drug screening
Once you pass the required checks and screenings, you can enroll in a training program designed to make the path toward a successful future at your own pace and within your own budget.
Enroll in a reputable training program
You cannot become certified as a patient care technician and begin looking for jobs until you complete a reputable and accredited PCT training program. This program will teach you the skills and competencies you need to pass your certification exam and succeed in a PCT role in a variety of healthcare settings.
When choosing a program, look for one that delivers not only in-class teaching but also hands-on training from experienced mentors. Experiencing the job firsthand will develop skills that are very difficult to learn in a solely academic setting.
At Careers Unlimited, our course prepares you for an entry-level PCT position in any relevant healthcare setting. Over the 5 months of this program, you will learn all of the following:
- Completing basic medical tasks, such as taking vital signs
- Taking blood
- Administering medication
- Assisting with activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing, or toileting
Another consideration when choosing a PCT program is your schedule and lifestyle needs. If you are already working a job, or have family obligations, you may want a flexible program that fits around your schedule. At Careers Unlimited, you have the option to take classes in the evenings and on Saturdays in order to more conveniently pursue the career you desire.
Earn your PCT certification
Once you graduate from your PCT training course, you will need to take and pass a certification exam in order to become a certified patient care technician. One of the primary advantages of PCT training is that it sets you up to further specialize in a field of your choice. For example, our course prepares you to pursue certification not only as a PCT but also as a phlebotomist and EKG technician.
That means that once you complete your training, you can pursue one or more certifications that fit your career goals and preferences. We make it easy to access these exams so you do not experience any delay in your journey toward healthcare career success.
Apply for jobs
After you earn your certifications, you will be eligible to apply for positions throughout a wide variety of healthcare settings. Some of the many places where you can choose to work include home health care, hospitals, nursing homes, hospice agencies, physicians’ offices and community clinics.
When you pursue PCT training through Careers Unlimited, you enjoy career mentorship for life. We will happily help you with job placement, resume writing and other essential job-finding tasks. That, combined with the flexibility PCT training gives you, makes it easier than ever to find the perfect healthcare role.
Are you dreaming of a career in healthcare? Do you want to start a more lucrative and rewarding career? Then you may want to apply to Career Unlimited’s 5-month patient care technician course in Texas. Our Our courses offer you the opportunity to pursue not just the PCT role, but also other in-demand healthcare careers, such as medical nurse assistant, phlebotomist, network support specialist, clinical medical assistant, or CNA. Prepare for your future today and discover the opportunities Careers Unlimited offers you!
Important Notice for Prospective CNA Students
While the insights shared in this post about renewing your Texas CNA license are applicable statewide, we want to make it clear that the hands-on components of our CNA courses are specifically held in person in McAllen, Texas.
For Our McAllen Locals: If you are based in or around McAllen, TX, and looking to renew or attain your CNA certification, we invite you to participate in our hybrid program that combines flexible online learning with essential in-person clinical practice at our local facilities.
For Students Beyond McAllen: Don’t worry if you’re not in the McAllen area! You can still benefit from our comprehensive online courses designed to provide the foundational knowledge you need in your journey to becoming a certified nurse assistant. Our virtual classes are crafted to bring flexibility to your education, allowing you to study at your own pace and on your schedule, wherever you may be in Texas.
Tailored to Your Needs: Careers Unlimited is committed to providing accessible and high-quality education to future healthcare professionals. Whether you’re right here with us in McAllen or joining from afar, we’re here to support your educational journey every step of the way.
For more information about our CNA programs, please visit our course page or contact us directly to discuss how we can accommodate your educational needs.
The demand for medical professionals will never subside. The population of many countries is aging. More and more people are developing lifestyle diseases and new epidemics are breaking out regularly. So obviously, medical professionals will always be in huge demand.
When it comes to the healthcare sector, everyone from the lab technician to the surgeon has an important role to play. Of course, doctors and nurses earn a lot more than nursing assistants and lab technicians. Still, these entry-level professionals are crucial for the smooth functioning of the healthcare sector and cannot be replaced.
Patient care technicians (PCTs) are one such group of professionals who offer essential patient care. The demand for patient care technicians is expected to increase by 18% by the year 2030. You can learn more about the career profile of a patient care technician by visiting different educational and informational websites.
A patient care technician (PCTs) works under a nurse and helps them ensure the well-being of their patients. They usually work behind the scene and take care of the technical aspects of the treatment. PCTs also have the option to upgrade their skill and become registered nurses or a doctor in the future.
Tens of thousands of new jobs are added to the healthcare sector every year. So, healthcare professionals enjoy a secure job and a stable source of income. A job in healthcare is quite rewarding too. It is ideal for people who enjoy caring for sick people.
What is a patient care technician?
Patient care technicians work under a registered nurse and perform a variety of tasks. They often help with taking the vital signs of patients. They also help to move them around a clinic. Their primary job is to ensure that patients receive excellent care.
The primary duties of patient care technicians include the following:
- Interacting with patients and their families and providing them with emotional support
- Collecting biological samples such as blood, urine, and stool and taking them to the laboratory for testing
- Checking their vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, and temperature
- Performing some medical tests and recording their results
- Feeding patients and ensuring that their food and water intake is adequate
- Reporting any concerns regarding the patient’s health to their nurse or doctor
- Accompanying patients for an x-ray or another examination
- Helping patients to move about
Patient care technician salary
The average annual salary of a patient care technician is about $30,290 (about $14.56 per hour). The demand for patient care technicians is expected to increase between 2020 and 2030. To get a clearer picture of the patient care technician job description, you can explore various resources and job portals.
Types of patient care technicians
PCTs work in several different healthcare settings. They work in hospitals, physician’s offices, nursing homes, and laboratories. While most jobs in this sector are generic, there is also scope for specialization. These specialists need extra education and training.
Telemetry technician
A telemetry technician performs EKGs and monitors the heart waveforms of patients. When there is a change in the heartbeat, they notify the nurses or medical team.
Dialysis technician
A dialysis technician works with kidney patients and stops and starts dialysis for them. They have to keep the dialysis machine sterile and offer emotional support to their patients.
Hospital patient care technician
They are usually assigned to certain patients and work regular shifts in a hospital. They monitor the vital signs of their patients and help them with their IVs, gastric tubes, catheters, and wounds. Patience and compassion are integral traits of a hospital patient care technician.
Emergency room technician
An emergency room technician works in the emergency room. They review the medical histories of their patients, take their vital signs and gather important information. They also assist doctors to perform various medical examinations.
Rehabilitation technician
The job of a rehabilitation technician is to offer support to patients with mental or substance abuse disorders. They help their patients perform their basic living needs and offer emotional support to stabilize their behavior.
Phlebotomist
A phlebotomist draws blood and tissue samples for laboratory testing. They also assist with blood transfusions. They work in hospitals, laboratories, blood donation banks, and nursing homes.
How to become a patient care technician
You need both workplace and technical skills to become a good patient care technician.
Educational requirements
The minimum educational requirement is a high school diploma or GED. Educational requirements vary depending on the type of patient care technician you want to become and the state you want to work in.
Specialized training
In many states, you have to complete a CNA training program at a vocational or community school. These programs teach you medical terminology, physiology, anatomy, patient safety, pharmacology, medical laws, and so on. You can find CNA classes in McAllen, TX and other areas.
You will also acquire important technical skills like giving first aid, caring for wounds, and performing CPR and catheterization. An internship in a hospital or similar setting is usually a part of these programs and allows you to put the skills you learn to practice. These are usually two-year full-time programs.
Certification
After completing the training program, you have to pass the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) certification exam. In some states, you may require additional certifications and there will be a background check as well.
For some people, a career in patient care is actually a stepping stone to a more lucrative career in nursing. While pursuing their studies for another career in the medical field, they may work as a patient care technician. This gives them first-hand experience of what it is like to work in the healthcare sector and helps them understand the demands of the job. What is more, working as a PCT allows them to earn enough to fund their nursing or medical studies.
Patient care technician skills
One of the main reasons people choose a healthcare career is that they genuinely enjoy interacting with people and helping them. Also, in every society, healthcare professionals are treated with great respect. Salaries are good too. Of course, this is a demanding job. You may have to work odd hours. You will probably be working on weekends or holidays. Still, the satisfaction you gain from knowing that you are making a positive difference to a sick person is immense. This is exactly what drives many people into this sector.
A patient care technician should have good listening skills. They should enjoy patient care. While this is an entry level job, it is important to remember that you are an integral part of the healthcare team and you play an active role in saving lives. Your support helps patients get through pain and suffering.
Sick people are not always able to communicate their needs effectively. As a patient care technician, you should observe their behavior closely and guess their needs. You may also have to communicate with their families and address their concerns. PCTs may have to feed their patients and bathe them. They may also have to perform other tasks required to keep patients clean and hygienic. Knowledge of basic first aid and CPR is integral too.
Safety skills
Ensuring that the patient is safe at all times is one of the primary responsibilities of a patient care technician. They should show utmost care while transporting patients between bed and wheelchair or escorting them to the bathroom. Keeping the room safe from potential sources of infection is also part of their job.
Problem solving skills
When patients talk to you about their problems, you have to find a way to solve them quickly. This could be something as simple as changing their bedding. Sometimes more serious concerns need to be addressed too. It is crucial to promptly communicate all concerns to a nurse.
Before choosing a career in phlebotomy, you may have several doubts. You might be wondering if it is the right career option for you. You may also have questions regarding the kind of training you need and the overall career prospects of a phlebotomist.
Don’t worry. This article will answer all of these questions. Phlebotomy is a good career option if you have the required skills, attitude, and expertise. So, let’s see what a career in phlebotomy is all about.
What’s the phlebotomist career outlook?
A phlebotomist is an integral part of the healthcare team. Their primary responsibility is to collect tissue samples and draw blood from their patients for the purpose of laboratory testing. They work with both inpatients and outpatients and usually have a tightly packed schedule. Employing the proper techniques is essential when drawing blood or collecting tissue samples.
This requires some training. A phlebotomist also has to handle the material carefully and ensure that they have no direct contact with the biological material they are collecting. Other aspects of their job involve keeping accurate records of patient specimens and having good knowledge of hospital best practices. Yes, the phlebotomist career outlook is certainly bright.
Working as a phlebotomist can be stressful at times. You have to constantly interact with patients who may be concerned about their situation, answer their questions patiently, and keep them as comfortable as possible while you draw their blood or collect tissue samples. If you do not enjoy interacting with people on a daily basis, this job is not for you.
Phlebotomists also play an important role in ensuring smooth patient care. They have to adhere to the safety guidelines and wear protective equipment while working with patients to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. In other words, there is a lot more to phlebotomy than just drawing blood. The phlebotomist plays a crucial role in providing high-quality medical care to patients. They also ensure that other healthcare professionals on the team are safe from health risks posed by biological material drawn from patients.
In order to be a good phlebotomist, you need interpersonal as well as technical skills. You should also demonstrate an ability to adhere to medical industry regulations and standards.
Education and training requirements
Proper education and training are essential to start working as a phlebotomist. The training program will cover topics such as physiology, anatomy, safety theory, phlebotomy practices, laboratory testing protocols, sample collection techniques, medical terminology, and Federal healthcare and privacy laws.
Before you can get certified as a phlebotomist, you have to successfully complete an accredited program in phlebotomy. Depending on the scope of your job, you may also have to show proof of various qualifications and completion of practical skills assessments.
There are several organizations that offer certification in phlebotomy. The National Phlebotomy Association and the American Society for Clinical Pathology are the most prominent among them. Sometimes, in order to achieve certification, you may have to complete additional coursework and examinations.
Salary and phlebotomist career outlook
Phlebotomists have excellent job prospects. It is estimated that between 2016 and 2026, there will be a 27% increase in the number of jobs available to phlebotomists. This is higher than the average growth rate for other occupations. So, if you are a certified phlebotomist, you will have no difficulty finding a job once you enter the job market.
Salaries are commensurate with educational qualifications and experience. An experienced person will certainly earn more than someone who has just received their certification. In 2021, the average annual salary of phlebotomists was over $34,000. Since the demand for phlebotomists is unlikely to slow down in the near future, it is an ideal career option for those who seek job security and stability.
Pros and cons of the job
The job of a phlebotomist is rewarding, both emotionally and financially. You get to enjoy a decent salary, a stable job, and an opportunity to interact with patients. Your patients can be small children, adults, or seniors, and you have to have good people skills to comfort them and put their minds at ease.
As a phlebotomist, you will work in close association with various medical facilities such as hospitals. This gives you an opportunity to establish relationships with a lot of healthcare professionals and patients. Phlebotomists also get to enjoy a flexible work schedule, and thus they can enjoy a good work-life balance.
A career in phlebotomy is also an opportunity for you to offer some care and comfort to patients concerned about their health. While drawing their blood or collecting their tissue samples, you get to interact with them and address some concerns they may have.
Of course, there are some downsides too. This job requires good technical skills and an ability to pay attention to detail. You have to label the samples correctly and enter accurate information into the patient database.
That means you have to stay alert all the time. If you lose focus for even a few minutes, a mismatch can occur, and this can have disastrous consequences. Also, this job requires good stamina because you will have to be on your feet for hours on end. Oftentimes, the time pressure can be challenging. Moreover, a phlebotomist is exposed to body fluids such as blood.
This increases their risk of catching infections and to reduce those risks, they have to take appropriate safety protocols. Despite these risks, the opportunity to make a difference in patients’ lives is what draws most aspiring medical professionals to a career in phlebotomy.
Is Phlebotomy the right career option for you?
If you want to build a career in the healthcare sector and enjoy interacting with people, you should certainly consider a career in phlebotomy. Of course, this job requires the ability to work under stressful and challenging conditions. You need good physical stamina as well. Other important traits include an ability to pay close attention to detail.
A phlebotomist enjoys job security and good prospects in the long term. If you have the required qualifications and appropriate certification, you will have no difficulty finding a job as a phlebotomist. Better still, this is an opportunity to provide care and assistance to people who need it.
The job of a phlebotomist is not as straightforward as it seems. At times, it can be quite challenging and demanding. Phlebotomists working in a hospital setting will usually have to deal with over a hundred patients a day. All samples should be correctly labeled and accurately added to the database. There is absolutely no room for error, and this requires high levels of attention and focus.
Excellent people skills are a must as the job involves working with patients who may be upset or anxious. Children, for example, can be quite apprehensive about getting their blood drawn. A phlebotomist should be able to talk to them gently and distract them while getting the job done. They should also be detail-oriented. They have to follow instructions correctly and collect the correct sample.
Given the phlebotomist career outlook, what qualifications are required?
If you aspire to be a phlebotomist, you have to complete high school first. Those with a GED certificate are also eligible to do a course in phlebotomy. If you learned science and anatomy at school, it is an added advantage for you. A typical phlebotomy program can be for 4 to 8 months. Once you have finished the course, you can apply for certification. Take care to choose an accredited institution.
