Career Opportunities for Patient Care Technicians in New Jersey and Pennsylvania

If you’re thinking of becoming a patient care technician, there are many things you should know. Most importantly, you should have an interest in the medical industry and feel a deep need to care for others. At Pennco Tech, we offer a Medical Assistant program serving students in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Learn more about what patient care technicians do, the jobs they can achieve, and how Pennco Tech can help you reach your goal of becoming a patient care technician.

What Is a Patient Care Technician?

A patient care technician is responsible for assisting doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals with medical tasks. Patient care technicians are also in charge of communicating and dealing with patients. They are essential in ensuring patient comfort and education. Patient care technicians must consistently update patient records to indicate changes, needs, or concerns.

As a resource for patients looking for information, comfort, and support during appointments, they must also have a passion for helping others.

Patient care technicians may also conduct other tasks, such as:

• Completing activities with patients
• Grooming and bathing patients
• Cleaning exam rooms and other patient care areas
• Completing regular patient rounds
• Leading patients to testing rooms
• Managing and observing food intake in patients
• Checking vital signs
• Collecting samples for testing
• Conducting diagnosis tests

Patient Care Technician Earnings

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants in New Jersey earn an average of about $42,000, while those in Pennsylvania earn an average of about $39,000. However, this can vary depending on your certifications, level of experience, and the area in which you reside.

The Difference Between Patient Care Technicians and PCAs

Because of their extensive experience and additional certifications, patient care technicians can provide more medical support than patient care assistants (PCAs). Patient care assistants are in charge of assisting nurses by completing certain tasks around a healthcare facility. For example, while patient care technicians can complete medical procedures, like IV administration and delivering medications, patient care assistants may only take care of organizing and updating paperwork.

To become a patient care technician, you must have experience as a PCA or similar role. In other words, becoming a patient care technician is one way to advance your career after receiving your initial medical assistant certification.

Reasons to Become a Patient Care Technician

The healthcare industry has seen a rise in the demand for skilled, educated patient care technicians. This increase is projected to continue due to nurses retiring or finding new career paths and other circumstances. Because of this, new patient care technicians have an abundance of options when it comes to finding the right job after graduation. Patient care technicians can work in a variety of medical settings, including the following:

• Healthcare clinics
• Nursing homes
• Doctor’s offices
• Retirement communities
• Assisted living facilities
• Government organizations
• Hospitals

Additionally, states all over the country are consistently looking for patient care technicians and other health professionals. This means it can be easy for students to find a steady, stable job upon completion of their program. This is also a great option for those who are looking to travel or move to another state. Those who enroll in Pennco Tech’s Medical Assistant program have access to our career services department for employment assistance.

Discover Your Path to Becoming a Patient Care Technician at Pennco Tech

To become a patient care technician, students must complete a medical assistant program at a vocational school, community college, or university. This way, they can earn their certification and begin their journey toward becoming a patient care technician. To enroll in medical assistant school, students must have their high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.

Upon completion, students are required to take an exam before officially receiving their certification. Our Blackwood, NJ, location requires that students take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, and our Bristol, PA, location requires that students take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam.

After completing their program, students can become patient care technicians by taking additional exams and earning more experience in the industry. Patient care technicians must take and pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, as well as an exam through the National Healthcareer Association.

Enroll Now to Become a Patient Care Technician

Becoming a patient care technician can be a great move for those who are interested in a career in the medical industry. At Pennco Tech, our Medical Assistant program aims to equip students with the experience and knowledge needed to further their careers and become successful. The program can be completed in approximately 18 weeks, and students can choose to take day or evening courses. We also offer financial aid opportunities for students who qualify. Our program is offered at Pennco Tech’s Blackwood, NJ, and Bristol, PA, campuses. Contact us today to learn more.