How to Become a Patient Care Technician in Colorado

Are you interested in a career in healthcare that involves providing direct care and support to patients? Consider becoming a certified patient care technician (PCT) in Colorado. PCTs play a vital role in the healthcare industry by providing hands-on care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. In this article, we will discuss how to become a certified patient care technician in Colorado, including eligibility requirements, certification exam overview, registration, programs and patient care technician schools in the state, salaries, job outlook, and career opportunities.

Eligibility Requirements for Certification Exam in Colorado

To be eligible to take the certification exam in Colorado, 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

Patient Care Technician Certification in Colorado

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 Colorado

To register for the certification exam in Colorado, 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 Colorado

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

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

There are several institutions in Colorado where you can study to become a Patient Care Technician (PCT). Here are some of the top programs in the state:

Pima Medical institute has a number of certificate and degree programs that prepare students for healthcare-related careers, such as medical assistant, pharmacy technician and medical office specialist. The curriculum includes anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, laboratory procedures, clinical practices and administrative skills. After completing the program successfully, students can take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification exams.
Community College of Aurora in Colorado The healthcare Associate’s degree program includes courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, legal and ethical issues, patient care procedures, and laboratory techniques. The program involves both lectures and practical exercises in simulation labs and real clinical settings. After completing the program successfully, students can take the Colorado Nurse’s Aide Certification exam and national certification exams for Patient Care Technician and Phlebotomy.

Career Opportunities for Certified Patient Care Technicians in Colorado

Colorado PCTs have numerous career opportunities due to the growing healthcare industry. They can work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, dialysis centers, and home health care agencies. Other potential workplaces include clinics, physicians’ offices, Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, hospice care, and temporary staffing agencies. Additionally, PCTs can work as trainers or instructors in educational institutions.

Their roles involve assisting nurses and medical professionals, providing care for patients with various needs, and performing routine tasks such as taking vital signs and administering medications.

Colorado is home to several large hospitals that offer a wide range of healthcare services. Some of the most notable hospitals in the state include:

UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital (Aurora)
UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central (Colorado Springs)
Denver Health Medical Center (Denver)
St. Joseph Hospital (Denver)
Porter Adventist Hospital (Denver)
Swedish Medical Center (Englewood)
Sky Ridge Medical Center (Lone Tree)
St. Anthony Hospital (Lakewood)
Poudre Valley Hospital (Fort Collins)
Boulder Community Health – Foothills Hospital (Boulder)

These large hospitals are potential employers for PCTs and other healthcare professionals seeking job opportunities in Colorado.

Salaries for Patient Care Technicians in Colorado

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a patient care technician in Colorado is $33,000 per year. Salaries may vary depending on the employer, location, and experience of the PCT.

Job Outlook for Patient Care Technicians in Colorado

The job prospects for certified nursing assistants, including patient care technicians, are expected to grow 25% from 2020 to 2030 in Colorado. PCTs typically work in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and other healthcare facilities in Colorado. 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.