Patient Care Technician Certification in Arkansas: Elevate Your Healthcare Career

Embark on a rewarding journey as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. With the proper certification, you can excel in your career as a PCT in Arkansas and play an essential role in the healthcare industry. This article will walk you through the process of obtaining your PCT certification in Arkansas, including educational requirements, training programs, exam preparation, and the job outlook and salaries.

Eligibility Requirements for Certification Exam in Arkansas

To be eligible to take the certification exam in Arkansas, you must meet the following requirements:

• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Completed an accredited patient care technician training program or have equivalent work experience
• Possess a valid government-issued identification

Certification Exam Overview

The certification exam is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and covers a range of topics related to patient care, including medical procedures, vital signs, and infection control. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours. To pass the exam, you need to score at least 70%.

Registering for the Certification Exam in Arkansas

To register for the certification exam in Arkansas, follow these steps:

• Visit the NHA website and create an account
• Fill out the application form and submit it
• Pay the exam fee, which is typically around $160

Tips for Preparing for the Certification Exam

To increase your chances of passing the certification exam, follow these tips:

• Review the exam content outline provided by the NHA
• Use study materials, such as practice exams and study guides, which are available on the NHA website
• Practice time management to ensure you have enough time to answer all the questions
• Get enough rest before the exam day
• Arrive early on the exam day to avoid stress and anxiety

Patient Care Technician Programs in Arkansas

To become a certified nursing assistant or patient care technician in Arkansas, you must complete an accredited patient care technician training program or have equivalent work experience. Some ways to find PCT training programs in Arkansas include:

• Check with local community colleges, vocational schools, and technical schools.
• Search online for PCT training programs in Arkansas.
• Contact healthcare facilities in Arkansas to inquire about PCT training programs they may offer.

Patient care technician training programs may cover some of the following topics:

• Patient safety
• Medical terminology
• Measuring vital signs
• CPR
• Phlebotomy procedures

Top PCT Programs in Arkansas

1. University of Arkansas at Little Rock
   • Comprehensive curriculum with hands-on experience
   • Located in Little Rock
   • Affordable tuition and financial aid options
2. Northwest Arkansas Community College
   • Hybrid learning format for flexibility
   • Located in Bentonville
   • Competitive tuition rates and scholarship opportunities
3. University of Arkansas – Fort Smith
   • Accelerated program for quick entry into the field
   • Located in Fort Smith
   • Offers job placement assistance and support

Career Opportunities for Certified Patient Care Technicians in Arkansas

As a Patient Care Technician in Arkansas, you can find employment opportunities in a variety of healthcare settings, including:

1. Hospitals: PCTs can work in various departments, such as emergency rooms, intensive care units, and medical-surgical units, where they assist nurses and other healthcare professionals with patient care tasks.
2. Long-term care facilities: PCTs can work in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and rehabilitation centers, providing care and assistance to elderly and disabled patients.
3. Home healthcare agencies: PCTs can provide in-home care services to patients with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or those recovering from surgery or injury.
4. Dialysis centers: PCTs can work in outpatient dialysis centers, assisting with hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis procedures for patients with kidney failure.
5. Physician’s offices and clinics: PCTs can work in primary care offices, specialty clinics, and urgent care centers, helping with routine patient care tasks and administrative duties.
6. Mental health facilities: PCTs can work in psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, and behavioral health units, providing care and support to individuals with mental health disorders.
7. Military and Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals: PCTs can work in military and VA hospitals, providing care to active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families.
8. Hospice care: PCTs can work in hospice centers or provide in-home hospice care for terminally ill patients, offering comfort and support to patients and their families during end-of-life care.

Salaries for Patient Care Technicians in Arkansas

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a patient care technician in Arkansas is $31,913 per year. Salaries may vary depending on the employer, location, and experience of the PCT.

Job Outlook for Patient Care Technicians in Arkansas

The job prospects for nursing assistants, including patient care technicians, are expected to grow 9% from 2020 to 2030 in Arkansas. PCTs typically work in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and other healthcare facilities in Arkansas. PCTs may also work in specialty areas, such as oncology or pediatrics, or in-home health or hospice care, providing direct patient care in the patient’s home.

All Patient Care Technician Schools in Arkansas

Arkansas State University

7648 Victory Blvd
Newport, AR 72112

University of Arkansas Community College Batesville

2005 White Drive
Batesville, AR 72501

Arkansas State University-Beebe

1000 Iowa Street
Beebe, AR 72012

Baptist Health College Little Rock

11900 Colonel Glenn Road
Little Rock, AR 72210