Overall employment of nursing assistants and orderlies is projected to grow 11 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. As the baby-boom population ages, nursing assistants and orderlies will be needed to assist and care for elderly patients.
Moraine Valley’s patient care technician program will give you a strong foundation in the skills necessary to work in acute care settings such as emergency department/room, acute care hospitals, nursing homes, and residential care facilities. You will learn valuable medical terminology, nursing assistant skills, cardiac monitoring techniques, phlebotomy (skin puncture and venipuncture skills), the collection of non-blood specimens and point-of-care testing.
$16.73
Median Hourly Pay
$34,800
Median Annual Salary
Under the supervision of nursing staff and a larger care team, Patient Care Technicians directly support patients’ medical visits. This program prepares students to function in the role of a patient care technician (PCT) in an acute care setting and other medical facilities/environments. The program provides students with a basic foundation in healthcare terminology, nursing assistant skills, cardiac monitoring set-up and techniques, specimen collection procedures: venipuncture and skin puncture skills. Graduates of the PCT certificate will be eligible to challenge the national certification exam.
Patient Care Technicians hold a wide range of responsibilities, including:
- Providing quality patient care that includes emotional support and guidance
- Obtain specimens, conduct tests and record results
- Check blood pressure, heart rate and pulse on a regular basis
- Monitor patient condition and provide updates to care team
- Monitor patients’ food and liquid intake
- Escort patients to X-ray and other diagnostic imaging processes
Patient Care Technicians streamline the delivery of medical care and improve the patient’s overall comfort and experience.
Pre-requisites
All students must have completed MRT-110 (Medical Terminology) with a minimum grade of "C".
Program Details
| Program Name | Type of Credential | Curriculum Code | Department or Division |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patient Care Technician | Certificate | 1506 | Health Sciences |
Questions?
Contact the program coordinator Rita Kealy.
