How to Become a Patient Care Technician in Connecticut

Are you looking for a career in healthcare that involves providing hands-on care and support to patients in Connecticut? Becoming a certified patient care technician (PCT) may be the perfect fit for you. As a PCT, you’ll play a critical role in the healthcare industry by assisting patients with their daily living activities and ensuring their comfort and safety. In this article, we’ll discuss how to become a certified patient care technician in Connecticut, including eligibility requirements, certification exam overview, registering for the certification exam, patient care technician programs in the state, salaries, job outlook, and career opportunities.

Eligibility Requirements for Certification Exam in Connecticut

To be eligible to take the certification exam in Connecticut, 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 Connecticut

To register for the certification exam in Connecticut, 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

Patient Care Technician Programs in Connecticut

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

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

Medical training programs may cover some of the following topics:

Medical terminology
How to deal with unusual patient situations
Respiratory procedures
Skin puncture techniques
Various body systems
Wound care

There are several institutions in Connecticut where you can study to become a PCT. Here are some of the top programs in the state:

Stone Academy:

Locations: East Hartford, West Haven
Website: https://www.stone.edu/
Offers a Patient Care Specialist program that combines classroom instruction and hands-on experience to prepare students for various roles in healthcare settings.

Lincoln Technical Institute:

Locations: New Britain, Shelton
Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu/
Provides a Patient Care Technician program that covers essential healthcare topics and practical skills.

Capital Community College:

Location: Hartford
Website: https://www.capitalcc.edu/
Offers a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program that can serve as a foundation for becoming a Patient Care Technician. You may need additional training in phlebotomy, EKG, or other areas to qualify for PCT positions.

Norwalk Community College:

Location: Norwalk
Website: https://norwalk.edu/
Provides a Certified Nursing Assistant program that can be a stepping stone to becoming a PCT, as well as a Patient Care Technician certificate program.

American Institute:

Location: West Hartford
Website: https://www.americaninstitute.edu/
Offers a Medical Assisting program, which covers some skills that overlap with PCT roles. You may need additional training in areas specific to patient care technicians.

Before choosing a program, make sure to verify its accreditation and ensure that it meets the requirements for certification in Connecticut. It’s also a good idea to research each program’s tuition costs, duration, and the availability of financial aid.

Career Opportunities for Certified Patient Care Technicians in Connecticut

PCTs in Connecticut can pursue careers in hospitals, nursing homes, and specialty areas such as oncology and pediatrics. They can also provide in-home health or hospice care.

In addition to the traditional roles of a PCT, such as providing basic patient care and monitoring vital signs, there are several other career opportunities that PCTs can pursue in Connecticut. These include:

Dialysis Technician: PCTs can specialize in dialysis and work in dialysis centers or hospitals that offer dialysis services. They assist with the dialysis treatment process, including preparing equipment, monitoring patients during treatment, and recording patient data.
Medical Assistant: PCTs can also become medical assistants, who work alongside doctors and nurses in medical offices, clinics, and hospitals. They perform administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and managing patient records, as well as clinical tasks, such as taking patient vitals and administering injections.
Phlebotomist: Who specialize in drawing blood for diagnostic testing. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities and are responsible for ensuring that blood samples are collected safely and accurately.
EKG Technician: EKG technicians specialize in administering electrocardiogram (EKG) tests to patients. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities and are responsible for ensuring that EKG readings are collected accurately and efficiently.

Salaries for Patient Care Technicians in Connecticut

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a patient care technician in Connecticut is $35,000 per year. Salaries may vary depending on the employer, location, and experience of the PCT.

Job Outlook for Patient Care Technicians in Connecticut

The job prospects for nursing assistants, including patient care technicians, are expected to decrease by 4% from 2020 to 2030 in Connecticut. PCTs typically work in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and other healthcare facilities in Connecticut. 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.

How to Become a Patient Care Technician in Connecticut

Eligibility Requirements for Certification Exam in Connecticut

Certification Exam Overview

Registering for the Certification Exam in Connecticut

Patient Care Technician Programs in Connecticut

Career Opportunities for Certified Patient Care Technicians in Connecticut

Salaries for Patient Care Technicians in Connecticut

Job Outlook for Patient Care Technicians in Connecticut

All Patient Care Technician Schools in Connecticut

Academy of Medical Training inc.

Asnuntuck Community College

Training Direct – A Division of Dorsey College

Housatonic Community College

Connecticut Health Career Institute

Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers

Tunxis Community College

Middlesex Community College

Gateway Community College

Three Rivers Community College

National Healthcare Workers Association

Northeast Medical Institute

American Institute of Healthcare & Technology

Naugatuck Valley Community College

Harborview School