What Will You Learn in a Patient Care Technician Training Course?

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Patient care in different realms requires individuals who are dedicated and caring. However, patient care technician training requires attention in many areas that are specific to this job description.

Specifics

Most patient care technician training programs prepare the student to work in different specialties such as certified nursing assistants, EKG technology, and phlebotomy. Although different schools offer different academic pathways, the ones with much diversity seem to be preferred.

Program Structure

Curriculums are generally split with a certain amount of classroom hours, offset by clinical hours that must be completed to attain certification. There may be a mock clinical facility with equipment and simulated environments in which to train.

After completion of required book study and simulation, the student will then advance into the true clinical areas in order to acclimate and adapt to the actual work environment.

Funding

Because of funding problems for many students, many hospitals offer programs for advancement to employees who are hired as employees in non-specialized areas. Perhaps a cafeteria worker would like to transfer into a patient care area. Many facilities will help with schedule changes and tuition reimbursement for dedicated employees who wish to stay on with that particular company.

Class Schedules

Many patient care technician training courses offer evening classes along with day-time curriculum, so students who have full-time jobs can juggle homework and class time. Classes may be offered two nights a week and Saturdays. These programs are usually 6 to 8 week programs and they are packed with information and can be extremely stressful to students who are working full-time.

Childcare may be an issue for single parents and a dedicated support group of friends and family members will help smooth the way.

Skills and Duties

Patient care technicians are often utilized for duties that nurses no longer have time to perform. Taking vital signs and recording them, helping patients do personal hygiene, turning bedridden patients and dressing changes may all be a part of daily activities for these individuals.

Many patient care technicians are taught the skill of phlebotomy to draw blood and basic collection of specimens for lab procedures. Intravenous access techniques are also taught. These skills make the technician more marketable in the work place.

In patient care, CPR and first aid are skills needed in every clinical setting, no matter the location. A good patient care technician will be able to respond to emergent situations with skill and confidence. These employees must know the proper code series‘, how to react during real emergencies, chains of command, and excellent communication skills. Fire safety, electrical safety, and good body mechanics should be covered in all patient care technician training courses.

The Person

Personal hygiene for patient care technicians should be addressed in the classes, so there is an understanding that these professionals have close patient contact and cleanliness is appreciated. Smokers should also understand that many patients who have reactive airway disease couldn’t tolerate cigarette smokers. These odors are packed with allergens that may trigger asthmatic reactions and possible anaphylaxis. It is also recommended that all personnel working in patient care minimize perfume and other products that can trigger breathing problems in patients.

Physical strength is a requirement of patient care technicians, especially for those working in more isolated environments like home health and private duty genres. In most hospitals and convalescent centers, there are usually other workers who can help with lifting heavy patients who have fallen or need help with bathing and other daily routines. Excellent body mechanics must be practiced on a daily basis in order to prevent back injuries that may render the technician disabled.

Personality wise, the patient care technician must start with serious compassion for all humanity. This job description also demands much patience and the ability to be supervised and corrected by physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Humility is also key.

After certification is attained, continuing education is required in order to maintain status. Intermittent in-services should be performed and updates on legal issues, OSHA and HIPPA standards, new techniques and nursing standards should all be reviewed and documented for the sake of maintaining high standards for all involved in patient care.

In 2012,the median annual wage for nursing assistants was $24,400 and the median annual wage for orderlies was $23,990.